Talking Ben is the grey dog from Outfit7's Talking Tom and Friends virtual pet apps, where tapping the character makes him speak, laugh and react in a deep, cartoon voice. His dry, slightly sarcastic manner made him a favourite for short-form comedy, and clips of his laugh began circulating widely in meme edits and soundboards as creators reused his reactions for jokes, fails and awkward moments. The laugh works because it is instantly recognisable to viewers who grew up with the apps, while still landing for newcomers as a simple, mocking chuckle.