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The $101 Krabby Patty: Unpacking The Absurd Viral History Of "With Cheese, Mr. Squidward"

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The phrase "With cheese, Mr. Squidward, with cheese" is one of the most iconic, yet often misunderstood, quotes to emerge from the vast library of SpongeBob SquarePants content. As of late 2025, this simple four-word addendum continues to thrive across social media, transcending its animated origins to become a universal shorthand for absurdly high prices, inflation, or the ridiculous cost of a minor—but essential—upgrade.

Its enduring popularity lies in its perfect encapsulation of the show's dark humor, specifically the insatiable greed of Eugene H. Krabs, and the long-suffering exasperation of Squidward Tentacles. While many fans mistakenly attribute the line to a random episode or a fan-made video, the true source is far more significant, anchoring the quote in a pivotal moment of the franchise’s history.

The Official Origin Story: $101.00 for a Krabby Patty

The legendary phrase, "With cheese, Mr. Squidward, with cheese," is not a throwaway line from a standard episode of the show. Instead, it is a crucial piece of dialogue from the opening sequence of the first major cinematic release, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, which premiered in 2004.

The scene is set at the Krusty Krab, where Mr. Krabs, the notoriously frugal and greedy owner, is celebrating the grand opening of the Krusty Krab 2. In a moment that perfectly defines his character, he is seen adjusting the price of a standard Krabby Patty on the menu board, raising it from a modest price to an astronomical $101.00.

Squidward, the cashier, naturally questions the outrageous price hike, asking, "One-hundred and one dollars for a Krabby Patty?" Mr. Krabs, with a triumphant and unapologetic grin, delivers the now-famous justification: "With cheese, Mr. Squidward, with cheese." The line is an immediate punchline, highlighting the absurdity of charging $100 extra for a single slice of cheese, a simple addition to the already-famous secret formula sandwich.

  • Quote: "With cheese, Mr. Squidward, with cheese."
  • Speaker: Eugene H. Krabs
  • Recipient: Squidward Tentacles
  • Source: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
  • Context: Justifying a Krabby Patty price increase to $101.00.

This cinematic moment cemented the quote in the minds of a generation of fans, but its journey into the wider internet meme culture is a story of re-contextualization and digital virality.

The Meme's Evolution: From Movie Quote to Viral Sensation

While the quote has been a beloved piece of SpongeBob lore since 2004, its meme status exploded in the mid-2010s. This surge was partly fueled by a fan-made video series by the YouTube channel "Fried Chili Cheese Dogs," which also popularized the related, though distinct, quote "Have a bowl, Mr. Squidward."

The combination of an official, highly quotable line from a major movie and its subsequent re-popularization through fan content made "With cheese, Mr. Squidward" a meme powerhouse. The key to its longevity is its versatility, making it applicable to a wide range of real-world scenarios.

The Topical Authority of Absurd Pricing

The meme's core meaning revolves around the concept of "absurd upcharge." It is frequently deployed to mock or lament situations where a minimal addition results in a disproportionately massive cost increase. This topical authority connects the meme to real-world discussions about economics, consumerism, and corporate greed.

Common Meme Applications (LSI Keywords):

  • Inflation Commentary: Used to satirize the rising cost of everyday goods, like a $10 latte with a $5 charge for "almond milk" or "extra syrup."
  • Video Game Microtransactions: Applied to games where a simple cosmetic item or minor in-game upgrade costs an exorbitant amount of real money. Reddit communities like r/Switch and r/gaming frequently use this meme in this context.
  • Restaurant Upgrades: The most direct application, used when a restaurant charges a ridiculous premium for an extra topping, like a slice of cheese or a dollop of guacamole.
  • Service Fees: Used to comment on the hidden or excessive fees added to tickets, delivery orders, or rental services.

The meme’s enduring presence on platforms like Reddit (especially r/BikiniBottomTwitter and r/memes), Tenor, and Imgflip showcases its continual relevance. It's a comedic way for users to express shared frustration over feeling nickel-and-dimed in the modern economy.

The Psychology Behind the Krabby Patty's $101 Price Tag

To fully appreciate the genius of the "With cheese" quote, one must understand the characters involved and the setting of Bikini Bottom. The Krabby Patty is the most famous food in the underwater world, and the Krusty Krab is its primary source. This dynamic creates a monopoly, which Mr. Krabs ruthlessly exploits.

Mr. Krabs: The Epitome of Capitalist Greed

Eugene H. Krabs is not just cheap; he is a caricature of unbridled capitalist greed. His entire existence revolves around money, or "moolah," and the pursuit of profit, often at the expense of his employees, SpongeBob SquarePants and Squidward. His attempt to charge $101.00 for a Krabby Patty—a price completely divorced from the actual cost of ingredients—is a satirical commentary on corporate price gouging. The "with cheese" justification is a ludicrous attempt to rationalize a pure profit grab, a moment of dark comedy that resonates with adult viewers who understand the sting of hidden costs.

Squidward Tentacles: The Voice of the Consumer

Squidward, the cynical and perpetually miserable cashier, serves as the audience's surrogate. He is the one who questions the absurdity, voicing the outrage that any rational customer would feel. His reaction—a look of disbelief and a strained, rhetorical question—is what sets up the punchline. He is the long-suffering employee forced to sell an overpriced product, a relatable entity for anyone in the service industry.

The meme’s popularity is a testament to the fact that the original writers understood a fundamental truth: a simple request, like adding cheese, can often hide a disproportionate cost, and that absurdity is ripe for comedic exploitation. The Krabby Patty, a fictional burger, becomes a symbol of every overpriced item in the real world.

The Enduring Legacy of SpongeBob Memes

The "With cheese, Mr. Squidward" quote is just one example of how the SpongeBob SquarePants universe has become a seemingly endless source of internet memes. The show’s unique animation, expressive character designs, and absurd dialogue have created a rich tapestry of quotable moments that continue to be discovered and repurposed by new generations.

Other popular memes and entities from the show that share this topical authority of absurdity include:

  • Savage Patrick: A reaction image used to convey shock or disbelief.
  • Handsome Squidward: Used to mock or celebrate dramatic transformations.
  • Mocking SpongeBob (SpongeGar): Used to convey a condescending or mocking tone.
  • The Krusty Krab vs. Chum Bucket Rivalry: A classic entity used to represent any fierce business competition.
  • "Is mayonnaise an instrument?": A quote highlighting general ignorance or stupidity.

The "With cheese" meme stands apart because it carries a specific, sophisticated commentary on economic absurdity, making it more than just a funny face or a silly quote. It is a cultural artifact that uses the beloved world of Bikini Bottom to satirize the real-world frustration of inflation and the relentless pursuit of profit. From the original 2004 movie to the latest commentary on social media, the simple addition of cheese remains a powerful symbol of a $100 upcharge.

The $101 Krabby Patty: Unpacking the Absurd Viral History of
with cheese mr squidward
with cheese mr squidward

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