The Hilarious “How to Cook a Turkey in the Microwave” Meme Explained

As Thanksgiving approaches each year, a viral meme makes the rounds where people text their moms asking how to cook a turkey in the microwave. The hilarious responses from shocked and concerned moms are comedy gold. Let’s take a look at how this meme started, some of the funniest mom responses, and why it strikes such a chord every holiday season.

The Origin of the Turkey Meme

Back in 2018, Twitter user @KathMcKenna_ first posted screenshots of a text exchange where she asked her mom to cook a 25-pound turkey in the microwave. Her mom’s response was epic:

“On what planet did you think this was even a possibility?”

The tweet went viral, racking up over 200k likes Soon after, others started pranking their own moms by asking how to microwave cook turkeys ranging from 10 to 30 pounds And thus, a new Thanksgiving tradition was born!

Why Moms Always Take the Bait

What makes this prank so effective is that moms can never resist an earnest question from their child, no matter how misguided. They want to help, even when the request is for something ridiculous like microwaving a giant turkey.

Moms spend decades teaching their kids practical life skills. So when a child asks for help cooking something, the mom instinct kicks in to provide detailed advice, despite the absurdity.

Funniest Mom Responses to the Prank

The reactions from pranked moms are amazing, Here are some of the all-time funniest responses

• “This is a joke right?? The turkey won’t even fit in the microwave”

• “I just spit wine everywhere. Throw the turkey in the trash and order pizza.”

• “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.”

• “Sure, sounds great! See you in hell.”

• “Call your father.”

• “On Thanksgiving?? In a microwave?? I can’t. I’m dead.”

• “I regret letting you move out of this house.”

As you can see, most moms respond with some combination of laughter, horror and practical advice. Their reactions are both hilarious and full of genuine love and concern.

Why the Meme Strikes a Chord

This meme resonates because it represents something larger – the eternal bond between mothers and their children. No matter how old we get, we’ll always be their “kids” in need of help and guidance.

The meme also hits home during the holidays when many young adults are navigating cooking traditional dishes for the first time on their own. Their moms are only a text or call away if needed!

While the concept is absurd, at its core this meme represents the heartwarming permanence of a mother’s love and wisdom.

How to Ethically Participate in the Meme

If you want to prank your own mom with this meme, make sure to do it ethically:

• Make sure she knows it’s a joke afterwards so she doesn’t actually worry!

• Don’t take her genuine concern as an opportunity to tease or make her feel foolish.

• Have an actual conversation about your Thanksgiving plans and ask if she has any real advice.

• Let her know you appreciate her always being there when you need help!

With a little care, this meme can be a fun way to give your mom a laugh and create a shared moment this Thanksgiving. Just be sure not to give her a heart attack in the process!

Other Creative Thanksgiving Memes

In addition to the microwave turkey prank, plenty of other hilarious Thanksgiving memes make the rounds each November. Here are a few popular examples:

• Photos of ridiculously overcooked turkeys accompanied by reactions of horror.

• Memes about dodging political conversations with drunk uncles.

• Posts about gaining 10 pounds after eating nothing but leftovers.

• Dogs pictured waiting eagerly under the table ready to be fed.

• Exaggerated tags comparing regular meals to gluttonous Thanksgiving dinners.

Part of what makes Thanksgiving special is the opportunity to laugh together as a family. These relatable memes definitely hit the spot and ring true year after year.

Enjoy the Memes but Don’t Nuke the Turkey!

While the concept of cooking a turkey in the microwave is certainly worth a laugh, definitely do not try it for real! A microwave cannot properly cook or crisp a turkey’s skin. Stick to trusted conventional cooking methods for a bird that is safely cooked through.

This legendary meme is sure to provide smiles and laughs around the holiday table for years to come. Just be sure to enjoy it as the joke it is intended to be, rather than a legitimate recipe suggestion!

So go forth and prank your mom or just enjoy posts from others. Here’s wishing you a very happy and meme-filled Thanksgiving!