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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Chinese Cartoons” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71, number 21035 of the collection, and the 3rd best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Chinese Cartoons” meme mean?
This expression conveys amused disdain for those who systematically mistake Japanese animation for Chinese production. It targets Westerners with limited knowledge or superficial fans who lump all Asian content into one category. The humor relies on the absurdity of this obvious geographical and historical confusion for anyone familiar with the subject.
Where does the “Chinese Cartoons” meme come from?
The first documented occurrence dates back to February 28, 2008, on the /a/ board of 4chan, dedicated to animation and manga. The phrase was used to tease Western enthusiasts overly attached to Japanese culture, often called "wapanese." While some anecdotes mention American parents confusing the two styles, no specific video or show is identified as the sole source. The term spread to Tumblr and Reddit before being recorded in Urban Dictionary in 2013. The correct term for Chinese animation is "donghua," making "Chinese Cartoon" incorrect for Japanese anime.
- 2008First recorded occurrence on the /a/ board of 4chan on February 28.
- 2013The term is officially recorded in Urban Dictionary after spreading across Tumblr and Reddit.
How to use the “Chinese Cartoons” meme
- Use this label to ironically classify a Japanese anime when someone wrongly claims it is Chinese.
- Employ the meme to ridicule online debates where users demonstrate complete ignorance of Asian cultural differences.
- Use the expression as a sarcastic reply to false statements about the origin of a popular animated series.
Also searched as
- Chinese animation
- donghua
- wapanese
- chinese cartoons meme
- chinese cartoons meaning
- chinese cartoons origin
- chinese cartoons vs japanese anime
- wapanese meme meaning
- donghua vs anime
The “Chinese Cartoons” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21035 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 71 |
| Fame | 74/100 · #3 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Chinese Cartoons” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Chinese Cartoons comes out of the Memes World series 71 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Chinese Cartoons”
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Frequently asked questions
What does chinese cartoons meme mean?
It is an ironic mockery of those who confuse Japanese anime with Chinese animation. This meme targets cultural ignorance or the superficiality of Western fans.
Where did the chinese cartoons meme originate?
The meme comes from the /a/ board of 4chan, appearing in February 2008. It initially targeted users obsessed with Japanese culture before gaining traction on other platforms.
Difference between chinese animation and japanese anime?
Anime is specifically Japanese, while Chinese animation is called donghua. The meme highlights the error of those using these terms interchangeably due to ignorance.
How do I get the Chinese Cartoons meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Chinese Cartoons” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Chinese Cartoons card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Baozou Manhua | Know Your Meme · Chinese Cartoon - 萌娘百科萬物皆可萌的百科全書 · "Wait, so is that, like, Chinese cartoons?" · checked on October 12, 2026.
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