Short videos of dogs delivering dramatic side-glances have gone viral on Instagram after viewers labeled the behavior as a "bombastic side eye" [1].
The clips highlight the intersection of pet behavior and internet meme culture, where specific animal expressions are categorized into social trends. These videos often use humor to personify animals, attributing human-like judgment or sass to their facial movements.
One widely shared clip features a Bernese Mountain Dog named Bogey [1]. In the footage, Bogey is seen on an indoor wooden floor, turning its head to give a perfectly timed glare that has amused audiences [1].
Other reports highlight similar behavior from different breeds. One specific video features an English Bulldog that appears to channel a "villain era" through a similarly hilarious side-eye glance [3].
The term "bombastic side eye" has become a shorthand for an exaggerated look of disbelief or judgment [2]. These videos typically follow a similar format: a pet is filmed in a candid moment, and the camera captures a sharp, sudden shift in the dog's gaze.
Lifestyle news sites have picked up the trend, reporting on how these animals manage to capture a specific mood that resonates with human social interactions [2]. The appeal lies in the timing of the glance and the perceived attitude of the animal.
While the dogs are simply reacting to their environment, the framing of the videos transforms a natural animal instinct into a digital performance [1]. This trend continues to spread as pet owners seek to capture similar expressions in their own animals to match the viral aesthetic [4].
“A Bernese Mountain Dog named Bogey is making people laugh with one perfectly timed glare.”
The viral nature of these clips demonstrates how social media platforms like Instagram utilize 'micro-trends' to categorize animal behavior. By applying human linguistic labels like 'bombastic side eye' to pets, users create a shared cultural language that drives engagement through relatability and humor.
