The internet is a fascinating place that rapidly creates, shares, and evolves a multitude of trends and cultures. One of the most striking phenomena to have taken the world of the internet by storm are memes. The meme in question here is the “What Do You Mean” meme, which has gained massive popularity due to its versatile and humorous nature.
Origins of the Meme
Let’s start with understanding where this meme came from and what it’s all about.
The “What Do You Mean” meme is believed to have originated from the popular song “What Do You Mean?” by Justin Bieber. Released in 2015, this song quickly rose to the charts and became an internet sensation. Users began to associate the phrase “What Do You Mean” with the typical confusion or disbelief they face in their daily lives, and began using it to express a variety of scenarios online.
Anatomy of the Meme
As for the structure of the meme, it typically consists of two parts.
The first part sets up the situation or context, usually an expected or considered normal scenario. The second part, which carries the punchline, contradicts or completely deviates from the set-up, often resulting in a comedic or absurd outcome. The punchline is when the phrase “What Do You Mean” is utilized, expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief at the irrational or absurd outcome described in the meme.
For instance, one such meme might present a scenario where an individual says they want to get in shape and need to start working out, with the punchline being an image of a person confused and asking, “What Do You Mean ‘working out’?”
Popularity and Usage of the Meme
The popularity of the “What Do You Mean” meme can be attributed to its relatability and versatility.
Since it embodies a common experience of surprise or disbelief, it easily connects with many internet users, becoming one of the most frequently shared memes. Moreover, the phrase can be readily applied to a variety of scenarios, making it very versatile and easy to use in different contexts.
Overall, memes are a substantial part of cyber culture, and they reflect our society in a humorous way. Whether it’s about daily life struggles, political issues, pop culture references, or plain absurdity, memes like the “What Do You Mean” have established themselves as a distinct form of communication in the digital world. They have become a language of their own, transgressing traditional linguistic barriers and connecting people from all walks of life.