SkillIssue is a Twitch emote used to mockingly suggest that a player's failure or mistake in a game is due to a lack of skill, rather than bad luck or external factors. The emote typically features the popular 'Pepe the Frog' character holding a sign that says 'SKILL ISSUE.' It is often used in a sarcastic or playful manner.
Origin
The SkillIssue emote is part of the broader 'Pepe the Frog' meme family, which has been widely adopted on Twitch and other internet communities. The phrase 'skill issue' itself became popular in gaming circles around 2021 as a way to dismiss complaints or excuses about in-game failures. The specific emote featuring Pepe holding the sign started appearing on Twitch and third-party emote services like BetterTTV and FrankerFaceZ in 2021. There is no single streamer credited with originating this emote; it emerged from the wider meme culture.
When to use
When a streamer or another player makes a mistake or loses in a game, viewers may spam SkillIssue to jokingly blame their lack of skill.
It is often used in a lighthearted, teasing way among friends or communities.
Sometimes used to dismiss complaints about game mechanics, bugs, or perceived unfairness, implying the real problem is the player's skill.
