What does Meme mean?
A virally transmitted cultural item
Detailed Explanation
An internet meme is a piece of media, often humorous, that spreads rapidly across the internet. It can be an image, video, phrase, or concept that is shared, remixed, and reinterpreted by many different users. Memes are a fundamental part of online culture, evolving quickly and serving as a shared cultural touchstone for online communities.
Usage Examples
“The Distracted Boyfriend is one of the most famous memes of all time.”
“She turned her embarrassing photo into a meme and it went viral.”
“I communicate almost exclusively through memes with my friends.”
Origin & History
The original concept of a 'meme' was coined by biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book 'The Selfish Gene.' He defined it as a unit of cultural transmission, analogous to a gene. The term was adopted by early internet users to describe the virally-spreading content that characterized online culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first internet meme?
This is highly debated, but some of the earliest recognized internet memes include the 'Dancing Baby' (1996), 'All Your Base Are Belong to Us' (early 2000s), and 'Hampster Dance' (1998).