memy

Memy are memes in the Polish-speaking internet; “memy” is the Polish plural of “meme,” referring to humorous or satirical images, captions, and short videos shared online. The concept originates from Richard Dawkins’s 1976 idea of memes as units of cultural information that replicate and mutate as they spread.

Form and spread

Most memes rely on a recognizable image or video paired with editable captions, which users remix to fit new contexts. They propagate through social media platforms, messaging apps, and forums as people adapt them for jokes, commentary, or satire. Variants compete for attention, and some become widely recognizable while others fade quickly.

Cultural and scholarly context

Memes are a focus of memetics, the study of how ideas evolve and spread through imitation and variation. In practice, memes can influence online discourse, marketing, and political messaging, raising questions about copyright, fair use, platform moderation, and ethical creation.

Regional and social role

In Poland, memy form a significant part of online culture, reflecting local humor, current events, and social attitudes. They circulate on Polish-language platforms and increasingly engage with global meme trends, illustrating how digital culture travels and diversifies.