imemist

Imemist is a neologism used in online discussions of memetics to describe a person who focuses on image-based memes, or imemes. The term functions as both a descriptor for individuals who create and curate image-centric memes and as a loose label for a subculture within meme discourse.

Etymology: The coinage blends image with the suffix -mist, following patterns in words like optimist or chemist. The precise origin is uncertain, but the term appears in informal online communities in the 2010s and has been used with various, sometimes playful, connotations.

Definition and usage: An imemist is characterized by a visual-first approach to memetics. Practitioners may design image macros, select or remix imagery, and analyze visual humor, semiotics, and typographic composition. The term can refer to creators, curators, or critics who emphasize imagery over textual content in memes.

Examples and variants: In some discussions, imemist is used jokingly to distinguish those who believe the visual modality drives meme virality from text-focused meme analysts. Some people adopt the label self-referentially to signal a particular style or philosophy of meme production.

Reception: Imemist is not an established academic term; it is primarily found in informal online rhetoric. As with many meme-related labels, its meaning can vary by community and context, and it is often used in a lighthearted or exploratory manner rather than as a formal designation.

See also: Meme, Memetics, Image macro, Visual culture.