If you’ve spent any time watching League of Legends clips online, you might’ve seen that viral moment where someone “breaks their own ankles.” It’s one of those cheeky phrases that describe an insane outplay that leaves you wondering, “Wait, did he really just do that?” This phrase was actually popularized by a Reddit post submitted by /u/Exterial, which caught the attention of the community with a highlight that feels impossible to pull off.
What Does “Break His Own Ankles” Even Mean?
In gaming, especially in League of Legends, “breaking someone’s ankles” means leaving your opponent so confused or outplayed that they struggle to keep up or chase you. It’s a slang term borrowed from basketball where a player’s dribble move fakes out their defender so hard they almost fall over.
But what about breaking your own ankles? That’s a hilarious twist. It usually means a player messed up their own movement so badly they essentially tripped themselves up while trying to make a slick play. The Reddit clip posted by /u/Exterial shows a moment that has that exact vibe — the player dazzles with mechanical skill, only to pull an awkward self-sabotage.
The Viral Reddit Moment: Submitted by /u/Exterial
The clip was shared here on Reddit by the user Exterial. It’s a short replay of a League player attempting to juke and dodge attacks, but the timing and movement lead to a laughably awkward moment that makes you cringe a bit and chuckle a lot.
I remember the first time I watched it—I was halfway in disbelief. At first, it looks like some genius quick footwork, but then you realize it’s more like the player’s character tripped themselves up mid-fight. Moments like these go viral because they’re relatable. Everyone’s made a costly slip-up in an intense game.
Why Moments Like This Become Legendary
Gaming isn’t just about winning; it’s about memorable moments. Whether it’s a flawless play or a funny fail, clips like the “break his own ankles” moment show the human side of competitive gaming. They remind us players are always pushing their limits and sometimes stumble spectacularly.
I’ve had my fair share of “break my own ankles” moments in ranked matches — like trying to outplay someone and ending up walking right into their net. Maybe you have, too!
How “Break His Own Ankles” Changed League Lingo
Thanks to Exterial’s post, the phrase took on a life of its own in the League of Legends community. It added a fresh way to describe those unexpected flips in gameplay:
- When a player outsmarts themselves
- When high-skill moves backfire in hilarious ways
- When a clip is so good or bad it’s unforgettable
This phrase even crept into other gaming communities to describe similar fails or fluky plays.
What Can We Learn From These Viral Clips?
They remind us to not take gaming too seriously. Wins are great, but these funny highlights make playing and watching games a joy. If you’re looking to improve, watching both the pros and these funny fails can teach you about predicting enemy moves and keeping your cool.
Plus, it’s a reminder that every player—even the best—makes mistakes.
Want to See More Legendary Plays?
Check out this post about insane League outplays to dive deeper into epic moments and learn some slick mechanics.
If you want to explore the official game mechanics behind movement and dodging in League, Riot Games’ own gamepedia is a trusted source.
Next time you hear “did he just break his own ankles?”, you’ll know it’s part respect, part disbelief, and a whole lot of fun. It shows how unpredictable and exciting League of Legends can be—and how sometimes, the best play is laughing at our own goofs.
So, what’s your funniest “break your own ankles” moment in gaming? I’d love to hear about it!


