Know Your Meme explains the “Username Checks Out” catchphrase that has been surfing online for years, as a phrase that points out when someone makes a comment which complements their online handle.
The origins of the phrase dates back to November 19th, 2014, when the Redditor felix2468 posted a question to r/OutOfTheLoop about what the phrase ‘Username checks out’ meant. “While the comment had seen use online prior to the question, the post marked the first time someone inquired about its meaning online,” Know Your Meme explains.
A year later, on October 20th, 2015, “a 9GAG user posted an example showing someone with the username "EnragedQuitter" leaving an online gaming match, gaining over 6,600 points.” Then, on April 17th, 2016, Redditor The-Lying-Tree posted the same question to /r/OutOfTheLoop. According to Know Your Meme, in the thread, users Drogovic and Stuff_muffin provided examples of how the meme would be used. The joke was picked up by Redditors on various subreddits.
