When the photocopier runs out of ink 

When the photocopier runs out of ink: A phrase used to describe a situation where an imitation or copy is revealed to be unoriginal or counterfeit in nature. This phrase can also be shortened to "The photocopier ran out of ink" and still convey the same meaning. The phrase carries an element of intentional absurdity, as photocopiers do not actually use ink (they use toner).

The etymology of this phrase traces back to March 2025 when the cover art for a rapper's album was mocked online after being exposed as strikingly similar to the cover art of another rapper's album— with only one noticeable difference. The cover art for rapper Doeshii's album depicted her holding an alligator while sitting in a single-seater sofa, against a faded monochromatic backdrop. The online mockery began when the image was compared to the cover art for a song by the rapper Shah, which featured him holding his pet alligator, sitting in a single-seater sofa, against a faded monochromatic backdrop. The only notable difference was that Doeshii's image featured an albino alligator, leading to the meme captioned "When the photocopier runs out of ink," in reference to the lack of pigment in her cover art's alligator.

Snugglington and Sunny are at an art gallery observing its owner insist a painting is an original, until a patron, on closer inspection, finds a stamp on the painting that says "Authentication denied. This is a Replica," prompting Snugglington to mockingly say "When the photocopier runs out of ink"

When the photocopier runs out of ink by JesusChristsDad March 18, 2025

When the photocopier runs out of ink 

A remark made after a counterfeit or fake item, that was falsely being presented as an original, is exposed, typically due to the discovery of the original, followed by a visual comparison of the two. The phrase can also used without the appearance of the original item, in situations where the imitation item malfunctions or breaks in a manner that would not be seen in the original.

Guy #1: Did you see Doeshii's alligator album cover getting exposed for just being a copy of Shah's alligator album cover, with the only difference being she used an albino alligator?

Guy#2: Yes I saw! You know thats what happens when the photocopier runs out of ink!

When the photocopier runs out of ink by JesusChristsDad March 22, 2025