100aastased

100aastased is an Estonian internet meme and cultural phenomenon that emerged in the early 2010s, originating from a humorous take on the phrase "100 aastat" ("100 years" in Estonian). The meme typically features exaggerated, often absurdly long-lived characters or objects, such as people, animals, or even inanimate objects, depicted as celebrating or surviving for an unrealistically extended period—far beyond the typical human lifespan. The humor stems from the juxtaposition of mundane or mundane-looking subjects with the absurdity of their longevity.

The meme gained traction through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and later TikTok, where users would create or share images, videos, or text posts with captions like "100 aastat" or "100 aastat ja veel palju" ("100 years and even more"). These posts often included exaggerated timelines, such as a person claiming to have lived for 150 years or an object like a car or a house surviving for centuries. The tone is lighthearted, and the meme reflects a playful, self-deprecating sense of humor common in Estonian internet culture.

While the meme’s origins are unclear, it likely evolved from broader internet trends involving exaggerated timelines and longevity jokes. Over time, it became a shorthand for celebrating milestones or simply adding humor to everyday situations. The phrase "100 aastased" (the plural form of "100 aastat") is sometimes used colloquially to describe something enduring or long-lasting, though it retains its meme-like connotations.

The meme’s popularity waned as internet humor trends shifted, but it remains a nostalgic reference for those who experienced it during its peak. It reflects the broader cultural tendency in Estonia to blend humor with everyday life, often through digital and internet-based expressions.