I’ve been scrolling through social media for years, and I can honestly say that 2024 has been one of the wildest years for internet culture yet. Every week, there’s a new meme that takes over my feed, and honestly, keeping up with all of them feels like a full-time job sometimes. But here’s the thing – these aren’t just random jokes that disappear after a few days. The memes that really stick around tell us something important about what we’re all thinking and feeling right now.
As someone who spends way too much time online (and I’m not ashamed to admit it), I’ve watched these viral moments unfold in real-time. I’ve seen how a simple video or image can suddenly become the language we all use to express ourselves. It’s fascinating, really. One day you’re living your normal life, and the next day everyone’s referencing some random moment that happened to someone else entirely.
So let me break down the 10 biggest memes that have been dominating our screens lately. Trust me, once you understand where these came from and why they resonated with millions of people, you’ll never look at internet culture the same way again.
What Makes a Meme Go Viral in 2024?
Before I dive into the specific memes, I need to talk about what actually makes something blow up these days. It’s not just about being funny anymore – though that definitely helps. The memes that really take off have a few key ingredients:
Relatability Factor
- They capture something we’ve all experienced
- They give us words for feelings we couldn’t express
- They make us feel less alone in our weird thoughts
Perfect Timing
- They hit right when we need them most
- They reflect current events or cultural moments
- They fill a gap in our collective conversation
Versatility
- People can adapt them to different situations
- They work across different platforms
- They’re easy to remix and recreate
Now, let’s get into the memes that have been everywhere lately.
1. “Ohio” – When Your State Becomes a State of Mind
| Meme Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | TikTok videos about Ohio being weird |
| Peak Popularity | Mid-2024 |
| Usage | Describing anything bizarre or surreal |
| Platforms | TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
I’ll be honest – as someone who doesn’t live in Ohio, I was completely confused when “Ohio” started showing up everywhere as slang for “weird” or “bizarre.” But here’s what happened: TikTok users started making jokes about how supposedly strange things are in Ohio, and somehow this evolved into using “Ohio” as an adjective for anything that seems off or surreal.
What’s brilliant about this meme is how it took a completely innocent state and turned it into shorthand for the absurd. I’ve seen people comment “That’s so Ohio” on everything from weird food combinations to bizarre news stories. It’s become this catch-all term for when something doesn’t make sense.
Why “Ohio” Became Internet Slang
The psychology behind this is actually pretty interesting. We needed a word that felt both familiar and silly to describe the increasingly weird world we’re living in. “Ohio” fit perfectly because:
- It sounds mundane and harmless
- Most people have some vague association with it
- It’s fun to say in a dramatic way
- It doesn’t actually offend anyone from Ohio (mostly)
I’ve noticed that Gen Z especially loves this kind of absurdist humor. They’re taking something completely normal and making it weird, which honestly reflects how they feel about the world right now.
2. “Slay Queen” – Empowerment Meets Irony
The “Slay Queen” phenomenon has been fascinating to watch evolve. What started as genuine empowerment language has become this incredibly versatile meme that can be both sincere and ironic at the same time.
The Evolution Timeline
- Original Usage: Genuine celebration of women’s achievements
- Mainstream Adoption: Everyone started using it unironically
- Ironic Phase: People began using it sarcastically
- Current State: Can be both genuine and ironic simultaneously
I love how this meme represents our complicated relationship with empowerment culture. Sometimes I use it completely seriously when my friend accomplishes something amazing. Other times, I’ll comment “Slay queen” when someone posts a picture of their perfectly arranged lunch. Both uses feel authentic in their own way.
Impact on Social Media Language
- Positive Reinforcement: Created a quick way to show support
- Community Building: Helped people feel celebrated for small wins
- Cultural Bridge: Connected different generations through shared language
- Gender Dynamics: Shifted how we talk about achievements online
3. “It’s Giving…” – The New Way to Describe Vibes
“It’s giving…” might be my favorite meme of the year because it solved a real communication problem. How do you quickly describe the vibe or energy of something? This phrase became the perfect answer.
