“Meme” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on November 9, 2024 by Isabella Claire

Memes have become an integral part of internet culture, providing a means of communication that often carries a humorous or satirical message. They are typically images or videos with accompanying text that spreads virally from person to person, conveying a point of view on cultural symbols, social ideas, or current events. Originating from the Greek word ‘mimema,’ meaning imitated, British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins introduced the term “meme” in his 1976 work, The Selfish Gene.

These cultural units of information often spread rapidly, gaining traction through social media and other online platforms. Memes often tap into universal experiences, addressing relatable topics and capturing the essence of a moment in time. As a result, they act as snapshots of the collective consciousness, reflecting popular narratives and themes. Thanks to their easily shareable nature, memes continue to evolve and adapt to new situations, making them an ever-present part of our digital lives.

“Meme” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • A ‘meme’ is an element such as videos, texts, and photos that are found to be humorous and passed from person to person for mutual enjoyment. In today’s time, they are most commonly captioned photos that get passed around the internet.
Meme MeaningPin
Meme Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Meme” Meaning

A “meme” is a piece of content, usually humorous, that spreads rapidly across the internet, often in the form of images, videos, or text. Memes typically convey relatable ideas, jokes, or cultural references that people recognize and share, often modifying them to fit different contexts.

Origin of Meme

‘Meme’ is actually an abbreviated version of the Greek word ‘mimeme’. That’s definition is something that is imitated.

In 1976 author Richard Dawkins was forced to defend his newly created word ‘meme’ that he used in his book ‘The Selfish Gene’. Yes, he was worried people wouldn’t take kindly to his version of spelling the Greek word mimeme, however that didn’t stop him and it quickly caught on taking root among the American langue.

Usage of Meme

The term “meme” refers to a piece of media—often humorous or satirical—that is spread rapidly online, typically through social media. Memes can take the form of images, videos, text, or combinations of these, and they often reflect cultural phenomena or trends. Here are some examples of how to use “meme” in different contexts:

In a discussion about internet culture:

  • “Have you seen the latest meme about the cat? It’s going viral on social media!”

Talking about a specific meme:

  • “That ‘Distracted Boyfriend’ meme perfectly captures how we all feel sometimes!”

During a conversation about creativity:

  • “I love how people create new variations of the same meme; it shows such creativity!”

In a humorous exchange:

  • “I sent him a meme that had us laughing for hours; it really brightened my day.”

When discussing marketing strategies:

  • “Using memes in our social media campaign helped us connect with a younger audience.”

Commenting on a meme’s relevance:

  • “This meme is so relatable; it sums up my entire week!”

Discussing the evolution of memes:

  • “Memes have evolved so much over the years, from simple images to complex formats with layered humor.”

Related Terms to Meme

In the world of memes, there are various terms that are closely related to the concept of meme meaning. Let’s explore a few of these terms to better understand their association with memes.

Viral content is often associated with memes because of their ability to spread quickly through social media. Viral content can be any form of media, such as photos, videos, or text, that gains popularity and gets shared by a large number of people in a short amount of time. A successful meme typically becomes viral due to its relatability, humor, or unique message.

Internet slang is another element often found in memes. As memes spread through online communities, they often incorporate internet slang to convey their message more effectively. This type of language consists of abbreviations, acronyms, and shorthand phrases that make communication quicker and easier. For example, phrases like “lol” (laughing out loud) or “omg” (oh my god) are widely recognized internet slang used in memes.

Trending topics are frequent sources of inspiration for meme creators. As events unfold and new trends emerge, memes are generated to highlight these happenings, often adding a humorous or satirical twist. This connection between memes and trending topics helps to keep memes relevant and fresh, constantly adapting to the cultural zeitgeist.

Meme formats provide a framework for creators to work with when making memes. These templates offer a recognizable structure for the meme’s message, which can be easily customized to fit a specific situation or idea. Examples of meme formats include “distracted boyfriend,” “expanding brain,” or “two buttons.” By utilizing familiar formats, memes can effectively convey their message while maintaining a sense of familiarity for the audience.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

  • Viral post: A widely shared piece of content, often with humorous or relatable value.
  • Internet joke: Content that spreads online as a joke or funny reference.
  • Digital parody: A humorous or satirical piece created and shared online.
  • GIF: Short, looping animations often used as reaction memes (though technically a format, GIFs are often treated as memes).
  • Meme template: The foundational image or structure used to create various versions of a meme.
  • Meme format: A specific setup or style for creating meme variations.
  • Meme reference: A recognizable element from a meme, used in a new context.
  • Relatable post: Content shared because it resonates or reflects a common experience.
  • Reaction image: An image used to convey an emotional or humorous reaction, often meme-based.

Meme Examples

Sentence Examples

  • “That cat meme is everywhere—I see it on every social media platform!”
  • “He turned his embarrassing photo into a meme, and now it’s going viral.”
  • “I can’t stop laughing at the new meme template; people are so creative with it.”
  • “This meme perfectly describes how I feel about Mondays.”
  • “She shared a hilarious meme about online dating, and everyone could relate.”
  • “The internet never fails to turn big events into memes within hours.”
  • “Creating a good meme takes timing, creativity, and a bit of humor.”

Conversation Examples

Friends chatting online:

  • Person 1: “Did you see that new dog meme? It’s hilarious!”
  • Person 2: “Yes! I love how relatable it is. Dogs just get us.”

Texting about a trending meme:

  • Person 1: “I just sent you a meme that perfectly describes my Monday.”
  • Person 2: “LOL, same here. That’s literally me every Monday morning!”

Talking about creating memes:

  • Person 1: “I’m thinking about making a meme out of that picture from last night.”
  • Person 2: “Do it! It’s the perfect reaction face—you’ll go viral!”
Latest posts by Isabella Claire (see all)