What is with the Jeep Duck Thing?

If you know a Jeep owner, you know they tend to be proud of their cars–very proud. A dream car for many, Jeeps are one of the more eye-catching styles of car. And a recent trend has only made them more noticeable!

In 2020, one woman’s social media post sparked a tradition that would soon become sacrosanct for Jeep lovers worldwide. But what does Jeep Ducking entail, and how did it start? Furthermore, what equivalents exist in other car communities? We dove deep into niche, car-based subcultures and explored the ties that bind those with similar tastes in vehicles. 

What is Jeep culture like? 

Even before Jeep Ducking, Jeep lovers had formed a distinct community. For Jeep owners, cars are more than just vessels from one place to the next: Jeeps serve as status symbols, personality traits, and reasons to bond immediately with others who own them. Known for their all-terrain capabilities, Jeeps symbolize rugged adventure.

There are even events called Jeep Jamborees hosted throughout America. At these meet-ups, Jeep enthusiasts can make friends and experience fun off-roading activities. The existence of Jeep Jamborees demonstrates the passion, dedication, and excitement that Jeep lovers have for their cars.

There are also a few super-secret Jeep waves that Jeep owners use to acknowledge one another. These have existed for decades, and they can come in the form of a subtle two-finger salute or an energetic waving of the hand. Because people who own Jeeps find such a sense of identity in their cars, it’s not surprising that a celebratory, community-centric trend like Jeep ducking would arise. 

What is Jeep Ducking? 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed humanity’s highs and lows. Despite the pain and suffering brought on by this global crisis, there were flickers of joy in the darkness. Jeep Ducking, a tradition started by Alabama resident Allison Parliament, first began at the peak of the pandemic. Parliament was traveling in Ontario, Canada, when she unwittingly spurred a practice that spread through the Jeep community.

Smarting after a gas station dispute with a stranger, Parliament chose to combat her bad mood by sparking positivity elsewhere. A known Jeep-lover, Parliament left a rubber duck on the hood of a Jeep she admired. When the owner saw the duck, he was tickled by the quirky gesture. Parliament posted online about the story, and it spawned the #duckduckjeep hashtag.

Soon, Jeep owners around the world were gifting rubber ducks to others driving Jeeps. This is typically done with Jeep Wranglers, but owners of any Jeep variety are welcome to duck or be ducked. Some ducks are left with a note included, wishing the driver a good day or complimenting the color of their car. Others speak for themselves, an in-joke that all Jeep lovers understand. Some people have begun collecting the rubber ducks they receive, lining their dashboards with ducks dressed as doctors, detectives, and dragons.

Ducking has become a fun game in the Jeep community, bringing people together in a simple, goofy way. Next time you see a Jeep, take note of the dashboard. You’ll probably see a horde of rubber ducks smiling back at you!

What is Moo-Moo Subaru? 

After the Duck Duck Jeep craze took over the world, other car owners were inspired to celebrate their own vehicles in a similar way. Moo-moo Subaru, an offshoot of Jeep Ducking, is represented by a small cow figurine. Though these rubber cows aren’t quite as popular as rubber ducks for Jeeps, many Subaru owners are dedicated to keeping the idea alive.

The concept is similar to Jeep Ducking: if you spy a Subaru you like, leave a cow behind as a gesture of appreciation to the owner. These cows can be purchased at Stanley Subaru, located on Bar Harbor Road in Ellsworth, ME 04605. If this location isn’t convenient for you, try buying a different cow toy and plopping it on the next Subaru you see. 

Shop Transwest

If you’re eager to join the Jeep or Subaru communities, visit Transwest’s website to view our selection. From deep purples to bright blues, we have a wide variety of Jeeps on sale. Purchase one of these unique cars today, and begin adventuring in your brand-new ride.