The topic of the best meme ever made is a hotly debated one, with millions of internet users having strong opinions. Memes, beloved for their humor and cultural impact, are a significant part of internet culture. So, what makes a meme the best? Let's explore.
From the mysterious origins of the term "meme" coined by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins to the viral popularity of modern memes, their appeal lies in their ability to communicate and entertain on a global scale. But what sets the crème de la crème apart from the rest?
The Criteria: What Makes a Meme 'the Best'?
To objectively evaluate memes, we've established a set of criteria: originality, impact, longevity, and humorous appeal.
Originality: The best memes introduce something fresh and unique. They capture a new idea, emotion, or socio-cultural phenomenon and bottle it into a simple, relatable format.
The 'Distracted Boyfriend' Meme
Originating from a stock photo in 2016, the 'distracted boyfriend' meme began with a simple premise: looking away from your partner or task – and the internet took it from there. Its original use of a simple, relatable situation launched countless variations, from political statements to everyday jibes.
Evolution of the meme into captions like "Me, after I realized I forgot to turn off the oven" showed its transformative power, making it a timeless runner.
The 'Ridiculously Photogenic Convict' Meme
Although not as broad in its applications as 'distracted boyfriend,' the 'ridiculously photogenic convict' is another example of original use of a viral image. The picture of a smiling convict, Wolfgang Wagner, became a symbol for unexpected humor and positivity, spawning its own spin-off memes.
Both these examples demonstrate how a simple image, with or without a caption, can spawn a unique meme that captures the internet's collective consciousness.
Impact: The best memes spark conversations, inspire creativity, and permeate popular culture. They transcend their initial medium and become part of our collective lexicon.
The 'Harlem Shake' Meme
In 2013, the 'Harlem Shake' meme started as a short, goofy dance video. It spread like wildfire, sparking a global phenomenon. The meme was not just a viral video; it became an event, encouraging people worldwide to post their own unique takes on the dance.
The 'Harlem Shake' was a testament to the power of memes to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity through absurdity.
The 'Adlib Bernie' Meme
Originally a screenshot of Senator Bernie Sanders looking grumpy at the 2021 inauguration, this meme gained traction when Lizzo jokingly suggested he was at a rave. This set the stage for Bernie to be inserted into a variety of scenes, from historical paintings to fantastical settings, often with humorous captions.
Its impact was such that Bernie himself joined in the fun, discussing memes on a podcast, further cementing his status as a pop culture icon.
Longevity: Truly remarkable memes sustain their popularity or relevance over time. They might evolve or morph, but they remain instantly recognizable years later.
The 'Success Kid' Meme
Created in 2007, 'Success Kid' features a photograph of a toddler with a determined expression. Despite originating more than a decade ago, it's still widely recognized and used today. Its longevity underscores its appeal – a simple, relatable sentiment that can be applied to almost any situation.
The meme's adaptability is key to its staying power – it has made appearances at sporting events, political rallies, and even been used to raise awareness for causes like cyberbullying.
The 'Cute but Psycho' Meme
Starting life as a humorous Instagram caption, 'cute but psycho' quickly evolved into a meme. While it has evolved and changed with time – from a humorous observation to a philosophical inquiry into duality – its core message remains potent and relatable.
Its longevity serves as a reminder that the best memes tap into universal emotions and experiences, making them timelessly shareable.
Examining Memes' Impact on Culture
Beyond critiquing memes on originality, impact, and longevity, considering their cultural significance provides added insights into their 'bestness.'
The memes we've discussed here have influenced everything from music and art to politics and social causes. For instance, the 'Harlem Shake' had a tangible impact on dance culture, while 'Success Kid' has been used to raise awareness for various causes.
Meme Universes and Niche Communities
Great memes often spawn their own universes, with dedicated communities developing unique variants and lore. For instance, the 'That Feeling When...' (TFW) meme has led to countless permutations and an active community of users.
Similarly, the 'P presso' meme – involving a picture of aizard lizard with an out-of-context caption – fosters a niche community of users who enjoy and create new iterations of the meme.
Cross-linguistic Appeal
A testament to their cultural caché, many memes transcend linguistic barriers. From 'Distracted Boyfriend' to 'Success Kid,' these memes can be understood and appreciated across diverse cultures and languages.
However, some nuances may get lost in translation, leading to resonant, if unintentionally derivative, memes in other languages. For instance, the Spanish-language 'Triste como el 14 de febrero' (Sad like the 14th of February) meme is a localized take on 'Distracted Boyfriend', drawing on Spanish culture and humor.
In conclusion, the best memes are those that capture something uniquely relatable, spark a global phenomenon, and leave a lasting impact on culture. They're not just funny; they're testaments to our collective, ever-evolving internet psyche.
As we continue to chuckle over 'Bernie at the rave' or 'distracted' spouses, we're participating in a global conversation that is as old as humanity but uniquely modern in its scale and brevity. So, keep memeing on – who knows, your next caption might just be the next big thing!