The phrase “whose horse is that” has a couple of different origins depending on the context:
TikTok Meme: On TikTok, the phrase “whose horse is that” became a popular meme. It encapsulates an idea that many people can relate to - feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands and responsibilities while still trying to remain upbeat despite all odds being against them1. The origin story behind this popular meme dates back several years ago when comedian Jim Gaffigan tweeted out a joke about his experience riding horses during his childhood summers in Wisconsin; he wrote “I just realized I spent my childhood summers riding whose horses?!”2.
Historical Context: In a historical context, the phrase “whose horse is that?” originated in the early 19th century as a way of determining someone’s social standing and wealth. Since owning a horse was seen as a sign of wealth and status3.
Juan Meme: There’s also a meme involving a horse named Juan, which started with a bizarre image of a horse being coaxed onto a balcony. This image went viral and sparked a lot of questions and memes4.
So, the origin of the phrase can vary greatly depending on the context in which it’s used.