The Top 10 Memes That Defined Internet Culture This Year
In the ever-evolving world of the internet, memes have emerged as a powerful and influential way to communicate, express emotions, and provide commentary on current events. This year, the meme landscape continued to thrive, with viral moments and relatable humor leading the charge. From political commentary to pop culture references, these memes not only entertained but also shaped the way we interact online. Here’s a deep dive into the top 10 memes that defined internet culture this year.
1. “Cheugy” – The Anti-Trend Meme
The term “cheugy” became one of the most popular internet expressions this year, as it was used to describe outdated trends or people trying too hard to appear “cool.” The word was coined by Gen Z to call out millennials for their love of basic, stereotypical trends, such as excessive use of phrases like “live, laugh, love,” and items like Ugg boots and avocado toast. The concept of “cheugy” was humorously amplified by TikTok, where users posted videos listing things they considered cheugy, sparking debates between generations.
This meme evolved into a playful form of critique, where everything from fashion choices to décor could be deemed “cheugy.” It became a reflection of how youth culture continues to reject trends from the past while creating new, ever-changing standards of “cool.”
2. “That’s a Red Flag” – Relationship Warnings in Meme Form
“Red flags” became an essential part of internet vernacular this year, thanks to TikTok and Twitter users turning the phrase into an ever-present meme format. The concept of a “red flag” in relationships — a sign that something is potentially wrong or problematic — was humorously extended to virtually all aspects of life. Memes would start with a statement like “No one: literally no one:” followed by a blatantly ridiculous “red flag” statement.
The format was applied to everything, from dating red flags to questionable behavior in professional settings. People used this meme to point out anything that seemed odd or concerning in a humorous and exaggerated way. The meme took on a life of its own, with users constantly sharing their own examples of personal red flags in relationships, friendships, and beyond.
3. “Crying Jordan” Makes a Comeback
The “Crying Jordan” meme, featuring the image of a tearful Michael Jordan, experienced a major resurgence this year. Originally used to comment on sports losses and failures, the meme became a go-to for depicting failure in virtually any scenario. Whether it was a personal mistake, a professional mishap, or even a small everyday disappointment, “Crying Jordan” became the go-to image to convey the agony of failure in a comedic way.
The meme resurfaced alongside the rise of sports-themed content and viral moments, further embedding itself into internet culture. What makes “Crying Jordan” so effective is its ability to convey universal feelings of frustration and defeat in a humorous way, making it adaptable to almost any situation.
4. “NFTs Are The Future” – Memes Mocking the NFT Hype
As the NFT (non-fungible token) craze took over, the internet began to react with an onslaught of memes poking fun at the confusing, and often contradictory, nature of the trend. These memes often highlighted the absurdity of people spending exorbitant amounts of money on digital art and assets that, at first glance, seemed intangible or of questionable value.
While NFTs were being touted as the next big thing in tech and art, meme creators found ways to poke fun at the complexity and hype surrounding the technology. Memes about NFTs emphasized their absurdity, comparing them to completely unrelated items or showing how people were “getting scammed” into investing in these digital tokens. The meme “NFTs are the future” became a running joke about the increasing obsession with virtual goods in an often inaccessible market.
5. “Girl Explains” – The Meme Format That Took Over TikTok
The “girl explains” meme format became widely popular this year, particularly on TikTok. In this format, a girl enthusiastically explains something—often in an over-the-top or overly complicated way—while the audience (often the camera) remains unenthusiastic or confused. The meme was used to depict how women (or anyone) might over-explain everyday occurrences or situations in an exaggerated manner.
The comedic juxtaposition of an animated explanation versus the deadpan response became the centerpiece of numerous viral videos. Whether discussing trivial topics or profound life issues, the “girl explains” meme provided a humorous lens through which internet users could comment on mundane or complex subjects.
6. “Among Us” – The Meme That Won’t Die
The “Among Us” meme had a lasting impact, continuing to define internet culture this year. The multiplayer game, in which players try to identify the “imposter” on a spaceship, exploded in popularity during the pandemic. This year, the game’s slang—especially the term “sus” (short for suspicious)—became a meme that transcended the gaming community.
The phrase “sus” began to pop up everywhere, used to describe anyone or anything that seemed untrustworthy or shady. The meme made its way into the political sphere, everyday conversations, and even celebrity gossip. It also sparked countless memes involving the game’s crewmates, imposter reveal moments, and the iconic “emergency meeting” announcement.
“Among Us” memes became synonymous with the humorous suspicion of others, with users often applying the game’s terminology to personal or public scandals, making it one of the most enduring memes of the year.
7. “No One: Literally No One:” – The Meme Format That Calls Out the Random
“No one: Literally no one:” became one of the most widely used meme formats this year. In this structure, the meme begins with a line that highlights the absence of any prompting or external influence, followed by an absurd or exaggerated statement or action that seemingly comes out of nowhere. The meme points out how people or things sometimes do strange or irrelevant things without any outside encouragement.
This format took on a life of its own, applied to everything from people’s bizarre behaviors on social media to the random things that people feel the need to share. It’s a meme that effortlessly blends humor with the absurdity of the world around us.
8. “Wojak” – The Sad, Existential Meme
Wojak, also known as “Feels Guy,” is a meme that has evolved over the past few years but saw significant resurgence this year. The character is often depicted with a blank, sad expression and is used to convey feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, or existential dread. Wojak memes have been used to humorously express the melancholic aspects of modern life, often in relation to work, love, or personal struggles.
This year, the meme became a relatable way to express frustrations or disappointments, tapping into the shared experiences of many internet users. As the pandemic continued to shape daily life, Wojak provided a cathartic outlet for expressing the collective feeling of being overwhelmed.
9. “The Weeknd’s Super Bowl Performance” – Memes About the Performance and the Maze
The Weeknd’s performance during the Super Bowl halftime show sparked numerous memes. One of the most viral moments was his maze-like journey through a mirrored hallway, which became a metaphor for getting lost in life. People began making memes about how they too felt lost and confused, drawing parallels between the maze and the uncertainty of the year.
Other memes poked fun at the singer’s facial expressions and choreography, with people drawing creative comparisons between his performance and other iconic moments from the Super Bowl. The “Weeknd in the maze” meme became one of the year’s most relatable and enduring viral moments.
10. “Weirdly Specific Pet Peeves” – Memes That Call Out Life’s Irritations
Memes that highlight weirdly specific pet peeves gained traction this year as people expressed their frustrations with the oddest things. From loudly chewing gum to the inconvenience of autocorrect, these memes called attention to small, annoying aspects of life. The humor in these memes lies in how relatable the irritations are, making them universally appealing.
This meme format spoke to the humor in everyday frustrations and became a comedic way to connect with others who shared the same annoyances.
Conclusion
The memes that defined internet culture this year captured everything from existential dread to absurd humor, showcasing the diverse range of internet users and the unique ways they express themselves. From biting critiques of trends to lighthearted reflections on life’s frustrations, memes are more than just jokes; they are a mirror of the world we live in, providing a fun, relatable way to cope with the chaos of modern life. As the year progresses, it’s clear that memes will continue to evolve, and we’ll be right here to laugh along with them.