You know that feeling — when something frustratingly familiar happens for the hundredth time and all you can do is sigh, roll your eyes, and mutter under your breath: “Aw shit, here we go again.”
We’ve all been there. Whether it’s reopening that group chat drama, logging into work on Monday morning, or watching your favorite franchise announce yet another reboot — this meme captures something deeply universal. But where did this iconic phrase come from, why is it still so relatable, and how has it become a staple of internet culture?
Let’s dive into the world of “Aw shit, here we go again” — from its origins in gaming to its presence in fanfiction, social media, and everyday conversation.
The Origin Story: From San Andreas to Stardom
It all started with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, released in 2004. In the game’s early moments, protagonist CJ (Carl Johnson) steps off a train, looks around his old neighborhood, and utters the now-immortal line: “Ah shit, here we go again.”
What makes this line special? It’s not just the words — it’s the weary tone, the way CJ carries the burden of experience. It’s a line loaded with backstory, frustration, and familiarity. And that’s why, years later, it exploded into memehood.
The internet latched onto that exact feeling — of bracing yourself for yet another round of the same old nonsense.
Biography Table for “Aw Shit, Here We Go Again”
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Keyword | Aw Shit, Here We Go Again |
| Type | Internet Meme / Pop Culture Phrase |
| Origin | Video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) |
| Character | CJ (Carl “CJ” Johnson), voiced by Young Maylay |
| First Appearance | Opening mission of GTA: San Andreas |
| Popularized By | Meme culture, Reddit, Twitter, gaming forums, and GIF platforms |
| Meaning | Expressing resignation or frustration when facing a repetitive or annoying event |
| Common Uses | Memes, GIFs, reaction images, fanfiction, tweets, video edits |
| Variations | “Ah shit here we go again”, “Aw crap here we go again”, “Oh shit here we go again” |
| Notable Platforms | Reddit, KnowYourMeme, Wattpad, AO3, Imgur, GIPHY, Twitter/X |
| Meme Format | Usually includes a still of CJ walking with the phrase as caption |
| Cultural Impact | Remains a go-to reaction online for shared, annoying experiences |
| Related Tags | #MemeCulture, #GTA, #AwShitHereWeGoAgain, #CJMemes |
| Search Intent | Entertainment, humor, relatability, pop culture reference |
Why This Meme Hits So Hard
Let’s be honest: most memes are fleeting. But “Aw shit, here we go again” has real staying power. Why? Because it perfectly captures an emotion we all know too well: resigned acceptance.
It’s that moment when:
- You see your ex’s name pop up on your phone.
- Your boss schedules a “quick sync” at 4:59 p.m. on Friday.
- A new social media app launches and you already know you’ll have to learn the ropes all over again.
It’s humor wrapped in truth — and that’s internet gold.
The Meme’s Many Faces: Variations and Synonyms
While the original phrase reigns supreme, the internet loves to remix:
- “Ah shit, here we go again” – the most accurate quote.
- “Aw crap, here we go again” – the PG-rated cousin.
- “Oh shit, here we go again” – an interchangeable version.
- “Aw shit here we go again meme” – a common search for people looking to share or react.
- “My reaction when aw shit here we go again” – often paired with GIFs and Twitter captions.
These variations help the meme adapt to different tones, audiences, and platforms. It’s versatile — and that’s why it’s still everywhere.
Where It Lives: From Reddit to Fanfiction
You don’t have to look far to spot this meme in the wild. Here’s where it shows up most:
Subreddits like r/memes and r/GTA keep the meme alive with new, relatable spins on old problems.
Fanfiction Platforms (Wattpad, AO3, FanFiction.Net)
Writers use the phrase in author’s notes, titles, and dialogue to set the tone — often humorous or dramatic. It’s not just a meme; it’s a storytelling tool.
Check out:
- Wattpad Mario fanfic list
- AO3 meme usage
- Fanfiction.net example
Gaming Forums (HLTV, VGChartz, RPGnet)
In esports or game announcements, it’s shorthand for “we’ve been here before”. Like when Ubisoft hints at another live service game? Yep — you’ll find someone in the comments sighing, “Aw shit, here we go again.”
Examples:
- HLTV CS:GO thread
- VGChartz Ubisoft story
Pop Culture Blogs
Even music and entertainment blogs get in on it. Take Vinyl Me Please, where the phrase described a surprise concert moment that fans totally saw coming.
No Featured Snippets? No Problem.
While Google doesn’t always serve up a featured snippet for this meme, “People Also Ask” boxes often include questions like:
- What game is “Aw shit here we go again” from?
- Who says the meme?
- What does it mean?
So, let’s answer them, shall we?
What game is it from?
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004).
Who says it?
Carl “CJ” Johnson, the main character.
What does it mean?
It expresses frustration or reluctance when facing a recurring situation — usually with a sarcastic or humorous tone.
The Meme in 2025: Still Going Strong
Despite being two decades old, this meme is far from dead. In fact, it sees resurgences every time:
- GTA makes headlines (like with the GTA VI buzz).
- Social media has a meltdown (hello, Twitter/X updates).
- Real-life events echo that same loop of ugh, not this again.
Even niche communities, like those discussing health data on Apple Watch forums, have adopted it — proving the meme’s surprising range.
Sources like:
- ftcl.es ECG example
- thebpo.net PVC discussion
— show how even medical conversations aren’t immune to a well-placed “Aw shit.”
From Meme to Mindset: The Psychology of “Aw Shit”
So why do we relate so deeply to this phrase?
Because life is a cycle. We encounter the same problems, over and over. And this meme gives us a way to laugh at the repetition instead of just suffering through it.
It’s like a mental reset button — a little sarcasm, a little humor, and suddenly, you’re ready to take on the situation (again).
When to Use It (and When Not To)
Like any meme, timing is everything.
Perfect For:
- Relatable frustrations (work, relationships, tech issues).
- Reacting to someone making the same mistake again.
- Highlighting patterns in pop culture or politics.
Avoid When:
- The situation is serious or sensitive (mental health, emergencies).
- You’re trying to make a professional or respectful impression.
Remember: humor has power — but only when used thoughtfully.
Final Thoughts: It’s More Than a Meme — It’s a Shared Experience
“Aw shit, here we go again” isn’t just a quote from an old video game. It’s a cultural shorthand for the grind of modern life — a way to bond, to vent, and most importantly, to laugh through the repetition.
So next time you find yourself face-to-face with a recurring headache (or another unnecessary work meeting), take a breath, summon your inner CJ, and say it loud:
Aw shit, here we go again.
Because chances are… you’re not alone in thinking it.
Related Searches You Might Enjoy:
- “GTA San Andreas memes”
- “CJ meme reaction GIF”
- “Aw crap here we go again meaning”
- “Relatable reaction memes 2025”
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