MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Pardon ? Pardon ?” is a common card of the Memes FR pack, number 1018 of the collection, and the 969th best-known meme of its 977 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Pardon ? Pardon ?” meme mean?
This meme captures the social nuance of pretending not to understand what has just been said, despite hearing it perfectly. The gesture of cupping the hand behind the ear, historically a practical aid for hearing, is repurposed here as a rhetorical device. It expresses skepticism, refusal to accept a statement, or a desire to delay a response. By repeating "pardon," the user amplifies the theatricality of their feigned deafness, turning a physical reflex into a witty defense mechanism against uncomfortable truths or absurd claims.
Where does the “Pardon ? Pardon ?” meme come from?
The precise origin of this specific meme remains undocumented in major cultural databases like Know Your Meme. No source identifies the original video, TV show, or individual depicted. The card is dated 2026, which likely refers to its cataloging rather than its creation. The core of the meme relies on an ancient, universal gesture: cupping the hand behind the ear to amplify sound. This practice is attested in French literature as early as the 19th century, with authors like Hector Malot (1878) and Alphonse Daudet (1888) describing this posture for better hearing. The modern meme reuses this historical bodily expression to create humorous contrast between simulated effort and perfect comprehension.
How to use the “Pardon ? Pardon ?” meme
- Use this meme when a friend tells an unbelievable story and you want them to repeat it to highlight the absurdity.
- Employ it in a professional setting when you need time to think before answering a tricky question.
- Share it after reading a shocking news headline to show disbelief without immediately taking a stance.
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The “Pardon ? Pardon ?” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 1018 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Common |
| Collection | Memes FR pack |
| Fame | 10/100 · #969 of 977 |
| Recycle value | 5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny) |
| Suggested by | @kallindra |
How to get the “Pardon ? Pardon ?” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Pardon ? Pardon ? comes out of the Memes FR pack 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 0.8%, 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 “Pardon ? Pardon ?”
More cards of the Memes FR pack
Frequently asked questions
What does the pardon pardon meme mean?
It signifies feigned deafness used ironically. The user pretends not to hear something shocking or unacceptable to express disbelief or buy time.
Origin of hand cupped behind ear gesture?
This ancient gesture aims to channel sound waves into the ear canal. It is described in 19th-century French literature as a natural method for auditory amplification.
Who is the person in the pardon pardon meme?
The identity of the subject is unknown. No reliable sources identify the original author or source of the image.
Pardon pardon meme meaning english?
The meaning is ironic: it translates to refusing to listen or expressing disbelief. One pretends to hear poorly to avoid validating what was just said.
How do I get the Pardon ? Pardon ? meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Pardon ? Pardon ?” is a common card of the Memes FR pack. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Pardon ? Pardon ? card?
It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: fr.wiktionary.org · wiki · cornetcornet — Wiktionnaire, le dictionnaire libre · Carte Pardon gratuite · main en entonnoir autour de son oreille - Dictionnaire Bob · checked on October 5, 2026.
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Want Pardon ? Pardon ? in your collection?
Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.