MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “"The kwassa-kwassa fishes little"” is a rare card of the French Politics pack, number 12 of the collection, and the 73rd best-known meme of its 127 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “"The kwassa-kwassa fishes little"” meme mean?
The humor relies on a cynical contrast: the vessel is not used for traditional fishing but for clandestine crossings to Mayotte. The statement reduces passengers to their nationality, ignoring their human status to highlight an illicit logistical function. This dehumanizing remark expresses a reductive view of migration flows, perceived as indifferent or mocking toward travelers' distress.
Where does the “"The kwassa-kwassa fishes little"” meme come from?
On June 1 or 2, 2017, Emmanuel Macron visited the Atlantic Regional Surveillance and Rescue Center (CROSS) in Étel, Morbihan. During this exchange with a maritime official, the president commented on kwassa-kwassa, small Comorian boats. He stated: 'But the kwassa-kwassa fishes little, it brings Comorians, it’s different,' while laughing. The footage was filmed and later broadcast on Friday, June 2, 2017, in the show Quotidien on TMC. Since kwassa-kwassa are used by smugglers to reach Mayotte, the phrase ironically contrasts low fishing activity with migrant transport. The Élysée quickly acknowledged it as a 'completely regrettable' or 'not very happy' joke. The controversy arose immediately from linking a transport method to the ethnic origin of passengers, deemed inappropriate by observers and associations.
- 2017Delivery of the phrase during the visit to the Atlantic Regional Surveillance and Rescue Center in Étel.
- 2017Broadcast of the video in the Quotidien show on TMC sparking the controversy.
How to use the “"The kwassa-kwassa fishes little"” meme
- Use the quote to criticize political discourse perceived as distant or mocking toward immigrant populations.
- Twist the formula to ironize any public service or product that promises a result but only brings problems related to a specific category of people.
- Cite the anecdote to illustrate verbal slips or awkward remarks during official visits.
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The “"The kwassa-kwassa fishes little"” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 012 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | French Politics pack |
| Fame | 74/100 · #73 of 127 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “"The kwassa-kwassa fishes little"” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; "The kwassa-kwassa fishes little" comes out of the French Politics pack 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 0.8%, 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 “"The kwassa-kwassa fishes little"”
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Frequently asked questions
What does kwassa-kwassa fishes little mean?
It refers to a remark by Emmanuel Macron linking a Comorian boat to migrant transport rather than fishing. The phrase ironically highlights the primary function of these vessels for smugglers.
Why did kwassa-kwassa cause controversy?
The remark was considered inappropriate because it reduced passengers to their Comorian nationality and ignored their human situation. The Élysée admitted it was a regrettable joke.
When did Macron say kwassa-kwassa?
The phrase was spoken in early June 2017 during an official visit to the maritime surveillance center in Étel, Morbihan.
How do I get the "The kwassa-kwassa fishes little" meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “"The kwassa-kwassa fishes little"” is a rare card of the French Politics 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 "The kwassa-kwassa fishes little" card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: VIDEO. "Le kwassa-kwassa pêche peu, il amène du Comorien !" : la plaisanterie douteuse d'Emmanuel Macron · Kwassa kwassa (Comores) — Wikipédia · "Kwassa-kwassa" : la blague très douteuse d'Emmanuel Macron · checked on October 8, 2026.
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