Work
The backup plan
The backup exists, but it is missing for exactly the same reason as the original.
Read caption text
- Left panel
- Backup saved
- Right panel
- On the lost laptop
Joey's Delayed Reaction Meme Template
The format
What does Joey's Delayed Reaction mean?
Also called Joey from Friends · Surprised Joey
Let the left panel sound reassuring. Use the right panel for the detail that takes a moment to sink in.
Joey looks relaxed in the first frame and wide-eyed in the second. The captions show the same situation before and after a realization.
The second line should change the meaning of the first. A backup sounds reassuring until you realize it was saved on the laptop that went missing.
Origin
Joey finally connects the clues about the red sweater.
Matt LeBlanc plays Joey Tribbiani in Friends. These frames come from “The One With the Red Sweater,” the second episode of season eight, first aired on October 4, 2001. Joey takes an extra moment to understand a revelation about Ross and Rachel. [1]
The scene circulated as a reaction GIF before captioned still-image layouts became popular. This template places the two expressions side by side; other versions arrange them vertically or beside separate caption panels. [1]
How the meme spread
The Friends episode
The red-sweater revelation supplies Joey’s delayed change of expression. [1]
An archived reaction GIF
Know Your Meme records a version posted to Reaction GIFs. [1]
Captioned panels
Documented four-panel versions pair the relaxed and startled expressions with a setup and realization. [1]
Caption guide
Save the missing detail for the second panel.
Write the first caption as a reason to relax. Then make the second line reveal the catch. Keep the two lines connected so the expression changes for a reason.
This is a wide, two-panel image. Keep both captions short and below the faces; long sentences become difficult to read when the whole meme is viewed on a phone.
- Left panel
- The reassuring first impression.
- Right panel
- The catch you just understood.
- Use a fact followed by its implication.
- Avoid announcing the twist in the first panel.
- A few words per panel are enough if the connection is clear.
Joey's Delayed Reaction examples
Original captions to try with this template.
Shopping
The free trial
The first panel remembers the offer; the second remembers the condition.
Read caption text
- Left panel
- Free trial
- Right panel
- Forgot to cancel
Travel
The booking confirmation
The successful booking becomes a problem as soon as you read the location.
Read caption text
- Left panel
- Flight booked
- Right panel
- Wrong airport
Related formats
Try another way to tell the joke.
Sources1 reference
References for this template. Example captions are original.
- Joey's Delayed Reaction: Know Your Meme
Identifies the Friends episode and documents reaction GIFs and captioned layouts.