The 2024 Paris Olympics marked the debut of breakdancing as an official Olympic sport, and with it came a new internet sensation: Rachael “Raygun” Gunn. Representing Australia in the women’s breaking competition, Gunn’s unique and unconventional performance quickly became the subject of widespread internet attention, transforming her name into a piece of slang in online communities.
The Rise of “Raygun”
Rachael Gunn, a 36-year-old competitor known as “Raygun,” caught the public eye not for her athletic prowess but for her distinctive breakdancing style. While other athletes went viral for their impressive skills or charismatic performances, Gunn’s routine stood out for different reasons. Her performance was seen by many as awkward and out of place among the more polished, acrobatic routines of her competitors. The unusual nature of her moves led to a flurry of memes and jokes, with social media users drawing comparisons between her and an attention-seeking child performing for a crowd.
Despite her less-than-stellar reception in the competition—she was eliminated without earning any points from the judges—Gunn became an internet celebrity almost overnight. Her performance struck a chord with online audiences, not because of its excellence but because of its relatability. Many saw in her routine the embodiment of trying and failing in a public setting, a feeling most people have experienced at some point.
“Raygun” as Internet Slang
The name “Raygun” quickly transcended its original context, becoming a piece of internet slang used to describe anything that is awkwardly out of place or humorously underwhelming. It encapsulates the idea of someone or something that is trying earnestly but missing the mark, often in a way that’s endearing or relatable.
The memes that followed Gunn’s performance further solidified her place in internet culture. Her kangaroo-inspired dance move, for instance, became a popular meme template, symbolizing the kind of quirky, offbeat humor that the internet loves to latch onto.
The Cultural Impact
Gunn’s sudden rise to meme status highlights the dual nature of internet fame. On one hand, she gained a dedicated following of fans who appreciated her unique approach and found her routine refreshingly different from the norm. On the other hand, she also faced significant criticism and trolling, with some commentators suggesting that her performance was so offbeat that it might have influenced the decision to drop breakdancing from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—a decision that had, in fact, been made long before Gunn’s performance.
Despite the mixed reactions, Gunn herself took the attention in stride. In interviews, she expressed that her goal was never to win but to stand out and express her creativity in a way that was true to herself. This attitude resonated with many, especially those who see the value in embracing one’s uniqueness, even in the face of criticism.
Conclusion
“Raygun” has become more than just a name; it’s a term that captures a specific kind of internet humor—one that finds charm in the awkward and the unconventional. Whether used to describe someone who’s earnestly trying but not quite succeeding, or as a shorthand for something endearingly out of place, “Raygun” is a reminder of how quickly and unpredictably internet culture can transform a moment into a lasting piece of digital vernacular.
