Why do we call viral internet jokes memes?
In short: The term 'meme' is often mispronounced, but its journey from academic jargon to a cornerstone of internet culture reveals how ideas spread through society.
Once a niche neologism used primarily by academics, the word 'meme' has entered widespread use to describe how jokes and ideas spread virally via the internet. While many people mistakenly pronounce it as 'me-me' or 'meh-meh', the term is correctly pronounced as 'meem'.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Where Did the Word Meme Come From?
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-where-did-the-word-meme-come-from.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
