Owen Wilson's drawn-out 'wow' became an internet shorthand after supercuts stitched together the many times he says the word across his film career, in movies ranging from comedies to family films. The compilations spread widely on YouTube and social media in the mid-2010s, turning a normal line delivery into a recognisable reaction meme. Short single-wow clips were then lifted for soundboards and edits. It remains popular because almost everyone recognises the voice instantly, and the same clip works for genuine amazement, stunned disbelief or dry sarcasm without any extra context needed.