Since its inception in 1884, the Oxford English Dictionary has been the ultimate authority on the English language. The prestigious publication has been keeping track of newly coined words, phrases, and idioms, as well as their meanings and usage, for over a century. Among the many words that have been added to the dictionary over the years, “meme” is one of the most notable.
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The Birth of the Word “Meme”
The term “meme” was first coined by the British biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book, “The Selfish Gene.” In the book, Dawkins used the word to describe a cultural phenomenon that spreads from person to person, much like the way genes are passed down from generation to generation.
According to Dawkins, a meme is any idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture. Memes can be anything from catchphrases to fashion trends to political ideologies. The key characteristic of a meme is that it is transmitted through imitation, rather than through genetics.
The Evolution of the Meme Definition
Over the years, the definition of the word “meme” has evolved to include a wide variety of cultural phenomena. In its earliest usage, the word referred to specific cultural artifacts, such as catchphrases, fashion trends, and popular songs. However, as the internet became more prevalent, the definition of the word expanded to include internet memes, which are often humorous images or videos that spread rapidly across social media.
As the use of memes has become more widespread, the definition of the word has continued to evolve. In 2015, the Oxford English Dictionary officially added the word “meme” to its pages, defining it as “an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users, often with slight variations.”
The Impact of Memes on Society
Today, memes play an important role in our culture. They are often used to express political opinions, to comment on current events, and to share humor with friends and family. Memes can be found on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as on websites such as Reddit and 4chan.
While memes can be a source of entertainment and humor, they can also have a significant impact on society. For example, memes have been used to spread fake news and conspiracy theories, as well as to promote hate speech and bigotry.
Thoughts and Opinions on Meme Definition by Experts
Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins, who coined the term “meme,” has expressed his thoughts on the evolution of the definition. In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Dawkins said, “I’m quite happy with the way the word has gone mainstream. It’s a very useful word, and it’s a meme that’s caught on.”
Ben Zimmer
Ben Zimmer, a linguist and language columnist, has also commented on the evolution of the definition. In a 2015 article for The Wall Street Journal, Zimmer wrote, “The meme has evolved from its original meaning as a unit of cultural transmission to a broader sense of any cultural phenomenon that spreads widely via the internet.”
Sherry Turkle
Sherry Turkle, a professor of social studies of science and technology at MIT, has expressed concerns about the impact of memes on society. In a 2018 interview with Wired, Turkle said, “Memes are part of a cultural conversation, but they can also be a way to avoid thinking deeply about important issues. They can be a way to shut down conversation rather than open it up.”
Conclusion
The definition of the word “meme” has evolved significantly since its creation in 1976. Today, memes are an important part of our culture and play a significant role in shaping our opinions and beliefs. While memes can be a source of entertainment and humor, they can also have a negative impact on society if used to spread false information or promote hate speech. As the use of memes continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the definition of the word continues to change over time.
