CITY BOY
MEME

In meme culture, "City Boy" refers to a man who prioritizes his personal goals (like career, money, or gaming) over romantic relationships. It's often used ironically to celebrate or mock this "sigma male" mentality. The term gained popularity alongside the Gravity Falls clip where a character yells "City Boy! City Boy!" at the protagonist.

The meme originates from the Disney animated series Gravity Falls (2012). In the first episode, Deputy Durland mockingly yells "City Boy! City Boy!" at the main character Dipper Pines. This clip was later combined with the "City Boy Summer" slang trend in 2022, creating the viral meme format we know today.

The City Boy meme experienced a major revival in January 2026, with millions of new searches. Unlike the 2022 version which often celebrated the "City Boy" mentality, the 2026 revival is more ironic and self-aware, often mocking the concept of toxic masculinity and manufactured outrage bait.

The City Boy meme is typically used as a reaction clip. You show a scenario where someone (usually a man) chooses personal interests over a relationship, then cut to the Gravity Falls "City Boy! City Boy!" clip. It can be used seriously, ironically, or for self-deprecating humor.

City Boy Summer is a slang term that emerged in 2019 as a male counterpart to "City Girl Summer" (popularized by rapper Megan Thee Stallion). While the original celebrated female empowerment, City Boy Summer evolved to represent men who prioritize themselves over relationships - often with problematic undertones that the meme now satirizes.