What Does 'Za Warudo' And 'WRYYYY' Mean? Memes Inspired By 'The World' From 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' Explained

Za Warudo! and "Wryyy!" are unforgettable catchphrases from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, forever linked to the series' notorious villain, Dio Brando. His Stand, The World (ザ・ワールド), lets him stop time, giving him a chilling edge over his enemies. With his dramatic shout of "Za Warudo," Dio showcases his flair for theatrics and villainy, building up to an intense showdown.

Alongside his Stand powers, Dio's exaggerated battle cry, Wryyy!, and his hilariously brutal steamroller attack cemented him as a pop culture icon. These over-the-top elements became meme staples, embodying the show's mix of intensity and absurdity. Here’s a brief history of how "Za Warudo" and Dio's signature steamroller attack became a timeless meme.

What Does 'Za Warudo' Mean, And How Did 'Wryyy' Become A Signature Meme Battle Cry?

"Za Warudo!" is the Japanese pronunciation of "The World," which is both the name of Dio's Stand and a declaration that he’s about to unleash its terrifying power. This phrase debuted in the manga in 1991, and again in a 1994 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders OVA. Dio shows off his Stand’s ability to stop time, immobilizing his enemies while he attacks at will. This catchphrase quickly became a hallmark of Dio’s character, adding to his dramatic, larger-than-life villain persona.

The steamroller attack, however, didn't originally appear in the manga or anime--it was first introduced in the 1998 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure video game by Capcom. In a memorable finishing move, Dio stops time and crushes his opponent with a steamroller, hammering away with his fists in pure, exaggerated fashion. This absurd, out-of-nowhere attack became a fan favorite, and when it was later referenced in the anime, it solidified its place in JoJo meme history.

What Were Some Early Memes Inspired By 'Za Warudo'?

Early memes inspired by "Za Warudo" and Dio's time-stopping power often leaned into the sheer ridiculousness of his attacks. One of the earliest and most popular examples is "mudah.swf," an Adobe Flash animation created by user qwerqwer1234. This short animation synced Dio’s relentless "Muda Muda Muda!" battle cry with looping animations of his punches, exaggerating the intensity and humorously amplifying the absurdity of Dio's over-the-top attacks.

This flash animation sparked a wave of similar content; Dio’s antics were perfect material for remixing, with creators recreating the "Za Warudo" freeze-frame gimmick and Dio's audacious steamroller move. These early meme adaptations helped introduce a broader audience to JoJo, setting the stage for the franchise’s eventual mainstream popularity in meme culture.

What Are Some More 'Za Warudo' Memes?

For the full history of Za Warudo and WRYYYY, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.