The phrase combines two common pieces of Mexican Spanish slang: no mames, an expression of disbelief, and que asco, meaning how disgusting. As a short soundboard clip, it spread through Spanish-language meme videos, reaction edits and streams, where a single disgusted reaction could carry an entire joke without explanation. It remains popular because the tone is instantly readable, the clip is only about one and a half seconds long, and it fits the fast, punchy rhythm of short-form video, especially when a creator wants a reaction in Spanish rather than English.