MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “"Are you smoking, sir?"” is a rare card of the French Politics pack, number 76 of the collection, and the 26th 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 “"Are you smoking, sir?"” meme mean?
The expression means that a situation is so absurd or unlikely that it seems to stem from delirium or irrationality. In the political context, Sarkozy used this formula to emphasize the implausibility of accusations against him. For the internet, it has become an ironic tool to label any statement deemed ridiculous, out of touch, or completely disconnected from reality.
Where does the “"Are you smoking, sir?"” meme come from?
The phrase comes from an interview with Nicolas Sarkozy broadcast on Thursday, March 22, 2018, during the 8 PM news on TF1, hosted by Gilles Bouleau. The former president, indicted the day before in the case of suspected Libyan funding for his 2007 presidential campaign, defended his position. He stated: "If anyone had ever told me that one day I would have trouble because of Gaddafi, I would have said: 'But are you smoking, sir!'" The video circulated massively the next day, March 23, 2018, on social media. Internet users immediately isolated the punchline to make it a symbol of incomprehension towards political discourses perceived as illogical. The virality was rapid, turning a defensive declaration into an icon of humorous subversion.
- March 22, 2018Broadcast of Nicolas Sarkozy's interview on the 8 PM news on TF1.
How to use the “"Are you smoking, sir?"” meme
- Use it to react ironically to a completely unfounded rumor shared on social media.
- Employ it in a debate to highlight the absurdity of an explanation that seems to be pure fantasy.
- Quote it as a reference to a specific moment in political news to criticize an opponent's rhetoric.
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The “"Are you smoking, sir?"” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 076 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | French Politics pack |
| Fame | 86/100 · #26 of 127 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “"Are you smoking, sir?"” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; "Are you smoking, sir?" 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 “"Are you smoking, sir?"”
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Frequently asked questions
What does 'are you smoking, sir' mean?
This expression expresses total doubt about the truth or reasonableness of a statement. It suggests that only a drunk or hallucinating person could make such a remark.
Who said 'are you smoking, sir'?
Nicolas Sarkozy said this phrase during a televised interview in March 2018, while he was a candidate for the presidency.
What is the origin of the 'are you smoking, sir' meme?
The meme stems from the punchline of a statement made by Sarkozy on March 22, 2018, on TF1. Internet users subverted it to mock the displayed incredulity.
Is 'are you smoking, sir' real?
Yes, the phrase is real and documented. It is an integral part of the political debate surrounding the former president's indictment.
How do I get the "Are you smoking, sir?" meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “"Are you smoking, sir?"” 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 "Are you smoking, sir?" card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: POLITIQUE. "Mais vous fumez monsieur ?!" : les petites phrases de Nicolas Sarkozy · « Mais vous fumez monsieur » la petite phrase de Nicolas ... · Boîte à sons Nicolas Sarkozy – Mais vous fumez monsieur ! · checked on October 8, 2026.
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