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The revolution may not be broadcast, yet it might possess amphibious toes and protruding eyes.

It also might feature a unicorn's horn or the plumage of a chicken.

As demonstrations opposing the administration continue in US cities, demonstrators are adopting the spirit of a neighborhood dress-up party. They have taught dance instruction, distributed treats, and performed on unicycles, while armed law enforcement observe.

Combining levity and political action – an approach social scientists refer to as "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. Yet it has transformed into a defining feature of US demonstrations in recent years, adopted by all sides of the political spectrum.

And one symbol has emerged as especially powerful – the frog. It originated after recordings of a confrontation between an individual in an amphibian costume and ICE agents in the city of Portland, spread online. And it has since spread to protests across the country.

"There's a lot going on with that little frog costume," notes a professor, a professor at University of California, Davis and an academic who specialises in creative activism.

From a Cartoon Frog to the Streets of Portland

It's challenging to discuss protests and frogs without addressing Pepe, a web comic frog embraced by far-right groups during an election cycle.

As the character gained popularity online, its purpose was to express specific feelings. Later, its use evolved to express backing for a candidate, even one notable meme retweeted by that figure personally, portraying the frog with a signature suit and hair.

Images also circulated in digital spaces in offensive ways, portrayed as a hate group member. Online conservatives exchanged "unique frog images" and established digital currency using its likeness. Its famous line, "that feels good", was used a shared phrase.

But the character did not originate as a political symbol.

The artist behind it, the illustrator, has stated about his disapproval for its co-option. His creation was meant as simply a relaxed amphibian in his series.

Pepe first appeared in a series of comics in the mid-2000s – apolitical and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In 'Feels Good Man', which documents Mr Furie's efforts to take back of his creation, he explained his drawing was inspired by his experiences with friends and roommates.

As he started out, the artist experimented with uploading his work to the nascent social web, where people online began to copy, alter, and reinterpret the frog. As Pepe spread into darker parts of online spaces, the creator sought to reject the frog, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"It shows that creators cannot own symbols," explains Prof Bogad. "They transform and be reclaimed."

Previously, the popularity of this meme meant that amphibian imagery were predominantly linked to conservative politics. A transformation occurred recently, when a viral moment between an activist wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and a federal agent in Portland spread rapidly online.

This incident occurred shortly after a directive to deploy the National Guard to Portland, which was called "a warzone". Activists began to gather in droves outside a facility, just outside of an ICE office.

Emotions ran high and a officer sprayed irritant at a protester, aiming directly into the air intake fan of the inflatable suit.

The individual, Seth Todd, responded with a joke, remarking it tasted like "spicier tamales". Yet the footage spread everywhere.

Mr Todd's attire was somewhat typical for Portland, known for its unconventional spirit and activist demonstrations that embrace the ridiculous – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and nude cycling groups. Its creed is "Keep Portland Weird."

The costume was also referenced in subsequent court proceedings between the administration and the city, which argued the use of troops was illegal.

Although the court ruled that month that the president was within its rights to deploy troops, a minority opinion disagreed, noting in her opinion demonstrators' "propensity for wearing chicken suits when expressing opposition."

"It is easy to see the majority's ruling, which accepts the government's characterization as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," she stated. "Yet the outcome is not merely absurd."

The action was halted by courts subsequently, and troops withdrew from the area.

Yet already, the amphibian costume was now a significant protest icon for progressive movements.

The costume was spotted in many cities at anti-authoritarian protests that fall. Frogs appeared – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in major US cities. They appeared in small towns and global metropolises like Tokyo and London.

This item was in high demand on major websites, and became more expensive.

Mastering the Narrative

The link between the two amphibian symbols – is the relationship between the silly, innocent image and underlying political significance. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

The tactic relies on what Mr Bogad calls the "irresistible image" – frequently absurd, it acts as a "appealing and non-threatening" act that highlights a message without directly articulating them. This is the unusual prop you wear, or the symbol you share.

The professor is both an expert in the subject and someone who uses these tactics. He authored a book called 'Tactical Performance', and led seminars around the world.

"You could go back to historical periods – under oppressive regimes, they use absurdity to express dissent indirectly and while maintaining a layer of protection."

The theory of this approach is three-fold, he explains.

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