The Story Behind the 'You Guys are Getting Paid?' Meme

The "You Guys are Getting Paid?" meme originates from the 2013 comedy film We're the Millers. In the movie, the character Kenny Rossmore, played by actor Will Poulter, is part of a fake family involved in a drug smuggling operation. During a scene where the group discusses their payment, Kenny, who is naive and unaware of the financial arrangements, expresses his surprise with the now-famous line, "You guys are getting paid?"

Origin and Spread

The meme began gaining traction online around 2018, when users started sharing the image of Kenny's bewildered expression paired with the caption. It quickly became a popular reaction image used to express disbelief or surprise at others receiving compensation or benefits that one did not expect.

“You Guys Are Getting Paid?” Lands at No. 17

Google Trends shows an average 820 Google searches per month (June 2024 → May 2025) that pair Sam Wilson’s line with “template," “meme generator,” or similar search queries. This creation-intent slice equals 1.84 % of the top-20 pool, giving the meme No. 17 on the 20 Most Popular Meme Templates ranking.

Cultural Impact

The "You Guys are Getting Paid?" meme has become a staple in internet culture, often used to comment on economic disparities or unexpected financial situations. Its humorous take on feeling out of the loop resonates with many, making it a go-to choice for expressing surprise or envy in a lighthearted manner.

Overall, this meme highlights the comedic potential of everyday misunderstandings and the universal experience of feeling left out of the loop.