[nollidge]

> I think that it started as a joke? Then, there were people that didn't realize it was a joke and started actually using it.

Er, did you read the article? They acknowledge it started as a joke, and then go on to say:

"But the rise of the brogrammer joke and its ensuing backlash has some benefits: It helps talented women choose worthy employers, it gives a name and face to a problem that plagues the industry and it publicly shames some of the most sexist offenders."