What is a meme?

Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines a meme as “a concept, belief, or practice conceived as a unit of cultural information that may be passed on from person to person, subject to influences in a way analogous to natural selection.” Like many words in the English language, the word “meme” has undergone a semantic shift over time.

Why did hook become a meme?

The internet turned him into a meme, of course. Hook became an online meme before his first wrestling match. The fans already love him. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable, Photos: All Elite Wrestling The lights went out. “The Chairman’s Intent” by Action Bronson blared over the sound system in Long Island's new UBS arena.

Why are memes so popular?

Memes are a worldwide social phenomenon. The more a meme resonates with people, the more they'll share it and the farther it will spread. Memes are usually funny, but often that humor is injected with wry political or social commentary. Sometimes memes exist for shock value or to teach a life lesson.

How many times has the word “meme” been used?

The word “meme” has been used in the New York Times Crossword 60 times since the puzzle’s inception in the 1940s, according to XWordInfo. Although it’s difficult to identify the first meme ever, the British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins is credited with introducing the term in his 1976 book, “The Selfish Gene.”