If you are someone who frequents web pages where people post memes, you likely have seen the phrase “Hans, get the flammenwerfer” before.
Though its popularity has risen and fallen over time, the phrase has slowly become increasingly more common in meme culture. If you want something to say to someone who is being particularly racist, homophobic, or overall just saying something offensive, “Hans, get the flammenwerfer” is the phrase for you. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase “Hans, get the flammenwerfer” is used as a response to something offensive that someone has said. Typically, it is used toward those that are racist or homophobic or are preaching radical right-wing ideologies. The use of “Hans, get the flammenwerfer” would imply that what that person is saying is so offensive or heinous, that they deserve to be met with a flamethrower.
This phrase is also often used humorously on the Internet when people refer to things they do not like, such as math or some kind of food they do not like. More information (an example of how to use this term) can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“Did you see how homophobic that guy was being? Hans, get the flammenwerfer!”
“I can’t believe Sarah was posting all those racist things on Facebook yesterday. Hans, get the flammenwerfer!”
“John’s Reddit page is all memes bashing gay people. Hans, get the flammenwerfer!”
“Eric’s 9GAG posts are kind of weird. Hans, get the flammenwerfer!”
Origin
The meme of “Hans, get the flammenwerfer” was first used on a website called 9GAG (which is typically used for posting and sharing memes, similar to Reddit) in 2017. This was where it quickly got its meaning and use as a phrase to respond to people being particularly offensive toward others, as this has always been what it is used for. It is believed to have originated from the phrase “this is flammenwerfer, it werfs flammen”, which was another popular meme thread that revolved around making fun of German words that sounded strange.
This phrase is actually a World War II meme, with a picture of a soldier saying “Hans, get the flammenwerfer”. The term “flammenwerfer” translates to “flamethrower” in German. The popularity of this phrase saw exceptional growth between 2020 and 2021.
Phrases Similar to Hans, Get the Flammenwerfer
- This is a Flammenwerfer, it Werfs Flammen.
- That’s offensive/hateful/creepy/etc.
Phrases Opposite to Hans, Get the Flammenwerfer
- I agree with him/her.
- I like what he/she is saying.
- That’s not offensive at all.
What is the Correct Saying?
- “Hans, get the flammenwerfer” is, in itself, the correct saying for this expression, but in English, it would be “Hans, get the flamethrower”.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Hans, Get the Flammenwerfer
This phrase is relatively straightforward, and thus it should be fairly simple to use. It is only used for one thing, that being a response to someone posting or saying hateful or offensive things. To use this phrase incorrectly, you would have to misuse it when commenting on something that you actually like. Some ways that “Hans, get the flammenwerfer” is used incorrectly are:
- Hans, get the flammenwerfer! I agree with her!
- I really support your page. Hans, get the flammenwerfer!
- Hans, get the flammenwerfer, there is a nest of spiders over here!
- Hans, get the flammenwerfer! I really like this person’s art!
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Hans, Get the Flammenwerfer
- I saw that guy’s racist post on Facebook the other day. Hans, get the flammenwerfer.
- Jennifer was saying some really homophobic things at church last night. Hans, get the flammenwerfer.
- I saw him looking at photos of children on the Internet. Hans, get the flammenwerfer!
- Did you see that episode of that anime with the weird guy yesterday? Hans, get the flammenwerfer!
- Hey look, there is that fruity kid from up the street, Hans, get the flammenwerfer!