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“Youngster Joey” meme: meaning, origin and epic card

The Youngster Joey meme features a Pokémon trainer from Gold and Silver who obsessively praises his weak Rattata.

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

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Youngster Joey” is an epic card of the Memes World series 70, number 20884 of the collection, and the 92nd best-known meme of its 243 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “Youngster Joey” meme mean?

This character represents comedic arrogance and delusional self-importance. It highlights the gap between actual mediocrity and exaggerated pride. The humor stems from Joey’s insistence that his common, low-level Pokémon is superior. People use this meme to mock someone boasting about minor skills or to parody blind confidence in trivial matters.

Where does the “Youngster Joey” meme come from?

The character appears in Pokémon Gold and Silver, released in North America in 2000. Joey is an early-game trainer with a low-level Rattata. After defeat, the player gets his number via the Pokégear. Joey then calls frequently, claiming his Rattata is special. His key line mentions being in the "top percentage of Rattatas." Online popularity surged around 2010 with the HeartGold and SoulSilver releases. A Facebook page launched on March 14, 2010, and a Neoseeker thread dated March 16, 2010, mark its viral spread.

How to use the “Youngster Joey” meme

  • Use it to sarcastically criticize someone who thinks they are exceptional despite average performance.
  • Apply it to describe a mundane item that its owner insists is unique or high-quality.
  • Invoke it to highlight childish or clumsy arrogance regarding limited abilities.

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The “Youngster Joey” card in MyMemeCards

Youngster Joey card
NumberNo. 20884
RarityEpic
CollectionMemes World series 70
Fame78/100 · #92 of 243
Recycle value20 MemeCoins (60 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 70: 243 cards
  • Common197.8%
  • Rare197.8%
  • Epic19580%
  • Legendary62.5%
  • Mythic41.6%

How to get the “Youngster Joey” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Youngster Joey comes out of the Memes World series 70 as an epic 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 20 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 “Youngster Joey”

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Youngster Joey?

He is a Pokémon trainer in Gold and Silver known for calling the player repeatedly to boast about his weak Rattata's supposed superiority.

What does top percentage Rattata mean?

It refers to Joey’s dialogue where he claims his Rattata belongs to the elite fraction of all Rattatas, a humorous exaggeration of its quality.

Where does the Youngster Joey meme come from?

It originates from Pokémon Gold and Silver (2000). Its internet fame grew significantly around 2010 following the release of the remakes HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Does Joey really call all the time?

Yes, in the game mechanics, after losing, Joey calls the player regularly to discuss his Pokémon. This repetitive feature became a famous part of the meme culture.

How do I get the Youngster Joey meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Youngster Joey” is an epic card of the Memes World series 70. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the Youngster Joey card?

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

Sources: Youngster Joey | Know Your Meme · Know Your Meme · So what about all your legendaries, I win. · checked on October 11, 2026.

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