Everything to Know About 'What Are Those?': Meaning, Creator, and Lasting Pop Culture Impact
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Q1: Who was the original creator of the "What Are Those?" meme?
A1: The phrase was created and popularized by Brandon Moore, an American comedian from the San Francisco Bay Area who performed online under the moniker Young Busco.
Q2: What kind of shoes was the police officer actually wearing in the original video?
A2: The officer was wearing standard-issue black departmental work boots, which Moore roasted for their plain, non-athletic design while his friend was being placed under arrest.
Q3: Did Brandon Moore earn royalties from the Black Panther movie scene?
A3: No. Moore confirmed prior to his passing that he received no compensation or formal outreach from Marvel Studios or its parent company, Disney, despite the direct line homage in the film.
Q4: Why was it difficult to trademark the viral catchphrase?
A4: Intellectual property offices generally reject trademark applications for generic short phrases or common idioms unless they are directly tied to an established, proprietary product line, making it hard for early Vine creators to protect their soundbites.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
