The Funniest Ermahgerd Memes

The Ermahgerd meme spawned from the depths of the Internet in 2012 when someone on Reddit posted a very unflattering photo of an unabashedly excited preteen holding three “Goosebumps” books covered in the text “ERMAHGERD GERSBERMS” and with the caption “Just a book owners smile [sic].” Since then, the infamous meme, also known as “Gersberms” and simply “Berks”—after the caption “GERSBERMS MAH FAVRIT BERKS”—has been used to react to anything where “Oh my God” just doesn’t feel quite nerdy enough.

Geeks across the world can identify with the Ermahgerd meme, almost like a long-lost friend. And just about everyone who’s been to middle school probably feels more than a hint of secondhand embarassment when they see it. So it’s no surprise that Maggie Goldenberger, the real Berks, has said of her sudden Internet fame: “I just can't believe this is my 15 minutes of fame—I was hoping it would come in another form. But I guess you have to take what you can get,” according to Vanity Fair’s article that takes a deep dive on the history of Ermahgerd.

Although Goldenberg was only 11 in the picture, the meme didn’t surface until she was 23, and by that time, the Ermahgerd had taken on a life of its own, rising to the ranks of Grumpy Cat memes, Bad Luck Brian memes, and Chuck Norris memes. Fortunately for Goldenberg, the meme didn’t cause any long term psychological damage, and she actually finds some Ermahgerd renditions pretty funny.

But that doesn’t mean everyone is a fan of the meme. R.L. Stine, the author of the Goosebumps series, has been asked repeatedly about the meme. Annoyed by one Berks fan who wanted him to pose for a picture wearing an Ermahgerd T-shirt, Stine said, “Well I’m on Twitter and about five people a day say, ‘Have you seen this?’ I just don’t get it. I don’t get it,” according to Vanity Fair.

Whether you love it or hate it, the Ermahgerd meme is, without a doubt, here to stay. Check out the Funniest Ermahgerd Memes below for proof.

What better meme for a middle schooler’s anthem?

Help us, Berks, you’re our only hope.

That’s one way to spread the holiday spirit.

Could there be a more ‘90s meme?

Everything on the Internet is better with goats. ​

Sports for geeks.

At least he’s cute.

Kids these days have no taste. ​

A meme for when there’s really nothing else to say.

If cats could talk…

Hide yo kids hide yo wife.

Even Grumpy Cat should like this meme.

That $5 Footlong is something to celebrate.

Man’s best friend never looked so good.

The dream of every NBA Star, being made into a meme.

Imagine seeing THAT in your bathtub.

What every sorority girl tells herself before going out.

Appropriate for a music video that went so viral.

Us every time it’s over 80 degrees.

A squirrel has never looked so happy.

For every time you beat your friends at anything.

His eyes really just capture the essence of “Ermahgerd.”

Who can say no to a man in uniform?

Work it!

Is it even possible to be cool and play clarinet?

It’s actually hard to look this uncoordinated when you’re an athlete.

We were equally as excited about Lunchables.

What Olympic dreams are made of.

Even Beyoncé looks like Berks sometimes.

Basically every Republican.

No shit, Sherlock.

And you thought you could get through this list without an anime reference…

Drumroll, please…

Why so serious?

Oh Josh...

Everyone at Olive Garden.

It’s not the most graceful of sports.

He’s probably not making this face anymore.

Do you guys know “Wonderwall”?

The O.G. Ermahgerd.

Boys will be boys.

"Ermahgerd perngwens."

image via

Run for your life!

Sweet 16 never looked so good.

And they probably smell amazing as well.

Ermahgerd, it’s just like baseball!

Barry O. can’t resist a bumper car track.

Don’t pretend you don’t know that post-Fruit Roll-Up look.

Love him or hate him, Mitt Romney sure makes a good ermahgerd meme.

Ermahgerd is even too much for Ri Ri.