T-pose

In computer animation, a T-pose is a default posing for a humanoid 3D model's skeleton before it is animated.^[1] It is called so because of its shape: the straight legs and arms of a humanoid model combine to form a capital letter T. When the arms are angled downwards, the pose is sometimes referred to as an A-pose instead. Likewise, if the arms are angled upward, it is called a Y-pose. The generic term encompassing all these (especially for non-humanoid models) is bind pose, blind pose, or reference pose.

The T-pose is primarily used as the default armature pose for skeletal animation in 3D software, which is then manipulated to create animation. The purpose of the T-pose relates to the important elements of the body being axis-aligned, thereby making it easier to rig the model for animation, physics, and other controls. Depending on the exact geometry of the model, other poses such as the A-pose may be more suitable for vertex deformation around areas such as the shoulders.

Outside of being default poses in animation software, T-poses are typically used as placeholders for animation not yet completed, particularly in 3D animated video games.^[2] In some motion capture software, a T-pose must be assumed by the actor in the motion capture suit before motion capturing can begin.^[3] There are other poses used, but the T-pose is the most common one.

Starting in 2016 and resurfacing in 2017, the T-pose has become a widespread Internet meme due to its bizarre and non sequitur appearance, especially in video game glitches where there would otherwise be an animation.^[4][5] As an Internet meme, it is often used to convey the idea of asserting dominance over others.^{[citation needed]}

In a prerelease video of the game NBA Elite 11, the demo was filled with glitches, notably one unintentionally showing a T-pose in place of the proper animation for the model of player Andrew Bynum. The glitch later gained fame as the "Jesus Bynum glitch".^[6][7] Publisher EA eventually cancelled the game as they found it unsatisfactory. A similar occurrence happened with Cyberpunk 2077.^[8]

In the 2023 Formula One season, driver George Russell performed a T-pose in the opening credits of the series' TV broadcasts.^[9] This quickly became a meme within the motorsports community. Russell repeated the pose after claiming pole position at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix^[10] and winning the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix.^[11]

• Vitruvian Man, a diagram by Leonardo da Vinci with the figure of a man making a T and a jack

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