Common Usage Patterns
- “It’s giving main character energy” – Someone who’s confidently living their best life
- “It’s giving desperate” – When someone’s trying too hard
- “It’s giving winter depression” – Describing a mood or atmosphere
- “It’s giving early 2000s” – Referencing aesthetic or style choices
What I find amazing is how this phrase lets us be both specific and vague at the same time. When I say something is “giving chaotic energy,” you probably know exactly what I mean, even though I haven’t really explained anything concrete.
The Grammar Revolution
This meme actually represents a shift in how we use language online. We’re creating new grammatical structures that feel more immediate and emotional than traditional descriptions. Instead of saying “This gives me the impression of…”, we just say “It’s giving…” and somehow that feels more authentic.
4. “NPC Energy” – When People Feel Scripted
The “NPC” (Non-Player Character) meme hit different because it tapped into something we were all feeling but couldn’t articulate. You know that feeling when someone seems to be operating on autopilot, just going through pre-programmed responses? That’s NPC energy.
What Qualifies as “NPC Behavior”
- Giving predictable responses in conversations
- Following trends without understanding them
- Lacking original thoughts or opinions
- Going through motions without genuine engagement
I’ve caught myself having “NPC moments” – those times when I’m so tired or distracted that I’m just saying whatever I think I’m supposed to say. The meme made me more aware of when I’m actually present versus when I’m just going through the motions.
Cultural Commentary
This meme reflects our anxiety about:
- Authenticity in digital spaces
- The pressure to have constant content
- Feeling disconnected from our own experiences
- The repetitive nature of online interactions
5. “Rizz” – Charisma Gets a Rebrand
“Rizz” (short for charisma) became the word we didn’t know we needed for describing someone’s ability to charm others, especially in romantic contexts. What’s interesting is how it democratized the concept of charisma – suddenly everyone was analyzing their own “rizz” levels.
The Rizz Spectrum
| Rizz Level | Description | Example Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Negative Rizz | Actively repels people | Awkward pickup lines |
| No Rizz | Completely unremarkable | Generic small talk |
| Some Rizz | Occasionally charming | Hit-or-miss conversations |
| Mad Rizz | Consistently charismatic | Natural conversation flow |
| Unspoken Rizz | Effortlessly attractive | Doesn’t even try but succeeds |
I love how this meme made us more conscious of social dynamics. Instead of just saying someone is “good with people,” we now have this whole vocabulary around different types of charm and social skills.
Impact on Dating Culture
The “rizz” phenomenon changed how people talk about dating and attraction:
- Made charisma seem more achievable and learnable
- Created a framework for self-improvement
- Reduced the stigma around discussing dating skills
- Generated countless tutorial videos and advice content
6. “Roman Empire” – What Lives Rent-Free in Your Head
The “Roman Empire” meme started with women asking men how often they think about the Roman Empire (apparently, it’s a lot more than you’d expect). But it evolved into a way of talking about those random topics that occupy way too much mental real estate.
My Personal Roman Empires
I’ll be vulnerable here – my Roman Empires include:
- How animals see color differently than humans
- Whether aliens have visited Earth
- The logistics of how TV show characters afford their apartments
- Why some songs get stuck in your head for days
Why This Meme Resonated
The genius of this meme is that it gave us permission to admit we all have weird obsessions. It normalized having those random thoughts that pop up at 2 AM and keep you awake wondering about ancient civilizations or whatever your particular fixation might be.
Gender Dynamics and Assumptions
What made this meme particularly interesting was how it challenged assumptions about what different people think about. The original trend revealed that:
- Men do think about random historical topics more than expected
- Women also have their own “Roman Empires” that aren’t always obvious
- We all have mental rabbit holes we fall down regularly
- These obsessions are more universal than we realized
7. “Let Them Cook” – Giving Space for Creativity
“Let them cook” became my go-to response when someone’s doing something that might seem weird but could turn out amazing. It’s about giving people space to be creative, even when you don’t understand their process.
