If you’ve opened TikTok, Instagram Reels, or even just scrolled past a meme in the last few days, chances are you’ve seen or heard it. “I’m a mommy.” “Mamacita.” “Mommy?” “Mom of what? A dog?” “A human child.”
No, it’s not a new sketch comedy bit or some alt-audio trend created in a studio. It’s the now-iconic dialogue from Season 7, Episode 12 of “Love Island USA”—a show that’s been churning out meme gold for years. But this one, it’s everywhere, and it’s only gaining steam.
It all started with a single, gloriously awkward conversation between two Islanders: Huda, who casually drops the bombshell that she’s a single mom, and Nic, whose response is baffled at best. When she says, “I’m a mommy,” he doesn’t quite clock the gravity of the statement. Instead, he goes from flirty confusion (“Mamacita?”) to full-on “Wait, what?” territory (“Mommy?”… “Mom of what? A dog?”). Huda replies with a slightly exasperated expression: “A human child.”
© Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty ImHow Did it Become a Meme?
The viral rise was swift. Within a day or two of airing, the soundbite was clipped and uploaded to TikTok. The trend began with fans lip-syncing to the conversation, often with one person doing Huda’s lines and another acting out Nic’s confused replies. Then came the edits, remixes, and ultra-creative reimaginings.
One of the breakout moments that helped solidify the meme’s viral status was a video posted by the Empire State Building’s official TikTok account. With the caption “Me to any NYC building built after me,” the skyscraper positioned itself as the original “mommy” of the city skyline. Cue the “Mamacita” response from metaphorical younger buildings.
The meme officially left the Love Island fandom and entered the pop culture stratosphere.
Who’s In On the Trend?
What started with fan edits quickly turned into full-blown celebrity participation. Karol G and Jimmy Fallon are the latest high-profile duo to jump on the trend. While promoting her new album, “Trópicoqueta,” Karol joined Jimmy for a quick sketch, where they reenacted the conversation, adding their flair.
Brands, too, are leaning in. From skincare companies calling their OG serums “mommy” to gaming brands comparing their classic consoles to newer models, everyone’s trying to find a way to “mamacita” their moment.
Watch the original clip below.
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