Origin
This GIF features Tom DeLonge, guitarist and vocalist of Blink-182, taken from the music video for their 2001 hit “First Date.”
In the video, Tom plays a dorky 1970s character with a blond wig and mustache; this particular frame shows him staring blankly into the distance with total confusion — a perfect “…what the? ” moment.
Explanation / Context
The loop captures pure, unfiltered bewilderment. Tom’s expression is so awkwardly specific that it’s been adopted across Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok as shorthand for moments when you’re just processing absurdity.
It’s the digital equivalent of buffering in real life.
How it’s used
- When something makes zero sense.
- As a reaction to cringe or chaos.
- To express dumbfounded silence or mental lag.
- For ironic or surreal humor threads — especially those that spiral off the rails.
Why it works
Tom’s exaggerated 70s look and vacant stare strike the perfect mix of weird and relatable.
It bridges eras: nostalgic for early-2000s pop-punk fans but universally funny to anyone who’s ever been caught completely off guard.
It’s absurd, expressive, and instantly recognizable — exactly what makes a reaction GIF timeless.