Okay, let's figure out what a meme is. A meme is something like a small idea or image that spreads from one person to another, often changing along the way. Back in the 1970s, scientist Richard Dawkins coined this term to describe how cultural elements, such as melodies or fashion styles, “infect” people just like genes do.
Nowadays, when someone asks, “What is a meme?”, it usually refers to funny images or videos on the internet. Imagine a cat with a funny caption or a famous face with a caption mocking current events — that’s a typical modern meme. Thanks to social media, millions of people can see and share it with their friends at the same time.
The term “meme” was introduced by British biologist Richard Dawkins in his book “The Selfish Gene” (1976). He proposed the word based on the Greek mimema — “that which is imitated.” According to Dawkins, memes are cultural genes: ideas, habits, phrases, melodies that are copied and changed.
Today, a meme usually refers to:
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An image with a caption that mocks something or comments on events.
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A video, gif, audio that goes viral.
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A phrase, jargon, template that is widely repeated (e.g., “this is a fiasco, bro,” “you’re too beautiful for this bus stop”).