How Do You Spell MEME?

Pronunciation: [mˈiːm] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "meme" is often debated, with many people using variations such as "meem" or "maymay." However, linguists agree that the correct pronunciation is /miːm/, with a long e sound and a silent final e. The spelling is derived from the Greek word "mimeme," meaning imitated thing, which was coined by biologist Richard Dawkins in 1976 to describe cultural ideas and symbols that spread through society. Today, memes are widely popular on social media and the internet, taking on various forms from viral images to videos and catchphrases.

MEME Meaning and Definition

  1. A meme is a term that describes a cultural or social phenomenon that spreads rapidly from person to person within a society. It can refer to images, videos, catchphrases, or ideas that gain popularity through internet platforms, such as social media, websites, or forums. Memes often reflect shared experiences, humor, or specific references that resonate with a wide audience.

    Typically, memes take the form of an image, often accompanied by a clever or humorous caption. These images are edited, modified, or combined with other elements to create variations of the original meme, which contributes to the viral nature of their distribution. Memes have become an integral part of online culture, serving as a means of expressing ideas, emotions, or opinions in a relatable and easily shareable format.

    Memes have the power to shape and reflect societal trends and attitudes, serving as a medium for social and political commentary. They possess the ability to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, as they can be easily shared and understood across different nations and languages.

    The term "meme" was first coined by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene," where he defined it as an idea or behavior that is transmitted from person to person through imitation. However, in contemporary usage, the term predominantly refers to the internet culture phenomenon, where memes play a significant role in shaping modern communication and digital expression.

Common Misspellings for MEME

Etymology of MEME

The word "meme" was coined by Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist, in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene". Dawkins derived the term from the Greek word "mimeme", which means "something imitated". He used the term to describe how ideas, behaviors, or styles of communication can spread from person to person within a culture, much like how genes transmit biological traits within a population. Over time, the term "meme" has evolved to encompass various forms of cultural phenomena that are shared and replicated, particularly on the internet.

Idioms with the word MEME

  • plus ça change (plus c'est la même chose) The idiom "plus ça change (plus c'est la même chose)" is a French phrase that translates to "the more things change, the more they stay the same" in English. It implies that despite apparent changes, the fundamental nature of something remains unchanged.

Similar spelling words for MEME

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