nyankomne

Nyankomne is a term in internet folklore referring to a cat-inspired online persona or creature that is said to emerge in online spaces to guide, entertain, or occasionally mislead new participants. The concept is not tied to a single source and lacks a formal canon; it is transmitted through memes, fan art, short fiction, and roleplay across various platforms.

The etymology of nyankomne is uncertain. The first component nyan echoes the widely used onomatopoeia for a cat's meow in Japanese and elsewhere, while the second part—coming, komne, or a similar-sounding ending—appears to be a flexible suffix used in different online communities. As a result, multiple origin stories circulate, none universally accepted.

In most depictions, nyankomne is imagined as a small, friendly or capricious cat-spirit that appears to newcomers. It can offer playful guidance, introduce memes, or spark curiosity; in other renditions it is a trickster that tests boundaries or harmlessly disrupts established norms. The term is commonly used to label a persona rather than a fixed character, and may be adopted by individuals for avatars, profile bios, or roleplay.

Nyankomne functions as a portable symbol within online culture, enabling cross-platform storytelling and collaborative art. Communities often develop lore, art styles, and inside jokes around nyankomne, reinforcing a sense of shared play and curiosity among participants.

See also: meme culture, online folklore, cat meme, fandom roleplay.