> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dawksmemes.gitbook.io/dawk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dawksmemes.gitbook.io/dawk/overview/memes-genes.md).

# MEMES/GENES

#### What Does Meme Mean?

A ‘meme’ is an element such as videos, texts, and photos that are found to be humorous and passed from person to person for mutual enjoyment. In today’s time, they are most commonly captioned photos that get passed around the internet.

<figure><img src="/files/ULIcyWJxuDC4jPua9HCc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Origin of Meme**

‘Meme’ is actually an abbreviated version of the Greek word ‘mimeme’. That’s definition is something that is imitated.

In 1976 author [Richard Dawkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Dawkins) created the word ‘meme’ and used it in his book called ‘The Selfish Gene’. The term meme (from the Greek mimema, meaning “imitated”)