Miaemos

Miaemos refer to a term used in internet culture to describe a subset of memes that blend melancholic or emo aesthetics with meme formats. They emphasize introspective captions, subdued imagery, and emotional ambivalence. The term is a portmanteau of meme and emo and has appeared in online discussions and informal glossaries since the late 2010s.

Etymology and scope: The coinage combines "meme" and "emo." It is not tied to a single platform or creator and has circulated across multiple communities. Some observers discuss miaemos as part of broader trends toward affective meme language.

Visual and media formats: Typical miaemos use grayscale or desaturated palettes, grain or film-like textures, simple image macros, or short looping video clips. Text overlays are concise, often a single line expressing bittersweet or self-deprecating sentiment. Formats include two-panel or single-image memes, GIFs, and short videos.

Cultural role and reception: As a self-contained aesthetic, miaemos offer a means to articulate quiet sadness or emotional complexity online. They can function as social bonding tools, yet critics argue they may reinforce negativity or trivialize distress when overused. Their meaning is context-dependent and evolves with platform practices.

See also: Meme, Emo subculture, Aesthetic, Internet culture.