12 "If Those Kids Could Read" Meme Examples & Template

What Is the “If Those Kids Could Read” Meme?

The "If Those Kids Could Read, They'd Be Very Upset" meme is a cornerstone of internet humor, perfectly suited for sarcastically pointing out a failure to understand a simple concept.

This iconic quote originates from the animated sitcom King of the Hill. In the scene, Principal Moss observes a group of non-English-speaking students and says, "If those kids could read, they'd be very upset," in reference to a protest sign held by Bobby Hill. The joke is that the sign's message is entirely lost on its intended audience.

12 "If Those Kids Could Read" Meme Examples & Template

How Is the “If Those Kids Could Read” Meme Used?

The template's versatility is key to its popularity. It primarily serves three purposes:

Mocking Ignorance: This is the most common use. The meme ridicules a target group for their perceived lack of knowledge or critical thinking. The "kids" represent the group, while the sign presents a fact or viewpoint they are unable to grasp.
Expressing Superiority: By using this format, the creator adopts the role of Principal Moss, conveying a sense of intellectual superiority. It slyly implies that only "in-the-know" individuals can understand the joke.
Predicting a Reaction: The meme preemptively highlights the ironic anger or frustration a group would feel if they were capable of understanding information that challenges their beliefs.

In short, it’s a humorous way to say, "This truth is uncomfortable, but the people who need to hear it are too uninformed to get it."