HACKERMANS is a popular Twitch emote that depicts Pepe the Frog wearing Matrix-style sunglasses with digital code reflected in them, sitting at a keyboard. The emote represents someone who thinks they're an elite hacker or tech genius while performing simple or trivial computer tasks. It's used sarcastically to mock or celebrate minor technological achievements that are being treated as impressive hacking feats.
The HACKERMANS emote is a combination of two internet phenomena: Pepe the Frog and the 'Hackerman' character from the 2015 short film Kung Fury. The original Hackerman character (played by Leopold Nilsson) was an over-the-top 1980s tech whiz with exaggerated computer skills, which became a popular meme.
This specific Pepe version of HACKERMANS was uploaded to BetterTTV by user 'numrii' in July 2018. The emote adapts the Hackerman concept by placing Pepe the Frog (already a staple of internet culture) in the role of the hacker, complete with the iconic Matrix-style sunglasses and a keyboard, creating a perfect blend of multiple meme references.
HACKERMANS is typically used in Twitch chat in the following situations:
The emote is meant to be humorous and playful, highlighting the comedic gap between perceived technical prowess and actual skill level.