Why Not Both meme also known by its Spanish counterpart ¿Por qué no los dos? is one of the internet’s most enduring reaction memes, celebrated for its simplicity, versatility and optimistic refusal to accept false choices.
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Origin
The meme traces back to an Old El Paso commercial from the mid-2000s in which a young girl named Mia Agraviador helps settle a family taco debate. After siblings argue over soft versus hard taco shells, she casually suggests, ¿Por qué no los dos? Spanish for Why not both? ending the argument with a shrug and a smile.
This line, originally a simple marketing moment, became internet folklore. Early discussions about the ad were noted as early as 2009 on Twitter, and by 2010 the phrase was shared as an image macro on humor sites like FunnyJunk.
Meaning and Usage
While the original phrase comes from Spanish, its online meaning evolved into a universal shorthand for rejecting limiting choices. It’s used when:
- Both options are feasible
- A compromise is preferable
- A situation doesn’t require sacrificing one good for another
In this way, “Why Not Both?” became a favorite reaction image easily inserted into discussions on anything from food and entertainment to social issues.
Spread of the Meme
Once online, the meme transformed from an ad still to a global reaction image. Its use grew throughout 2010 and 2011 via social platforms including Reddit, Tumblr, and Facebook. Thousands of variants were created showing the girl’s figure as a punchline to any binary decision, literally answering either/or questions with Why not both?.
By 2016, the meme spiked in popularity again particularly in more polarizing political and cultural contexts as people used it to challenge false dichotomies and advocate for compromise or inclusive solutions.
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| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Meme Name | Why Not Both? / Why Don’t We Have Both? |
| Original Phrase | ¿Por qué no los dos? (Spanish for “Why not both?”) |
| Origin Source | Old El Paso Taco Kit TV Commercial |
| Actress | Mia Agraviador |
| First Meme Appearance | June 2010 (macro on FunnyJunk) |
| Peak Popularity | April 2016 (spread during polarizing cultural debates) |
| Meme Type | Reaction Image, Catchphrase |
| Main Usage | Expresses acceptance of doing both options instead of choosing one |
| Internet Spread Platforms | Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr, Facebook |
| Modern Cultural Application | Discussing careers, hybrid work, rejecting false binaries |
Who Is the Taco Girl Now?
For many years, the child actress was anonymous online. Eventually identified as Mia Agraviador, she has since embraced her unexpected internet fame. The phrase she delivered as a 6-year-old remains part of digital culture, with her even acknowledging it as part of her identity.
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In fact, many people today still quote the phrase when making light of everyday decisions from dinner menus to career decisions proving that a simple line from a taco ad can take on a life of its own in the digital age.
The meme originated from a mid-2000s Old El Paso TV commercial in which a girl named Mia Agraviador resolves a taco shell debate by suggesting both hard and soft shells.
The girl featured in the commercial is Mia Agraviador, who became widely recognized years later as the face of the viral meme.
