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“Dangling Boris” meme: meaning, origin and common card

Dangling Boris refers to a viral meme from a 2012 video where London mayor Boris Johnson gets stuck halfway down a zip line.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 8 min read
Dangling Boris meme
The “Dangling Boris” meme, 2012

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Dangling Boris” is a common card of the Memes World series 73, number 21893 of the collection, and the 239th 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 “Dangling Boris” meme mean?

This format expresses embarrassment, helplessness, or an awkward situation where one feels stuck without an immediate exit. By inserting the suspended silhouette into diverse scenes, creators highlight the absurdity of a character frozen in action, unable to move forward or land. It serves as a visual metaphor for stagnation, used to mock administrative, social, or personal scenarios where progress is impossible, turning a real-life incident into a universal symbol of comedic blockage.

Where does the “Dangling Boris” meme come from?

The incident occurred on August 1, 2012, at Victoria Park during an event linked to the London Olympics. Boris Johnson, then mayor, was testing a 320-meter zip line but lost momentum, remaining suspended ten meters above the ground holding two British flags before being rescued. The sequence filmed by ITV London Tonight and broadcast by ITV News quickly spread on Twitter via hashtags #DanglingBoris and #DangleBoris. A transparent model shared by @sunny_hundal allowed users to cut out the figure. A dedicated website was created that same day, consolidating the virality around this incongruous image.

  1. 2012Zip line incident at Victoria Park on August 1 and viral spread on Twitter.

How to use the “Dangling Boris” meme

  • Insert the suspended silhouette into a work meeting to illustrate a project stalled for months.
  • Use the image in a political comment to mock a leader unable to make an urgent decision.
  • Add the character to a video game scene to symbolize a player stuck between two impossible levels.

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The “Dangling Boris” card in MyMemeCards

Dangling Boris card
NumberNo. 21893
RarityCommon
CollectionMemes World series 73
Fame62/100 · #239 of 300
Recycle value5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 73: 300 cards
  • Common20167%
  • Rare9933%

How to get the “Dangling Boris” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Dangling Boris comes out of the Memes World series 73 as a common 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 5 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 “Dangling Boris”

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Frequently asked questions

What does Dangling Boris mean?

It is a meme based on a 2012 video showing Boris Johnson stuck on a zip line. The image is then photoshopped into various humorous contexts.

Who is Dangling Boris?

It is Boris Johnson, former mayor of London, who became an internet icon after accidentally getting suspended during a sports demonstration.

Dangling Boris origin?

The origin dates back to August 1, 2012, in London, during a zip line test at the Olympics. The video went viral on social media.

Why is Boris Johnson hanging?

He lost his momentum while descending on the zip line at Victoria Park, keeping him stationary ten meters above the ground until rescue.

How do I get the Dangling Boris meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Dangling Boris” is a common card of the Memes World series 73. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the Dangling Boris card?

It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.

Sources: Dangling Boris · Mayor of London gets stuck on zipline - The Boston Globe · Boris Johnson - Know Your Meme · checked on October 15, 2026.

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