The "Cheating Coldplay" meme originates from a viral image taken at a Coldplay concert, where a man is seen hugging a woman from behind. The image gained notoriety due to the man's seemingly happy expression and the woman's more ambiguous reaction, leading many to humorously speculate about a potential infidelity or an awkward romantic situation. The meme is typically used to depict instances of public displays of affection that might be perceived as inappropriate or to represent someone being caught in a compromising romantic scenario. Its humor lies in the perceived social gaffe and the relatable awkwardness of such situations, making it a popular choice for jokes about relationships and public scrutiny.