Also called And It’s Gone · South Park Banker · South Park Bank Teller
The South Park banker announces that something has disappeared almost as soon as it arrived. Set up a promising resource or opportunity, then finish with “And it’s gone.”
The humor comes from the speed of the reversal. A free afternoon, a fresh battery, or the last slice of cake barely exists before it is lost.
The banker’s calm expression makes the loss feel even more abrupt. The caption does not need to explain every step that caused it.
The banker appears in “Margaritaville,” a South Park episode first aired on March 25, 2009. After Stan deposits money, the bank manager invests it and immediately announces that it is gone. [1]
Know Your Meme records a captioned Quickmeme version from April 22, 2012. Further examples spread on Reddit that May, adapting the line to disappearing ideas, opportunities, and other short-lived things. [2]
The bank scene supplies the image and the abrupt announcement. [1]
An early documented image macro turns the banker into a general reaction to loss. [2]
Users apply the same ending to other things that vanish quickly. [2]
Use the top caption for the thing you briefly had or expected to enjoy. Put “And it’s gone” along the bottom as the sudden reversal.
Keep the banker’s eyes and expression visible. A short setup usually works better than an account of exactly how the loss happened.
Original captions to try with this template.
The available time disappears before there is much chance to enjoy it.
The final slice was available only until someone else noticed it.
The battery seems to run out almost as soon as charging finishes.
References for this template. Example captions are original.
The official site lists the air date and describes Stan’s deposit disappearing.
Documents the early Quickmeme caption and Reddit examples from 2012.
