Twitter recalls when we used to be a proper country in a new meme

We haven't been a proper country since...
 By 
Elena Cavender
 on 

The latest Twitter meme "we used to be a proper country" pokes fun of conservative language and ideals while also fulfilling our need for nostalgia.

"We used to be a proper country" repurposes typical conservative language to reminisce about iconic pop culture moments and collective memories such as the combination Pizza Hut Taco Bell and the original Four Loko recipe. This type of rhetoric is often used in reference to more heteronormative and patriotic moments in American history by conservative media or politicians.

Think President Trump's "Make America Great Again." The phrase sounds like something a right-wing commentator would say in response to Harry Styles wearing a dress or implementation of gender neutral bathrooms. By memeing the phrase, Twitter users are showing how ridiculous that type of argument is at its core. The phrase is also allowing Twitter to do one of the internet's favorite pastimes: get nostalgic about all the best and wackiest moments from the past.

The meme is simple, the words "we used to be a proper country" followed by a photo or series of photos that encapsulates some memorable era.

So, what do you think of when you hear "we used to be a proper country?" Is it 2014 Tumblr or Disney Channel's peak? Chances are it's been memed.

Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Say it louder for the people in the back

2. Disney Channel hasn't been right since

3. Take me back

4. An iconic era of television

5. Make Taco Bell bisexual again

6. RIP flavored Juul pods

7. Best. Website. Ever.

8.Immaculate vibes

9. An elite playground

Topics X/Twitter Memes

Mashable Image
Elena Cavender

Elena is a tech reporter and the resident Gen Z expert at Mashable. She covers TikTok and digital trends. She recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in American History. Email her at [email protected] or follow her @ecaviar_.

Mashable Potato

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!