50 Famous Memes and What They Mean

Welcome to 312 Marketing's comprehensive guide to 50 famous memes and their meanings. In this article, we will delve into the world of internet memes, exploring their origins, cultural significance, and humorous interpretations. Whether you're a casual internet user or a seasoned meme enthusiast, this guide aims to provide an entertaining and informative exploration of the most popular memes that have shaped online culture.

1. The Success Kid

The Success Kid meme features a determined-looking toddler clenching his fist in triumph. This meme represents small victories and accomplishments, often used to celebrate personal achievements or positive news. The image's popularity is attributed to its relatable and optimistic message, resonating with internet users across various social media platforms.

2. Grumpy Cat

Grumpy Cat, also known as Tardar Sauce, became an internet sensation due to her permanently grumpy facial expression. This popular meme is commonly used to convey humorously negative or sassy remarks. Despite her grumpy appearance, Grumpy Cat's fame has brought joy to millions worldwide.

3. Distracted Boyfriend

The Distracted Boyfriend meme features a stock photo of a man turning away from his girlfriend to look at another woman passing by. This meme is often used to depict situations where someone is distracted by something more interesting. Its relatability and versatility have made it a staple in meme culture.

4. Doge

Doge is a Shiba Inu dog known for its quirky captions written in broken English. This meme went viral for its humorous and grammatically unconventional phrases like "much wow" and "such amaze." Doge encapsulates the innocent charm of internet culture and remains a beloved meme to this day.

5. Rickrolling

Rickrolling is an internet prank that involves misleading users into clicking a link that leads to a music video by Rick Astley called "Never Gonna Give You Up." This phenomenon gained popularity in the mid-2000s and has since become a widespread internet meme. Rickrolling exemplifies internet humor and the unexpected surprises that come with it.

6. The Harlem Shake

The Harlem Shake meme originated from a series of videos where individuals abruptly start dancing to the song "Harlem Shake" by Baauer. This meme went viral in 2013 and sparked countless iterations and parodies. The Harlem Shake exemplifies the internet's ability to transform a simple idea into a global phenomenon.

7. Scumbag Steve

Scumbag Steve is an image macro meme featuring a young man wearing a sideways cap and a fur coat. The meme is used to portray someone who is selfish or does something unpleasant. With catchy captions overlaying the image, Scumbag Steve allows users to humorously call out people's less desirable behavior.

8. Woman Yelling at a Cat

Woman Yelling at a Cat is a meme featuring a screenshot from a reality TV show, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." The image captures Taylor Armstrong pointing angrily while a white cat sits at a table. The meme pairs Taylor's intense expression with various humorous captions, demonstrating the power of combining unexpected elements for comedic effect.

9. Expanding Brain

The Expanding Brain meme consists of a series of images representing an idea or concept gradually becoming more complex or enlightened. This meme humorously illustrates the evolution of thoughts or opinions on a particular subject matter, with each successive image adding another layer of understanding.

10. SpongeBob Mocking

The SpongeBob Mocking meme features an image of SpongeBob SquarePants with a mocking expression. This meme is used to sarcastically imitate someone or mock their actions or statements. With its widespread popularity, the SpongeBob Mocking meme has become a go-to choice for humorous banter on the internet.

These are just a few examples of the many famous memes that have taken the internet by storm. From relatable situations to unexpected surprises, memes have become an integral part of online culture, enabling people to express their thoughts and emotions in a lighthearted and entertaining manner.

At 312 Marketing, we understand the importance of meme culture and its impact on modern marketing strategies. We believe that staying up-to-date with internet trends and incorporating them into brand messaging can help businesses connect with their target audiences on a deeper level.

Using Memes in Marketing and Advertising

Incorporating memes into marketing and advertising campaigns can be an effective way to engage with online communities and reach a wider audience. Memes have the potential to go viral, generating organic shares and likes, and creating buzz around a brand or product.

When utilizing memes for marketing purposes, it's vital to consider the context, audience, and appropriateness of the meme in relation to your brand. Successful meme marketing involves understanding the underlying humor and cultural references associated with different memes and leveraging them to create meaningful and relevant content.

The Dos and Don'ts of Meme Marketing

DO:

• Research and understand the meme before incorporating it into your marketing strategy.
• Ensure the meme aligns with your brand's values and target audience.
• Put a unique twist on the meme to make it relevant and memorable.
• Monitor the response and engagement from your audience to evaluate the effectiveness of the meme.
• Stay current with meme trends to remain relevant in the ever-changing online landscape.

DON'T:

• Force a meme into your marketing efforts if it feels forced or out of place.
• Use memes that may offend or alienate your audience.
• Overuse memes to the point where they lose their novelty or impact.
• Confuse or misinterpret the meaning behind a meme, potentially harming your brand's reputation.
• Underestimate the power of meme marketing as a tool for brand awareness and engagement.

As a leading marketing and advertising agency in the Business and Consumer Services industry, 312 Marketing recognizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve. By embracing popular internet phenomena such as memes, we help our clients connect with their target audience in a memorable and impactful way.

So, whether you're interested in the origins of famous memes or looking to incorporate meme marketing into your business strategy, 312 Marketing is here to assist you every step of the way. Reach out to us today and discover how we can help your brand thrive in the digital age.