- An idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads culture, often aiming to convey a particular phenomenon, theme, or meaning represented by the meme.
- In contemporary internet culture, it most commonly refers to a piece of digital content – typically a humorous image, video, or piece of text – that is copied, often with slight variations, and spread rapidly by users online, usually via social media.
- Internet memes often rely on shared cultural references or relatable situations for their humor or impact.
Explanation
Origin
- The original concept of meme (as a unit of cultural information spread by imitation) was coined by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene, derived from the Greek mimema (something imitated) and analogous to a gene.
- The term was adopted by early internet communities (late 1990s/early 2000s) to describe rapidly spreading online phenomena (jokes, images, phrases).
- Its usage exploded with the rise of social media platforms that facilitate easy sharing and remixing.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- (Specific meme formats might be used, e.g., That reaction GIF was perfect.)
- Internet funny (Very informal)
Milder/Descriptive:
- Funny picture with text
- Viral internet joke/image
- Shareable online humor
- Relatable online content format
Situational Appropriateness
- Primarily informal.
- Used extensively in online communication and discussions about internet culture, humor, and sometimes even politics or social commentary (through memetic spread). Can appear in semi-formal marketing contexts discussing trends.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Pronunciation (/miːm/) can be tricky for non-native speakers.
- Can be confusing for those completely unfamiliar with internet culture. Explain it as a kind of rapidly spreading inside joke online, often using a recognizable image format with changing text.
Examples
- Did you see that hilarious new meme with the distracted boyfriend?
- That awkward moment became an instant meme within our friend group.
- Her reaction was priceless; someone needs to make it into a meme.
- Understanding current internet memes is like learning a new language.
Dialogue
Ali: I can't believe I tripped walking onto the stage at graduation!
Ben: Oh no! Were people looking?
Ali: Everyone! It was so embarrassing. My friends already made a meme out of the photo someone took.
Ben: No way! That's brutal... but also kind of hilarious. You gotta show me the meme!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: This meeting could have been an email. *inserts relevant meme image* #worklife #meme
- Instagram Post: (Series of images) Swipe through for my favorite memes of the week! 😂 #memedump #funny
- Reddit Title: What's the origin of the [specific name] meme?
Response Patterns
- Recognition/Laughter: Haha, yeah, I know that one! / That's a classic!
- Curiosity: Which one? / Show me! / What does it mean?
- Sharing: Sending the meme or a related one.
- Agreement: That's so true! / Perfectly captures the feeling.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Sharing the specific meme being discussed.
- Explaining the context or humor of the meme if someone doesn't understand it.
- Discussing variations or different uses of the same meme format.
- Creating or suggesting a new meme based on a current event or situation.
Conversation Starter
- Yes. Can start conversations about humor, internet culture, or specific topics referenced by memes. Have you seen any good memes lately? / What's your favorite meme format right now?
Intonation
- Emphasis on MEME: MEME. (Pronounced /miːm/).
- Tone is usually amused, knowing, appreciative (of humor/relevance), or sometimes explanatory.
Generation Differences
- Extremely common and central to online communication for younger generations (Gen Z, Millennials). Older generations (Gen X, Boomers) may be aware of the concept and some famous examples, but are generally less immersed in meme culture and may not use the term as frequently or understand newer formats.
Regional Variations
- The term meme is universal in internet culture.
- Specific meme content, formats, and references can be highly culturally or regionally specific.