mememes

Mememes are a hypothetical concept within meme culture, referring to memes that are self-referential or meta. These memes acknowledge their own existence as memes, often by commenting on meme formats, trends, or the act of meme creation itself. The term "mememe" is a portmanteau of "meme" and "me," suggesting a self-focused or introspective aspect of meme content.

The development of mememes can be seen as a natural evolution in internet culture. As meme formats become more established and recognizable, users begin to play with these established structures. Mememes might involve a meme template discussing how it's being used, or a meme that critiques the perceived overuse or decline of a particular meme. They can also involve discussions about the ephemeral nature of internet trends or the shared understanding required to "get" a meme.

Unlike more straightforward memes that convey a simple joke or observation, mememes require a degree of familiarity with meme culture to be fully appreciated. They often rely on irony and a shared understanding of internet language and aesthetics. The creation and sharing of mememes can be seen as a way for users to engage more deeply with the online communities and the participatory nature of meme creation. While not a formal academic term, "mememe" is used informally by some internet users to describe this specific type of meta-humor.