Barbz, rise. As many of you know, Nicki Minaj is prompted to drop her highly anticipated album, Pink Friday 2, on Dec. 8. And, in true internet fashion, fans of the star have been hyping up the release all over X/Twitter and TikTok. Alongside the typical, excited tweets, a new meme has risen to take the internet by storm in honor of Minaj’s album. Who’s ready to take a trip to Gag City?
If you’ve been on the internet recently, I’m sure that you’ve seen the viral Gag City memes. But, if you haven’t, let me explain: Gag City is an AI-generated destination that celebrities have been flocking to (digitally, OFC) in anticipation of Pink Friday 2. In the memes, folks have been able to spot their favorite public figures as they “arrive” in Gag City to celebrate the album’s release.
Gag City, as it’s shown in the memes, is full of bright, bubblegum-pink buildings and “citizens” adorned in their finest, most stylish ‘fits. Just close your eyes and imagine a place that looks like how Nicki Minaj’s music sounds. That’s Gag City for you. And it’s my utopia.
Pop culture staples such as Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Trisha Paytas have been photoshopped arriving to the fictional city, but the meme hasn’t stopped there: Companies like Trident, and shows such as American Horror Story, have also joined in on the (very pink) fun. It’s Barbie-core at its finest, y’all — pretty fitting for the Barbie herself, if you ask me.
And, of course, the internet is having some fun with the who is arriving to the fictional, digital city. (I know, I wish it were real, too.)
Due to the popularity of the trend, many people are wondering where the term “Gag City” even comes from. So, if you’re new to the Barb fandom, or looking to book a flight to Gag City before the album’s release, here’s what you need to know.
Where does “Gag City” come from?
Now, “gag,” to many folks, might be the least glamorous word out there. However, Gag City comes from the popular, slang form of the word. As it’s used in Gag City, the word “gag” has roots in AAVE, as well as queer culture. In this case, “gag” is used to describe something, like a celebrity or an outfit, as gorgeous, stunning, and left-without-words beautiful. Or, it can be used whenever someone is, as the kids say, “slaying.”
Look, I’m not saying that I need someone to photoshop me into Gag City, but I just would really, really love to be amongst my people in a floor-length, feather-trimmed pink robe. Just sayin’.