this post was submitted on 29 Aug 2025
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Yes, just like "motorcycle" fits perfectly well within the overarching definition of "vehicle" but it's still useful to have a more specific term.
But there already is a "more specific term" - "internet meme". It's a meme that (mostly) originates/spreads over the Internet. Job done.
That's my point, that's not a good definition of an Internet Meme.
I'm so confused... It's like you wanted a separate definition of "internet news article" because these often have click-bait titles, unlike (most) TV or newspaper articles.
It's the same thing. Just the medium is different.
It's not the same thing, it's not just the medium that's different. That's my whole point.
You keep saying that, but you haven't explained the difference yet.
https://sh.itjust.works/comment/20741233
OK, let's break them down.
"Image", "video" and "GIF" are the same thing - an image. It's just moving in some cases.
So we're left with "humorous, amusing or interesting form of expression that relies on images and text, and spreads across the Internet".
"Humorous, amusing or interesting" can be skipped, because if it "spreads across the Internet" means there's a reason for it. For that matter, the reason could be that people feel angry or infuriated, and a lot of others. So let's just skip these altogether and just leave the fact that it's spreading.
We're left with "a form of expression that relies on images and text, and spreads across the Internet".
Where "a form of expression that relies on images and text" is "an idea".
So, your "unique" definition of "Internet meme" is just: "an idea that spreads across the Internet".
Which is to say: it's a meme. The method of spreading is irrelevant, the important bit is the spread itself. Doesn't matter if it's by word of mouth, newspapers, TV broadcasts, radio, or the Internet, it's just the transportation method.