“Hail lobster” is a peculiar catchphrase that has become associated with Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson You may have seen it referenced in memes or on t-shirts and other merchandise But what exactly does this quirky saying mean and where did it come from?
The origins of “hail lobster” trace back to a controversial depiction of Peterson in a Marvel comic book in 2021. Here’s the full backstory behind this unexpected cultural phenomenon.
The Marvel Comic Book Controversy
In April 2021, Marvel found itself embroiled in controversy after it was revealed that the villain Red Skull espoused sentiments in a Captain America comic that appeared to parody Jordan Peterson’s work
In issue #28 of the comic series written by Ta-Nehisi Coates Red Skull discusses his “Ten Rules of Life” while crouched over a lobster. Many readers saw it as an unflattering reference to Peterson’s bestselling book “12 Rules for Life” which features lobsters on the cover.
Peterson, a psychologist known for his outspoken views on political correctness, free speech, and other hot button topics, was none too pleased with Marvel’s depiction of him as a Nazi supervillain.
He called out the comic book publisher on Twitter, asking incredulously if he really lived in a universe where his ideas were being associated with Red Skull’s twisted philosophy. Peterson’s legions of supporters also vocally criticized Marvel’s perceived attack.
Peterson Fires Back with “Hail Lobster”
Never one to back down from a fight, Peterson responded to Marvel’s comic with humorous defiance. He playfully tweeted “Hail lobster” alongside an image of a lobster claw similar to the Hydra logo.
This was a subversive parody of Marvel’s attempt to paint him as a radical, as well as the Red Skull catchphrase “Hail Hydra”. With this bold, ironic appropriation, Peterson rebutted claims that he was akin to a dangerous ideologue.
The “hail lobster” meme also paid tribute to Peterson’s affection for the crustacean, which he uses as a metaphor for hierarchy, competence, and meaning in life. The lobster on his book cover has become one of his signature symbols.
Peterson was signaling that attempts to disparage him would only strengthen his personal brand and connection to his beloved lobster iconography.
How “Hail Lobster” Took Off
Peterson’s online fans and defenders took up the “hail lobster” battle cry with enthusiasm. They adopted it as a way to show support for the maverick thinker in the face of what they saw as unfair attacks by progressive critics.
Soon “hail lobster” t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and other gear started popping up online, allowing Peterson’s supporters to flaunt their allegiance. Some referenced the phrase while defending Peterson in online debates about cancel culture and free speech rights.
For many in the anti-PC crowd, “hail lobster” expressed defiance against politically correct norms dictating what ideas or figures can be discussed. It became a symbolic Push back against deplatforming and censorship.
The phrase also took off because it was absurd and ironic. The sheer randomness of pairing “hail” and “lobster” in a faux-fascist salute delighted meme creators and trolls looking to get a rise out of Peterson’s opponents.
Thanks to endless meme iterations and merchandising, “hail lobster” completed its evolution from an off-the-cuff tweet to an internet-fueled pop culture phenomenon.
What Does “Hail Lobster” Mean Today?
Most fundamentally, “hail lobster” continues to serve as an expression of solidarity with Jordan Peterson from his supporters. Uttering or displaying the phrase identifies yourself as a fan who sees Peterson as an important thinker unfairly criticized by the establishment.
It also operates as a fun piece of ironic humor and online rebellion against cancel culture. In a hyper-political era, lobster imagery and apparel lets people signal opposition to progressive overreach without being overtly partisan.
And at a basic level, it just captures the inherent silliness of rallying around a cartoon lobster as a symbolic figurehead. Peterson himself likely had his tongue planted in cheek when he first tweeted the tongue-in-cheek tagline.
So while it originated as a counterattack on Marvel and a rallying cry among Peterson devotees, “hail lobster” has expanded far beyond its original context. Today it represents online irreverence, defenses of free speech, and general enthusiasm for Peterson’s outside-the-box perspective.
The Unusual Legacy of “Hail Lobster”
Jordan Peterson, Marvel, lobsters, and fascism. Not exactly a combination you’d expect to spawn an enduring catchphrase. But thanks to the perfect storm of controversy and internet fandom, that’s exactly what “hail lobster” became.
Against all odds, this absurdist saying endowed the humble lobster with political symbolism it could have never attained otherwise.
It just goes to show the unpredictable power of online movements to seize on an incident and transform it into lasting cultural lore. No matter how far he ascends as an iconoclast intellectual, for supporters and detractors alike, Peterson may be forever linked in the public imagination to his crustacean calling card.
So next time you come across someone wearing a lobster shirt or sees lobster memes flood your social feeds, you’ll understand the whole bizarre backstory. Hail lobsters, indeed.
Lessons from Lobsters | Jordan Peterson
FAQ
What is the lobster argument?
Does serotonin make lobsters more aggressive?
What does ‘hail lobster’ mean?
“Hail lobster,” Peterson jokingly tweeted out alongside a lobster-themed parody of the symbol representing Hydra, a fictional terrorist organization run by Captain America’s nemesis, Red Skull. Both Red Skull and Hydra were associated with the Nazis in the comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Why does Peterson use a lobster as a mascot?
So, whether or not the science behind Peterson’s claim is totally bunk, the lobster serves as a mascot for his pitch that social hierarchy is natural, and that its winning candidates are men who clean their rooms and stand up straight with their shoulders back.
What does ‘short’ mean in relation to lobsters?
In the lobster industry, ‘shorts’ is a term used to indicate lobsters that have been caught under or above the legal size limit. When describing the size of lobsters, you might hear them referred to as the following: Eighth: A lobster weighing 1 1/8 pounds. Quarter: A lobster weighing 1 1/4 pounds.
What is the difference between a cull and a sleeper lobster?
A cull lobster is one that has lost one of its claws and is often less expensive since the presentation is not a factor. On the other hand, a sleeper lobster is a term for a lobster that is so sluggish it cannot hold up its claws.