meme

English

/miːm/

noun
Definitions
  • Any unit of cultural information, such as a practice or idea, that is transmit verbally or by repeat action from one mind to another in a comparable way to the transmission of gene.
  • (Internet) Something, usually humorous, which is copied and circulated online with slight adaptations, including quiz, basic picture, video templates etc.
  • (Internet slang) A myth circulating as truth; something ineffective presented as effective, or similar.

Etymology

Derived from Ancient Greek μίμημα (imitation, copy).

Origin

Ancient Greek

μίμημα

Gloss

imitation, copy

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms