meme etymology

Etymology

The word "meme" is derived from the Greek word "mimema" (μίμημα), which means "something imitated." It was coined by British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene."

Meaning

A meme is a unit of cultural information that is transmitted from person to person through imitation, copying, or sharing. Memes can be anything from a catchphrase, a joke, a style of dress, or even a belief or idea.

Origin

The concept of memes originated in evolutionary biology, where it is used to describe how cultural traits are transmitted and evolve over time. Dawkins proposed that memes, like genes, are subject to natural selection and can compete for resources.

Characteristics of Memes

• Replicators: Memes are units of information that can be copied or transmitted from one individual to another.
• Malleable: Memes can change and evolve over time as they are passed from person to person.
• Transmissible: Memes can be transmitted through a variety of channels, including language, media, and social interactions.
• Fitness: Memes have varying degrees of fitness, which is determined by their ability to replicate and survive.
• Impact: Memes can have a significant impact on culture, society, and even individuals.

Examples of Memes

• Catchphrases: "YOLO," "FOMO," "GOAT"
• Jokes: Chuck Norris jokes, knock-knock jokes
• Styles of dress: Bandanas, trucker hats
• Beliefs: Conspiracy theories, astrology
• Scientific theories: Evolution, the Big Bang

meme relate terms

• gene

  Etymology Gene is derived from the Greek word genos meaning descendant lineage

• mime

  Etymology The word mime comes from the Greek word mimos which means imitator or a

• culture

  Etymology and Meaning The word culture is derived from the Latin word colere which m

• conscience

  Etymology From Middle French conscience knowledge from Latin conscientia knowled

• peanut

  Etymology of Peanut The word peanut has two distinct etymologies English 16th ce

• austere

  Etymology Late Latin austērus harsh severe Greek austēros dry harsh Proto I

• curmudgeon

  Etymology French curmudgeon 15th century Middle French cormillon 13th century

• toast

  Etymology The word toast has several possible etymologies Latin tostum meaning

• newel

  Etymology Of uncertain origin It was originally spelled newell and the el has bee

• girl

  Etymology The word girl is derived from the Middle English word girl which in turn