In a world where artificial intelligence is already taking over our jobs, chatting with us like old friends and occasionally making up facts, the internet has come up with a new, rather spicy way to express frustration. Meet the "clanker" — a term that sprung from Star Wars and is now synonymous with anything that annoys us about AI. And yes, if you ask ChatGPT, it might think you're talking about old British slang for metallic sounds. How ironic, right?
The term “clanker” is not new from the labs of Silicon Valley, but has its roots in the franchise Star Wars. It first appeared in a 2005 video game and later in the animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008), where the clone troopers used it to fight droids—those metal monsters that made rattling noises when they walked. But today, it’s migrated to TikTok and Instagram, where it serves as an insult to artificial intelligence. It’s as if to say, “Hey, you metal brain substitute, go away!”
@nadweyt saw this clanker on my morning walk. seems like they're getting too comfortable. be careful out there. #clanker 1TP10 Trobot #clankermemes #fyp #wireback ♬ original sound – nadwe
It’s spreading like wildfire on social media, with videos depicting dystopian scenarios where people express their hostility towards “clankers.” In one viral clip, a parent tells a child, “We don’t talk to them,” while in another, a man chases a robot out of the room, saying, “Get out of here with that dirty clunker!” The memes have racked up hundreds of millions of views, and as Euronews reports, a US senator has even used the term to call for regulation of AI chatbots in customer service. NPR adds that it’s a widely used slur for robots and AI that reflects our collective fears.
Why now? Frustrations in the age of AI
The popularity of the “clanker” coincides with a wave of dissatisfaction with artificial intelligence. People complain about “hallucinations” – when AI makes up information as if it’s at some wild party – and fear of losing their jobs. According to a July 2025 report by EY, 42 percent of Europeans believe that AI threatens them with unemployment. And then there are those who trust chatbots as therapists or even romantic partners. Who would have thought that one day we would be flirting with algorithms? Perhaps this is a sign that AI has become too “human” – or that we are too lazy.
Large language models like ChatGPT learn from internet data that isn’t always up-to-date, so they often don’t understand new slang. It’s like asking a Victorian gentleman about TikTok – confusion is guaranteed. And as visions of a future with separate “clankers only” taps appear on the web, we wonder: is this just humor or a serious warning sign?
@jaursland maybe these clankers are alright another robot sighting on soco in austin texas #fyp #atx #soco 1TP10 Trobot ♬ original sound – Jaurs
Conclusion: Clanker
As artificial intelligence becomes a part of our everyday lives, the “clanker” is not just a meme, but a mirror of our fears and frustrations. Maybe it’s time to ask ourselves whether we’ll live in harmony with our metal companions – or continue to insult them from the safe distance of the couch. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media – maybe even with your own clanker meme. And if you want to see viral videos, check out TikTok or Instagram for @coolguyz.online.
