Not that but this Meme Template
This template presents two options side by side, rejecting the reasonable or expected choice in favor of the absurd or chaotic alternative, used to illustrate perverse priorities or deliberate contrarianism. It captures the specific comedy of choosing the worse option on purpose.
Caption this template- Category
- Situation Meme Templates
- Size
- 200 x 200 px
- Format
- Image
- Price
- Free, no sign up
Where the Not that but this meme comes from
The format draws from a variety of two-panel comparison meme structures that proliferated through the 2010s, including formats like Drake's approval-disapproval meme and the NPC choice screen. The specific 'not that but this' framing emphasizes deliberate rejection of the sensible path.
How to caption the Not that but this meme
Label the first panel as the logical, responsible, or expected choice and the second panel as the chaotic, self-destructive, or absurd alternative that you are choosing anyway. Pair with a caption explaining the context to make the wrong choice feel personal and specific. Open it in the meme generator, or read how to make relatable memes for more.
Not that but this caption ideas
Need a starting point? Try one of these on the Not that but this template, then make it your own in the meme generator.
- Not going to bed at a reasonable hour / But staying up to watch one more video at 2am
- Not the gym membership I'm paying for / But the couch, which is free
- Not answering the easy email / But reorganizing my entire desktop instead
- Not the leftovers I cooked on purpose / But ordering takeout 'just this once'
- Not finishing the assignment due tomorrow / But starting a brand new hobby tonight
Best uses for the Not that but this template
Use the Not that but this template when the joke fits a situation format and the image can explain the feeling before the reader finishes the caption. It is strongest for relatable everyday moments, before-and-after jokes, and social observations.
This blank is 200 x 200 px and is a still image, so place the most important words where they stay readable after a feed crop. The near-square frame is flexible for feeds, group chats, Reddit, and Discord.
The sample captions leave room for a setup and a punchline without turning into a paragraph. Before exporting, read the caption once without looking at the image; if it still needs a long explanation, switch to a simpler setup or a more obvious related template.
Caption patterns to try
| Pattern | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Not going to bed at a reasonable hour / But staying up to watch one more video at 2am | This works because it gives the reader a specific situation instead of a vague label. |
| Not the gym membership I'm paying for / But the couch, which is free | This pattern keeps the setup concrete, which helps the template carry the reaction. |
| Not answering the easy email / But reorganizing my entire desktop instead | This is a useful direction when you want the punchline to feel personal or self-aware. |
Common mistakes with this blank
- Writing a caption that explains the whole joke instead of letting the Not that but this image do part of the work.
- Placing text over the most expressive part of the image, especially faces, gestures, signs, or the main action.
- Using three different ideas in one meme. This template works better when it points at one clear situation.
- Exporting before checking the meme at phone size. If the smallest words blur together, shorten the caption first.
