The Wild Origin Behind the 'Medium Rare or Medium Well' Meme Taking over Feeds
By Alexander Ross
Tracking the audio behind the trend reveals the classic pipeline cataloged across Know Your Meme background archives. A sound originates on TikTok, receives micro-edits with pitch shifts or bass boosts, and lands on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts three weeks later.
In this case, the sound gained momentum through deadpan duets. Professional chefs responded to clips of everyday diners declaring their preference for medium well by silently turning off gas burners, throwing dish towels onto prep stations, or staring vacantly into the camera. That contrast, chef outrage versus nonchalant consumer preference, cemented the format.
Soon, the audio detached from food entirely. A college student posted a video using the clip to decide whether to turn in an assignment five minutes before midnight or sleep through the deadline. A pet owner used it to show a golden retriever deciding whether to drop a tennis ball. The template worked because "medium rare" represents the socially approved, sophisticated answer, while "medium well" represents the chaotic, stubborn alternative.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
