Following the Internet definition of it? (Because we wouldn’t want to commit the etymological fallacy, would we?) It’s a piece of content that follows a known predictable format, or that at least appears to do so but subverts it. I don’t agree with @[email protected] that anything funny on the Internet is a meme, or even that memes need to be funny (though they usually are). But it’s certainly a notably different meaning from the broader cultural one that Dawkins came up with 50 years ago.
Wiktionary’s definition 2 is pretty good:
Media, usually humorous, which is copied and circulated online with slight adaptations, such as basic pictures, video templates, etc.
What makes something a meme?
Following the Internet definition of it? (Because we wouldn’t want to commit the etymological fallacy, would we?) It’s a piece of content that follows a known predictable format, or that at least appears to do so but subverts it. I don’t agree with @[email protected] that anything funny on the Internet is a meme, or even that memes need to be funny (though they usually are). But it’s certainly a notably different meaning from the broader cultural one that Dawkins came up with 50 years ago.
Wiktionary’s definition 2 is pretty good: