The Evolution of Memes: From Trending to Classics

Memes are like a breath of fresh air in the world of social media. Created to bring a little cheer and joy to our everyday digital lives, internet memes have been around for a long time. Many of us remember those hilarious pictures or short videos that made us laugh out loud a few years or even decades ago.

What is a Meme?

The term “meme” comes from the Greek word “mimeme,” which means to imitate. Today, it is used to refer to cultural symbols that are shared and spread quickly through various social media platforms. In simpler terms, a meme can be anything that’s funny or amusing, passed along from one person to another.

The Best Memes Ever

Below are some of the most iconic memes that have stood the test of time:

1. Rickrolling

The meme concept of “rickrolling” is simple but ingenious. It involves fooling people into clicking on a hyperlink that redirects them to the music video of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” This meme originated in 2007 and continues to surprise innocent web surfers even today.

2. Bad Luck Brian

In 2012, the iconic image of a grinning high school yearbook student made the Internet go crazy. The popular Bad Luck Brian meme features a man wearing a sweater vest, a nerdy smile on his face, a bow tie, and an unforgettable catchphrase that still makes people giggle today.

3. Drake Hotline Bling

This meme has made the rounds on several social media platforms for years now. Drake’s “Hotline Bling” video not only became popular because of the song but due to the unintentionally funny dance moves displayed by the artist. This video spawned varied parodies and memes ranging from dance compilations to just plain silly cartoon-like animations.

4. Kermit the Frog – “But That’s None of My Business”

In 2014, the “But that’s none of my business” meme started via a Kermit the Frog meme where he appeared sipping tea or coffee, giving some unsolicited advice, and then stating that iconic phrase “but that’s none of my business.” The meme went viral with numerous topics ranging from literally anything to social commentary.

5. Condescending Wonka

Based on Gene Wilder’s most memorable movie ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,’ Condescending Wonka meme emerged in 2011 as a hilarious image from the scene wherein Wilder sarcastically shares advice like a know-it-all.

Conclusion

Memes have become instant classics of the digital era. Interestingly, memes help to bring together people with a common sense of humor and appreciation for absurdity. All of these iconic memes listed above have one thing in common. They are all amusing sources of online laughter, mild controversies, and endless euphoria.