The True Origin of 'What Are Those?': Fact-Checking the History Behind the Viral Roast

Is the True Origin of 'What Are Those?': Fact-Checking the History Behind the Viral Roast a hot topic right now? Discover the pros and cons in our dedicated article.

The original clip did not happen at a sneaker convention or an athletic showcase. It unfolded during a tense street interaction. Brandon Moore, an East Bay comedian who uploaded short clips under the handle "Young Busco," observed local law enforcement carrying out an arrest. Rather than escalating hostilities, Moore chose an age-old social tool: the verbal roast.

Approaching the scene with his phone camera lowered, Moore asked with faux-politeness, "Excuse me, officer, I have one question for you." As the officer turned, Moore snapped the lens down to the pavement, zooming in on standard-issue, orthotic-style law enforcement oxfords. Then came the guttural, melodic roar: "What are thooooose?!" The police officer footwear roast caught fire because it weaponized a fundamental rule of street style: no matter your authority or uniform, questionable shoes leave you vulnerable to immediate public mockery.

The clip debuted on Vine on June 14, 2015. It accumulated over 30 million loops within weeks. Viewers did not just rewatch it; they copied the cadence. The joke relied heavily on Moore's vocal modulation, beginning with an innocent, formal inquiry before sliding into an octave-shattering punchline that demanded answers from the soles up.