The central highlight of this week was undoubtedly the Super Bowl. Although the game itself was rather uneventful, reminiscent of past Super Bowl routs, the halftime entertainment showcased a significant evolution from the performances one might associate with the 1980s, such as those by Up with People.

A side-by-side comparison of these performances reveals just how much society has progressed.

Kendrick’s Jeans Steal the Spotlight

While Super Bowl 2025 may have been more of a drubbing than an electrifying contest, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance brought much-needed flair to the event. From Samuel L. Jackson’s prescient commentary on the show concerning “mainstream” America, to Serena Williams demonstrating a crip walk that outpaced the Kansas City offense in yardage, alongside pointed inquiries about American identity—all performed in the presence of the current president—there was a wealth of drama to enjoy.

However, it was Kendrick’s choice of jeans that truly captivated the audience.

The conversation around denim styles has been a defining aspect of youth subculture for decades. Kendrick’s selection of washed, boot-cut jeans—a modern take on flares—signifies a pivotal moment. Recently, younger generations have gravitated toward oversized, Jnco-style jeans reminiscent of the mid-90s, often spiced up with chrome embellishments. Yet, Kendrick’s “loose fit on top; dramatic at the bottom” look is likely to become this season’s denim trend.

One hopes that young fans will recognize the perfect length of Kendrick’s jeans and avoid reverting to the “trailing on the ground” style that plagued past bell-bottom trends. As for the evolution of denim, the resurgence of skinny jeans seems imminent.

“What’s a Father?” Memes Take the Internet by Storm

Recently, internet users have rediscovered a vintage interview with the late rapper XXXTentacion, leading to an explosion of humorous memes across X, TikTok, and beyond. Released in 2022 by TheFader, the clip captures XXX being asked about whether he has a relationship with his father, to which he responds, “What’s that? What’s a father?” This moment carries an oddly poignant yet cringeworthy weight.

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Following the clip’s resurgence on X, a shared opinion emerged that XXX’s demeanor came across as overly corny. There were several attempts to replicate the moment as closely as possible.

Numerous memes also emerged depicting XXXTentacion showing confusion over other straightforward concepts, like showers and jobs.

Understanding “Reheating Your Own Nachos”

The phrase “reheating nachos” has emerged as intriguing slang, particularly within online fandom circles and cultural commentary. It generally refers to artists attempting to recreate the success and enjoyment associated with their previous work.

Typically, this term carries a negative connotation—after all, nachos rarely taste as good upon reheating—but it doesn’t always apply. For example, many enthusiasts of Lady Gaga view her recent single “Abracadabra” as an instance of “reheated nachos,” echoing the catchy electronic beats and lyrical flair of her earlier hits. Despite being seen as an old recipe, many consider her new offering just as delightful, drawing parallels to a satisfying cheese pull from a well-prepared dish.

The Meaning Behind “Boombayah”

The term “boombayah” has become a euphemism for sexual activity, often expressed as “doing the boombayah.” This expression predominantly thrives online as a way to circumvent content moderation algorithms, making it less common in spoken language.

The word originated from the K-Pop group BlackPink, specifically their 2016 track of the same name. It has recently gained broader exposure, initially popularized within the fanbase of Squid Game (thanks to this video), before making its way into mainstream usage.

Public Backlash Against “Influencer Smurf”

Few things stir such passionate opinions as remakes of nostalgic childhood properties. A well-executed reboot can capture hearts, as illustrated by the recent Super Mario Bros. film. However, when the execution falters, the reactions can be overwhelmingly negative.

Such is the case with the new Smurfs film, where the plot revolves around the Smurfs navigating the real world. Critics view this narrative as uninspired and reminiscent of the lackluster 2011 live-action Smurfs movie. A particularly reviled character among viewers is Influencer Smurf, whose catchphrase “Smash that subscribe button!” alongside his overly satisfied expression has been interpreted as desperate pandering—an attempt to achieve modern relevance.

One Reddit user summarizes this sentiment succinctly: “Influencer Smurf will lead to a catastrophic event in July.”

On the brighter side, the casting of John Goodman as Papa Smurf has garnered praise, providing at least some redeeming quality to the film. Ultimately, the Smurfs have never been universally adored; rather, they were primarily a childhood memory. Yet, a new generation of children is set to discover them when The Smurfs hits theaters this summer, once more.

Viral Video of the Week: Doug’s Winter Party

This week’s viral sensation is delightfully heartwarming. Captured by a Ring doorbell camera, Doug’s Winter Party features 85-year-old Doug as he invites his neighbor Michelle and her family to a gathering. “Hi, I’m Doug from across the street,” he states, “This is an invite to a party on February 15. I didn’t want to leave it in the mailbox.”

On its own, this gesture is quite charming—perhaps a five on a ten-point cuteness scale—but Michelle follows up with a video showcasing the written invitation, where Doug humorously notes that the festivities will end “at 4 p.m. until the cops arrive,” which elevates it to an eleven.

Now, receiving an invite to Doug’s winter gathering has become an internet sensation, with numerous individuals seeking to secure a spot on Doug’s guest list while bragging about the dance skills they plan to showcase. One can only hope that no unexpected guests crash this delightful occasion, much to Doug’s relief.