Metameur
Metameur is a neologism, likely a portmanteau of "meta" and "meme," used informally in online contexts, particularly social media and internet forums. It refers to a meme that references, comments on, or is about the nature of memes themselves. Unlike regular memes which typically leverage shared cultural references or humorous situations, metameur memes focus on the structure, evolution, spread, or impact of memes as a phenomenon. They often involve self-awareness and a knowing nod to the audience's understanding of meme culture.
Characteristics of metameurs often include:
- Self-Referential Humor: They directly address the act of meme creation, sharing, or consumption.
- Layered Meaning: Understanding metameurs may require prior knowledge of various meme formats and their historical evolution.
- Analysis and Critique: They can serve as a form of commentary on the state of meme culture, trends, and the internet in general.
- Abstraction: The subject matter is often abstract, dealing with concepts like meme death, meme formats, and the meme cycle.
The lifespan and impact of metameurs are often short-lived due to the rapidly evolving nature of internet culture and the ephemeral nature of memes. Their appreciation typically requires a high level of engagement with online communities and a sophisticated understanding of meme history and trends.