"Meme pool" is a term used to describe the collective cultural ideas and trends that spread through social media and the internet. Its spelling can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /miːm puːl/. The first syllable "meme" is pronounced as "meem" with a long "e" sound, while "pool" is pronounced as "pool" with a short "oo" sound. This term reflects the dynamic and constantly evolving nature of online culture and the vast pool of content that is shared and reshared on the internet.
Meme pool refers to the collective body or repository of all memes that exist within a particular digital or online community. A meme is a concept, behavior, or idea that spreads rapidly via the internet, usually in the form of images, videos, or text with humorous or exaggerated content. The concept of a meme pool stems from the idea of a gene pool, where genetic traits are exchanged and shared among individuals in a population.
In the context of internet culture, a meme pool is the source or origin of all memes that are generated and shared by users across various platforms such as social media, forums, or messaging apps. It represents the vast collection of ideas, jokes, and trends that are being constantly exchanged and reproduced within a specific online community.
The meme pool is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic and ever-changing environment. It constantly evolves as new memes are created, existing ones are modified or remixed, and certain memes gain popularity while others fade away. The concept of a meme pool helps describe the interconnectedness and influence that memes have on each other, as they often borrow from, reference, or build upon previous memes.
The meme pool is an important aspect of internet culture, serving as a reflection of the collective thoughts, emotions, and trends found within a particular online community. It is a manifestation of the participatory and collaborative nature of internet users who actively engage in the creation, propagation, and reinterpretation of memes.
The term "meme pool" is derived from two separate origins:
1. Meme: The word "meme" was coined by the biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene". He used it to describe a cultural idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture. The term "meme" is a combination of the Greek word "mimeme", meaning "imitated thing", and the English word "gene", representing the idea of cultural evolution.
2. Pool: The term "pool" refers to a gathering or collection of something. In the context of memes, a "meme pool" refers to the collective set of memes that exist within a specific culture or community. It represents the accumulation of ideas, concepts, and behaviors that are shared and replicated among individuals.