The phrase comes from ABBA's 1980 hit "The Winner Takes It All", written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and sung by Agnetha Fältskog. The ballad became one of the Swedish group's most enduring songs, known for its story of a relationship ending while one side walks away with everything. Decades later, short clips of the chorus spread online as a reaction sound for contests, sports, gaming and reality show moments where the outcome feels both decisive and emotional.