A Critique of WhatsApp Stickers: Pepe Edition

Expressing yourself through the highest form of art.

Rania, London, May 27th.

I have recently finished my exams—and consequently, my undergraduate degree!

This is great because now, I have a lot of free time on my hands. In the immediate term, however, my brain is still recuperating from the barrage of academic nonsense and general chaos of ‘online exams’. So my sister suggested that this week’s topic must, indeed, be one that exercises Critical Thinking.

Let’s rate some WhatsApp stickers—The Pepe Edition.

PS: these are my personal takes and I will accept no constructive criticism. Only in-constructive criticism allowed. If you are even the slightest bit productive in your critique I’m gonna—

(Thank you to all my friends, who are my most trusted Pepe suppliers. Special mentions to Joanne, Binling and by extension, Beatrice, whose collections of stickers know no bounds.)

5/10

The :monkaS: classic. One of the first and most basic stickers you could have in your arsenal, so it deserves a basic and classic score, too. Useful for many occasions.

2/10.

Too clean, neat and unnecessary to warrant the extra taps involved in sending a sticker. Just use the “👌” emoji.

4/10. 

Not bad. Captures the existential crises many of us go through in the middle of a 2AM rant. Feels like it’s missing something though…

8/10

YES! PERFECT! This was exactly what that sticker needed. A visual representation of being catapulted into another astral plane in the middle of your existential crisis. She’s beautiful, chief. 

6/10 

When ‘Woohoo!’ is too formal and “WAHOOO” is too enthusiastic for the occasion—this sticker is your guy. Look at him. He’s so cute and full of unadulterated joy, genuinely excited for whatever it is you’re celebrating.

7/10 

next level :monkaS:

In isolation, this is the ugliest crap I’ve seen. But in conjunction with :monkaS: level 1 and 2… they make a compelling series. I can’t help but reward this level of storytelling, this richness of emotions and articulation of fear, so I’d give it a

9/10

3/10

Why does this Pepe look like a bootleg version? Who gave him long sleeves? Did he just de-age 10 years? I don’t vibe with this aesthetic. Next.

9.5/10

You may think “What? A nearly perfect score? She’s crazy” because at first glance this looks like a basic sticker but please! Appreciate the intentional artistry put into this sticker. Starting from the raised hands and curved fingers, showcasing the desperation that is gripping his every fiber of being. The slight turn of the mouth, the closed eyelids where tears have escaped, and the tears that are not just brimming but spilling down his cheeks. It is a profound display of pain, exasperation and helplessness, and its versatility is astounding. Applies to situations ranging from “I dropped my croissant,” to “I overslept and missed my final exams, my parents are going to kill me.” I do not speak from experience.

8/10

When sending “❤️” is too deep and you kinda wanna play it off. Or when your friend compliments you and you don’t know how to fully show your appreciation, but want to know they are precious all the same. Very handy.

0/10

This sticker is ugly for no goddamn reason! What kind of emotion is this supposed to be portraying!!!!!! I am docking points for vagueness. If I wanted to be vague, I would have used words.

8.5/10

I love these smol Pepes because they convey nothing but smol-ness. Yes, smol-ness is a thing. Look at them. They’re just smol. That’s it. Perfect to use in conversations when something you say or they say is making you want to be (but not feel!!!!) smol.

7/10

I would have scored this sticker higher because smol until my friend pointed out that the cups are filled with milk. He’s dunking the pizza in the milk, not holding them up as party poppers. That disturbs me greatly. I am using this sticker with caution from now on.

7.5/10

Almost no situation would call for the need of this Harry Pepetter, and yet he stays relevant. Must be the J.K R*wling name hard-carrying...

9/10

“whAt did u say”

9/10

“I DIDN’T SAY NUTTIN’!”

9/10

Although previous stickers may also be utilised when you are feeling attacked, this takes the cake. The turned back really emphasises who the villain is (your conversation partner) and the obscurity of Pepe’s expression, aside from the gritted teeth we’re offered, really lends to that added atmosphere of suspense. A work of art, really.

And, last but certainly not least,

10/10

“LET’S F*CKIN’ GOOOOOOOOO” 

I hope you all enjoyed this incredibly comprehensive critique of WhatsApp stickers, because I enjoyed writing it very much.