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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “#ShutdownPickUpLines” is a common card of the Memes World series 75, number 22356 of the collection, and the 201st 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 “#ShutdownPickUpLines” meme mean?
This meme expresses irony regarding political gridlock and the daily impacts of budgetary crises. It transforms stressful bureaucratic situations, such as furloughs or agency closures, into opportunities for light-hearted jokes. Users find a humorous outlet to discuss the absurdity of government inaction without aggression, fostering social bonding through shared laughter at the expense of official procedures.
Where does the “#ShutdownPickUpLines” meme come from?
The hashtag #ShutdownPickUpLines initially emerged in early April 2011 during the U.S. debt ceiling crisis. At that time, it circulated under the form #govtshutdownpickuplines on Twitter. It experienced a major revival in October 2013, specifically starting from October 1st, the beginning of the federal shutdown. This resurgence coincided with another budget impasse that paralyzed several public agencies. The phenomenon relies on the comedic juxtaposition of two dissonant worlds: classic flirtation lines and technical jargon related to administrative leave, security checks, or public health. Media outlets like NPR relayed these collective creations, although no source identifies a single creator or specific TV show as the origin of this spontaneous textual format.
- April 2011First appearance of the hashtag under the form #govtshutdownpickuplines during the debt ceiling crisis.
- October 1, 2013Massive revival of the movement during the start of the federal shutdown, with variants like #governmentshutdownpickuplines.
How to use the “#ShutdownPickUpLines” meme
- Post a sentence mixing a romantic allusion with a reference to a closed office to comment on political news.
- Use the hashtag during periods of budgetary tension to share jokes about the concrete fallout of government inaction.
- Incorporate terms like 'furlough' or 'agency' into an ironic flirting attempt to highlight the absurdity of the situation.
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The “#ShutdownPickUpLines” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 22356 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Common |
| Collection | Memes World series 75 |
| Fame | 57/100 · #201 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny) |
How to get the “#ShutdownPickUpLines” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; #ShutdownPickUpLines comes out of the Memes World series 75 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 “#ShutdownPickUpLines”
More cards of the Memes World series 75
Frequently asked questions
What does #ShutdownPickUpLines mean?
It is a humorous hashtag that couples flirtatious attempts with references to temporary U.S. government closures.
Who created the ShutdownPickUpLines hashtag?
No specific person is identified as the creator; it is a collective creation born spontaneously on Twitter.
When did the ShutdownPickUpLines meme appear?
It first appeared in April 2011, then resurged strongly in October 2013 during a new budgetary crisis.
What is the origin of the hashtag?
It was born on Twitter in direct reaction to the administrative consequences of shutdowns, juxtaposing seduction and bureaucracy.
How do I get the #ShutdownPickUpLines meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “#ShutdownPickUpLines” is a common card of the Memes World series 75. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the #ShutdownPickUpLines card?
It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: The Humor in a Government Shutdown · Government Shutdown: What Happens When There Is No One to Tweet? · Pickup Lines - Know Your Meme · checked on October 17, 2026.
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Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.