"Not the," followed by a noun phrase, is an abbreviation of "Oh no! Not the," an expression of dismay. "The" can be substituted with other articles or determiners as fits the subject.
In familiar cartoons and movies it was employed as part of an over-the-top dismayed reaction to a threat, as in the Looney Tunes Cat and Bulldog cartoons: "Oh no! Not Happy Birthday! Not that! Please! Anything but Happy Birthday!"
In internet discourse it is mostly used in an ironic mode, expressing mock dismay at impotent threats, events or statements that are cringe, jokes that are too tryhard and so on.
In familiar cartoons and movies it was employed as part of an over-the-top dismayed reaction to a threat, as in the Looney Tunes Cat and Bulldog cartoons: "Oh no! Not Happy Birthday! Not that! Please! Anything but Happy Birthday!"
In internet discourse it is mostly used in an ironic mode, expressing mock dismay at impotent threats, events or statements that are cringe, jokes that are too tryhard and so on.
"Take him to Detroit."
"NOT DETROIT!" - Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
"NOT THE BEES!" - Wicker Man (2006)
Bender, believing himself a knight, picks up some pieces of silverware, and using his arm like a bow, starts shooting them at other characters.
Zoidberg: "Not the spork!" - Bender's Game (2008)
"not the employer sending the application rejection letter on christmas LMAO" -- @TobyTheDerg
"You're losing 1 inch of hairline for that buddy" -- @Inero
"Not the balding hex LMAO" -- @Voxtrik
"NOT DETROIT!" - Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
"NOT THE BEES!" - Wicker Man (2006)
Bender, believing himself a knight, picks up some pieces of silverware, and using his arm like a bow, starts shooting them at other characters.
Zoidberg: "Not the spork!" - Bender's Game (2008)
"not the employer sending the application rejection letter on christmas LMAO" -- @TobyTheDerg
"You're losing 1 inch of hairline for that buddy" -- @Inero
"Not the balding hex LMAO" -- @Voxtrik
by firstname.bunchofnumbers42069 December 28, 2024