plankers

Plankers is a colloquial term referring to individuals who engage in the practice of "planking." Planking is a humorous internet meme and a real-life activity where participants lie face down in an unusual or incongruous location, with their arms held straight at their sides. The goal is to achieve the most public or absurd position possible while maintaining a stiff, board-like posture. The trend gained significant popularity in 2011, spreading rapidly through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Participants often take photographs of themselves planking and upload them online, with the hashtag #planking accompanying the images.

The origins of planking are somewhat debated, but it is widely believed to have originated in Australia in the early 2000s. The meme's widespread adoption led to a surge in its practice globally, with people planking in diverse and sometimes precarious locations, including atop statues, on top of cars, or even in public transportation. While generally considered harmless fun, the activity has at times led to criticism due to instances where individuals have planked in potentially dangerous or illegal situations, resulting in arrests or injuries. The popularity of planking eventually waned, becoming less prevalent as new internet trends emerged.

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