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“Internets” meme: meaning, origin and rare card

The "Internets" meme refers to George W. Bush saying the word in plural during a 2004 presidential debate.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 8 min read
Internets meme
The “Internets” meme, 2000

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Internets” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71, number 21251 of the collection, and the 210th 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 “Internets” meme mean?

This meme highlights the irony of politicians misunderstanding basic digital concepts. It mocks the idea of the internet as multiple physical places rather than a single network. Users employ it to parody technical ignorance or to humorously exaggerate disconnect from modern technology realities.

Where does the “Internets” meme come from?

The origin dates back to October 17, 2000, during the third presidential debate between George W. Bush and Al Gore at Washington University in St. Louis. Bush mentioned filters for the "Internets" to protect children. However, the viral moment comes from the second debate against John Kerry on October 8, 2004, also in St. Louis. Bush stated: "I hear there’s rumors on the, uh, Internets … that we’re going to have a draft." The televised debate footage, archived by Getty Images, spread widely. The term, a faulty or comedic pluralization of *Internet*, transformed into a political meme criticizing Bush's supposed tech incompetence.

  1. 2000First documented public occurrence during the Bush-Gore debate on October 17 in St. Louis.
  2. 2004The quote goes viral during the Bush-Kerry debate on October 8, also in St. Louis.

How to use the “Internets” meme

  • Use this phrase to ironically mock the confusion between the global network and multiple physical locations.
  • Reference this historical episode to illustrate technological awkwardness among older politicians.
  • Employ the term "internets" humorously to feign voluntary ignorance of web infrastructure.

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The “Internets” card in MyMemeCards

Internets card
NumberNo. 21251
RarityRare
CollectionMemes World series 71
Fame71/100 · #210 of 300
Recycle value10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 71: 300 cards
  • Rare300100%

How to get the “Internets” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Internets 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 “Internets”

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Frequently asked questions

Why did George W Bush say the internets?

Bush used the plural form by mistake or stylistic effect during debates in 2000 and 2004. This slip became famous because it illustrates his complex relationship with emerging technology.

Internets meme origin?

The meme comes from US presidential debates in 2000 and 2004. The 2004 version against John Kerry is most cited to mock the candidate's supposed digital illiteracy.

What does the internets meme mean?

It refers to the expression "the internets" spoken by George W. Bush. This plural is used to joke about politicians' technical ignorance or for linguistic irony.

How do I get the Internets meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Internets” 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 Internets card?

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

Sources: Internets - Wikipedia · Internets | Know Your Meme · studentreview.hks.harvard.edu · the-evolution-ofThe evolution of political internet memes - HKS Student ... · checked on October 13, 2026.

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