If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, chances are you’ve come across the “why were chainsaws invented” joke or meme. This bizarre question has been making the rounds, leaving people shocked and disturbed after discovering the unexpected answer. But what exactly is the joke about, and why has it become such a viral sensation? In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of the “why were chainsaws invented” joke, explore the shocking truth behind it, and provide some context on why it has captured the internet’s imagination.
The Origins of the “Why Were Chainsaws Invented” Joke
The “why were chainsaws invented” joke can be traced back to a viral TikTok video posted by user @hellomynamesjon in December 2020. In the video, Jon casually mentions that chainsaws were originally invented for childbirth, leaving viewers equal parts intrigued and horrified.
@hellomynamesjon’s video quickly gained traction, with many people expressing disbelief and curiosity about the claim. Soon, the “why were chainsaws invented” question became a meme, with people encouraging others to search for the answer online, only to be met with a disturbing revelation.
The Shocking Truth: Chainsaws and Childbirth
As bizarre as it may sound, the claim that chainsaws were initially invented for childbirth is indeed true – at least partially. The original “chainsaw” was a far cry from the modern, powerful tools we associate with the term today. Instead, it was a crude, hand-cranked device with a chain of serrated teeth, designed to assist in a medical procedure called symphysiotomy.
In the late 18th century, two Scottish doctors, John Aitken and James Jeffray, developed this prototype chainsaw to aid in the process of symphysiotomy. This surgical procedure involved cutting through the cartilage of the pubic symphysis to widen the pelvis and facilitate childbirth when the baby was trapped or in cases where a cesarean section was not possible.
The Prototype Chainsaw: A Gruesome Solution
Before the invention of the prototype chainsaw, symphysiotomies were performed using a regular knife, which made the process excruciatingly painful and time-consuming. Aitken and Jeffray’s chainsaw was designed to make the procedure quicker and less agonizing for the mother.
The device consisted of a chain of serrated teeth that could be rotated around a guiding blade by turning a handle. While primitive by today’s standards, this early chainsaw was considered a groundbreaking innovation in its time, as it significantly reduced the trauma associated with symphysiotomies.
The Evolution of the Chainsaw
Despite its grim origins, the chainsaw’s design proved useful in other medical applications, such as bone surgeries and amputations. Over time, the chainsaw’s potential as a tool for cutting wood was recognized, and it underwent a series of improvements and adaptations.
In 1830, German orthopedist Bernhard Heine developed the osteotome, a more advanced version of the chainsaw specifically designed for cutting bones. The first portable, gasoline-powered chainsaw was patented in 1918 by Canadian inventor James Shand, and in 1926, German company Stihl introduced the first electric chainsaw.
Today, chainsaws come in various sizes and designs, from compact cordless models for home use to powerful, industrial-grade machines used in forestry and construction. However, their origins in the gruesome world of 18th-century childbirth remain a source of fascination and dark humor for many.
The “Why Were Chainsaws Invented” Joke Goes Viral
As the shocking truth behind the chainsaw’s origins spread across the internet, the “why were chainsaws invented” joke gained momentum, with people finding humor in the absurdity of the situation. The joke typically involves encouraging others to search for the answer online, only to be met with the disturbing revelation that chainsaws were initially designed for a medical procedure related to childbirth.
The joke’s popularity can be attributed to several factors:
- Shock Value: The idea that something as innocuous as a chainsaw could have such a gruesome origin is inherently shocking and unexpected, making it ripe for meme-worthy material.
- Schadenfreude: There’s a certain level of schadenfreude (deriving pleasure from someone else’s misfortune or discomfort) involved in the joke, as people find amusement in the reactions of those who are caught off guard by the disturbing truth.
- Curiosity and Myth-Busting: The joke plays on people’s natural curiosity and desire to uncover obscure facts or debunk myths, leading them down a rabbit hole of information they might not have expected.
- Relatability: While the specifics of the chainsaw’s origins are unusual, the concept of being surprised or disturbed by an unexpected fact is something many people can relate to, making the joke more relatable and shareable.
The “Why Were Chainsaws Invented” Meme Variations
As with any successful internet meme, the “why were chainsaws invented” joke has spawned numerous variations and spin-offs. Here are some of the most popular examples:
The “Eye-Washing” Meme
This meme typically features an image of someone washing their eyes out with water, accompanied by text indicating that they’ve just learned the truth about why chainsaws were invented and need to cleanse their mind.
The “Leatherface” Meme
This variation combines the chainsaw’s origins with the iconic horror movie character Leatherface from “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” franchise. It often features an image of Leatherface wielding his chainsaw, accompanied by text imagining him as a delivery room assistant during a symphysiotomy.
The “Regret” Meme
These memes express a sense of regret or frustration at having learned the truth about chainsaws, often featuring text along the lines of “I wish I hadn’t Googled why chainsaws were invented.”
The “Suffering” Meme
Similar to the “Regret” meme, these memes depict the mental anguish or suffering experienced after discovering the chainsaw’s origins, often using exaggerated imagery or text.
FAQs: Why Were Chainsaws Invented Joke
Q1: Is the “why were chainsaws invented” joke true?
A1: Yes, the joke is based on a true fact. The earliest prototypes of chainsaws were indeed invented to assist in the medical procedure of symphysiotomy, which was used to widen the pelvis during difficult childbirths.
Q2: Who invented the first chainsaw for childbirth?
A2: The first chainsaw-like device for childbirth was invented by Scottish doctors John Aitken and James Jeffray in the late 18th century.
Q3: How did the original chainsaw work?
A3: The original chainsaw was a hand-cranked device with a chain of serrated teeth that could be rotated around a guiding blade. It was designed to cut through the cartilage of the pubic symphysis during symphysiotomies, making the procedure quicker and less painful than using a regular knife.
Q4: Why did the “why were chainsaws invented” joke become so popular?
A4: The joke became popular due to its shock value, the schadenfreude involved in seeing people’s reactions, the curiosity it piqued, and the relatability of being surprised by an unexpected fact.
Q5: What are some of the most popular variations of the “why were chainsaws invented” meme?
A5: Some of the most popular variations include the “eye-washing” meme, the “Leatherface” meme (referencing the horror movie character), the “regret” meme, and the “suffering” meme.
Q6: Are symphysiotomies still performed today?
A6: While symphysiotomies were once a common practice, they are now rarely performed in modern medicine due to the availability of safer alternatives, such as cesarean sections. However, in some parts of the world with limited medical resources, symphysiotomies may still be performed as a last resort.
Conclusion
The “why were chainsaws invented” joke may have started as a simple TikTok video, but it quickly evolved into a viral sensation, capturing the internet’s imagination with its shocking and unexpected truth. While the idea of chainsaws being invented for childbirth may seem bizarre and disturbing, it highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of medical professionals throughout history, who were willing to explore unconventional solutions to save lives.
The joke’s popularity also speaks to the human fascination with obscure facts and the desire to share surprising or unsettling information. Whether you find the joke funny, disturbing, or simply interesting, it’s a testament to the power of the internet to spread information and create shared cultural experiences.
So, the next time someone asks you “why were chainsaws invented,” you’ll be prepared with the unexpected answer – and perhaps a few meme variations to share as well.