The 'Abby Choke Edits' meme originates from a leaked gameplay sequence of The Last of Us Part II, featuring the antagonist-turned-protagonist Abby Anderson choking the main character Ellie. Following the game's release in 2020, the image quickly transcended the gaming community due to its raw intensity and the polarized reception of the game's narrative. Internet users began digitally replacing Ellie's face with other pop culture figures or using the image as a metaphorical representation of someone being overwhelmed by external forces like work, school, or reality itself. The meme serves as a versatile tool for expressing struggle or humorous confrontation, solidifying its place as one of the most recognizable gaming templates of the early 2020s.