The phrase under consideration describes short, humorous text accompanying a picture or video posted on Instagram to celebrate the successful completion of a thesis defense. These captions are intended to add levity to a significant academic achievement, often employing puns, self-deprecating humor, or relatable jokes about the thesis writing process. For example, a picture of the newly defended scholar holding their thesis might be captioned: “I came, I saw, I cited.”
Such captions serve as a means of sharing personal joy and relief with a wider audience, acknowledging the hard work involved while maintaining a lighthearted tone. The use of humor can make the accomplishment more relatable and engaging for viewers, potentially fostering connection and support. In the context of social media, where brevity and entertainment are valued, these funny captions are more likely to capture attention and generate positive interaction compared to purely formal announcements. Historically, celebrations of academic milestones may have been largely private affairs, but social media platforms offer a space for public acknowledgment and shared experiences.