Subject: Re: Kirk suspect's rifle
Sorry to make everyone here feel old. ;)

You're not kidding. Even more nuance here:

https://trending.knowyourmeme....

The earliest reported use of the catchphrase, or at least part of the phrase, dates back to January 6th, 2013, when DeviantArt user CookiMuffinFaic posted a screenshot of a fanfiction cover featuring furry characters titled, "OwO What is this I'm working on? A fanfic cover! :D"

However, the meme didn't really take off until 2015, when Imgur user MinotaurusPro posted a meme depicting two furries roleplaying online. In the art, one of the furries writes to the other, "nuzzles u back and pounces on u and notices your buldge 'OwO what's this…?" In the case of the meme, "bulge" refers to noticing the outline of a man's crotch.

The meme is meant to make fun of furry roleplaying, including the language and typing quirks stereotypically attributed to roleplayers and furries. Notably, the meme uses the symbol "OwO," which is an emoticon commonly used by furries to portray a cutesy surprised face, similar to "UwU." It is also used outside the furry community on the internet, often ironically.

Lots more at the link.