How Do You Spell VIRAL?
Pronunciation: [vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l] (IPA)
Viral is an adjective that pertains to the rapid spread or dissemination of information, content, or an idea, usually through the use of social media platforms and the internet. It is commonly associated with something becoming extremely popular or well-known within a short period of time. When content goes viral, it is shared and passed on rapidly and extensively by a large number of people.
The term "viral" has its origin from the word "viruses," which are known for their ability to quickly and effortlessly replicate and infect a host. Similarly, viral content refers to information, videos, images, or links that rapidly infect the online community, spreading exponentially from person to person.
Viral content can be in various forms, such as catchy videos, humorous memes, inspiring stories, controversial news, or any other shareable material that captures the attention and interest of online users. The rapidity with which it spreads often stems from its relatability, emotional appeal, humor, novelty, or a combination of these factors.
The impact of viral content can be immense, enabling individuals or brands to gain widespread recognition and achieve significant attention, often leading to increased website traffic, product sales, or influence. However, the virality of content is highly unpredictable and dependent on the interests, behavior, and social connections of internet users.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "viral" comes from the Latin word "virus", which originally referred to a poisonous liquid or venom. In the late 16th century, the term "virus" started being used in English to describe various noxious substances. The modern sense of "viral" emerged in the mid-20th century with the emergence of virology and the study of infectious diseases caused by viruses. The term was metaphorically extended to describe the rapid spread and popularity of certain content or information on the internet, which is analogous to the way viruses propagate.
