The phrase is closely associated with Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega's famously fast blue hedgehog, whose whole character is built around speed. It became a shorthand catchphrase in Sonic cartoons, games, and fan culture, then spread widely as an internet meme whenever speed, rushing, or overconfidence was the joke. Creators reuse it because it is instantly recognisable even without a visual of Sonic, and it works as a punchline on its own. Its short length also makes it easy to drop into edits, reaction videos, and gaming clips.