Origin and connotations of RBF (Resting Bitch Face)

The BRF video is my first exposure to this meme, but as an American and Texan I have encountered references to this phenomenon (if not the specific acronym) far earlier than the mentioned dates. In light of that, in my experience RBF is mentioned as a way of adding humor to an awkward situation of misunderstanding or in defense of a person seen as having a cold personality without the accuser having yet met that person. It is a description of a condition, not normally a personal attack. It is normally used as a way to defuse situations, and as such is not generally seen as offensive.

However, if someone in the conversation uses the phrase "Resting Bitch Face" with persons who are not familiar with the phrase it may then provoke offense by the listener for having uttered the word "bitch", and further misunderstanding may ensue. This is especially likely in cases where conversationalists happen to be from the southern United States, are especially religious, in an older demographic, or any combination of the previous.

To clarify earlier encounters: As a US Southerner I am accustomed to hearing the essence of the RBF spirit worded in a variety of colorful Southern expressions. For instance, when a woman here is told she would look prettier if she smiled, common responses might be (all most likely uttered while walking away):

• "Tell the Governor to buy me a horse. Tell me when it happens."
• "I bet you want banjos to whistle for you, too."
• "I bet you think the roosters talk to you in the morning."
• "You just make me tired all over."
• "I'm saving my muscles for a man I'd like to kiss."
• "Whoever told you you're God's gift (to women) was wrong."
• "Not if you were the [frog prince | King of England | richest man alive]."

Or the military version: "Duly noted."

Also of note are expressions used in defense of a friend's disheveled or unhappy appearance. These are used in defense of the friend, and meant to imply that despite appearances, the friend is in fact a good or nice person.

• "You just caught her on a bad day | after a rainstorm | when her makeup ran out."
• "She's busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor."
• "The horse she rode in on was a mule." (implying that either the vehicle she drives is in poor repair or her husband is difficult to deal with)

I am told there are similar (more biting) versions used in the Northern United States.

Though (as stated) I am not British, I have not yet seen anyone from Britain any similar acronym or phrase in traditional or social. My roommate (also American) is a writer for a prominent David Tennant fan club and has not mentioned any such occurrence. Both myself and my roommate have heard such usage in Scotland and Ireland.

Regarding the first appearance, the first recorded instance appears to be a submission on the Urban Dictionary on August 18, 2009. The related KnowYourMeme site appears to still be researching the topic.