At first glance, it seems innocent—two images side by side with the captions: What boys like and What girls like. On the left, a pair of chopsticks. On the right, a green, leaf-wrapped rice cake tied tightly into shape.
Funny? Yes. But there’s more going on here than just a clever visual pun. Beneath the humor lies a playful yet oddly insightful take on attraction, body image, and how the minds of boys and girls can differ when it comes to preferences.
So let’s break down the meaning behind the meme—and why not everyone gets it right away.
Understanding the Hidden Metaphor

It’s not just about food. Let’s decode it:
- What boys like (chopsticks): This represents slimness, minimal curves, and simplicity. It hints at how many guys are drawn to women with a slim or petite figure—lean, elegant, and straightforward.
- What girls like (leaf-wrapped rice cake): This one’s the twist. While it looks like a snack, it symbolizes a “6-pack” physique. The rice cake is tightly wrapped in a way that mimics defined abs. It’s a clever metaphor suggesting that many girls admire guys with a well-toned body—muscular, firm, and symmetrical.
The image uses humor to highlight the contrast between male and female desires in a playful, food-based way. But make no mistake—this is about attraction, not appetizers.
Why This Meme Is So Relatable
Let’s be honest—our culture is obsessed with appearance. Whether it’s social media, dating apps, or movies, body ideals are everywhere. This image distills that obsession into one quick joke that speaks volumes.
- Guys often idealize the “model-thin” figure.
- Girls, on the other hand, often admire strength, tone, and physical definition.
And although it’s all in good fun, there’s truth hiding in that leaf-wrapped joke.
The Psychology Behind Attraction
Here’s where it gets interesting. Preferences like these are shaped by biology, culture, and personal experiences. Some studies suggest that men are biologically inclined to value traits linked to youth and fertility—hence the obsession with slim figures. Meanwhile, women often admire traits associated with strength, protection, and health—like muscular physiques.
Video : Men vs Women in a Breakup: Who Suffers More?
But, of course, not everyone fits this mold. That’s what makes this meme so funny—because while it generalizes, it also taps into a shared social reality that many people can recognize instantly.
More Than Just Looks: The Role of Symbols
Let’s take a second to appreciate how clever this visual metaphor really is. The chopsticks aren’t just about slimness—they’re also tools. Precise, clean, refined. The rice cake isn’t just about abs—it’s wrapped, held together, structured. That suggests discipline and care—qualities often admired in someone who works out or takes care of their body.
This image uses food items to communicate entire human preferences without saying a single word. That’s art—and that’s why it sticks.
Not Everyone Sees It Right Away
Here’s where the meme gets its power. It’s not immediately obvious. Some people just see chopsticks and a snack and move on. But the people who get it? They laugh. They nod. They maybe even tag their friends.
That moment of realization is what makes this image go viral. It’s a subtle blend of humor, insight, and visual storytelling that leaves people thinking, “Wait… ohhh. I see it now.”
What It Says About Us (and Why It’s OK to Laugh)
This meme is a gentle mirror of how we see each other—and ourselves. Yes, it simplifies gender preferences, but it’s also a playful jab at how we sometimes reduce attraction to surface-level traits.
The best part? It invites conversation. It gets people talking, laughing, and reflecting on their own preferences—whether they match the chopsticks, the rice cake, or something totally different.
Video : 5 Weird Things Boys Want In A Girl
Because at the end of the day, attraction is diverse, unpredictable, and ever-changing. But a little humor never hurts.
Conclusion: Deeper Than a Meme, Simpler Than It Seems
“What boys like and what girls like” isn’t just a funny caption—it’s a miniature psychology lesson disguised as a meme. The chopsticks and the rice cake? They’re visual metaphors for desire. They capture the stereotypes we joke about and the truths we sometimes avoid admitting.
But here’s the kicker: humor opens the door to honesty. So whether you laughed at the image, shared it with a friend, or had to read this to finally “get it,” you’ve connected with something a little deeper than two food items.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll never look at a rice cake the same way again.