Perfect “Let Them Cook” Moments
- When someone’s explaining an unconventional solution to a problem
- Artists experimenting with weird new styles
- Friends making questionable but potentially brilliant decisions
- Content creators trying something completely different
The Philosophy Behind It
This meme represents a shift toward:
- Supporting experimentation over perfection
- Trusting the creative process
- Reducing judgment of unconventional approaches
- Creating space for innovation
I’ve started using this mindset in my own life. Instead of immediately judging ideas that seem strange, I try to “let them cook” and see what happens. Sometimes the results are terrible, but sometimes they’re absolutely brilliant.
8. “POV” Confusion – When Everyone Misuses Grammar
The “POV” (Point of View) meme drives me slightly crazy because most people use it incorrectly, but it’s become so widespread that we’ve collectively decided the wrong usage is now right.
Correct vs. Popular Usage
Technically Correct: “POV: You’re watching your friend embarrass themselves” How Everyone Actually Uses It: “POV: Me watching my friend embarrass themselves”
Why Grammar Rules Don’t Matter Here
What’s fascinating is that even though the usage is technically wrong, everyone understands what people mean. The meme evolved beyond its literal definition to become a way of setting up scenarios and shared experiences.
The Communication Revolution
This represents how internet culture changes language:
- Meaning matters more than technical correctness
- Shared understanding trumps grammar rules
- New formats create new ways of storytelling
- Collective adoption legitimizes changes
9. “Girl Dinner” – Redefining Meals and Self-Care
“Girl dinner” started as women sharing their simple, thrown-together meals, but it became something much deeper – a celebration of taking care of yourself without performing for others.
What Qualifies as Girl Dinner
- Cheese and crackers with some fruit
- Random snacks arranged on a plate
- Leftovers eaten straight from containers
- Whatever’s in your fridge combined creatively
The Deeper Meaning
This meme resonated because it pushed back against:
- The pressure to cook elaborate meals every day
- The idea that meals need to be Instagram-worthy
- The guilt around “lazy” food choices
- The expectation that women should always be cooking for others
I love how “girl dinner” gave us permission to eat intuitively and take care of ourselves in simple ways. It’s self-care disguised as a food trend.
Cultural Impact
The phenomenon sparked conversations about:
- Gender roles in meal preparation
- The pressure to perform domesticity
- What constitutes a “real” meal
- Self-care versus self-judgment
10. “Core” Everything – Defining Your Aesthetic
The “core” suffix exploded in 2024, with everyone finding their specific aesthetic identity. From “cottagecore” to “dark academia” to increasingly specific variations like “goblincore” and “chaotic academia.”
Popular Core Aesthetics
| Core Type | Key Elements | Typical Content |
|---|---|---|
| Cottagecore | Rural life, baking, gardens | Cozy home videos, nature walks |
| Dark Academia | Gothic architecture, books, coffee | Study vlogs, literary quotes |
| Goblincore | Collecting shiny objects, earth tones | Random collections, nature finds |
| Chaotic Academia | Messy desks, multiple projects | Overwhelmed student content |
Why We Need Aesthetic Labels
I think the “core” trend reflects our need to:
- Find community around shared interests
- Define our personal style in a crowded digital space
- Create curated identities that feel authentic
- Signal belonging to specific subcultures
The Psychology of Aesthetic Identity
Having a “core” gives people:
- A framework for making style choices
- A community of like-minded individuals
- Content inspiration and direction
- A way to express personality through visuals
The Science Behind Viral Memes
Understanding why these memes exploded requires looking at the psychology of viral content. I’ve noticed that the most successful memes share certain characteristics:
Emotional Resonance Factors
- Relatability: They reflect common experiences
- Timing: They arrive when we need them most
- Simplicity: They’re easy to understand and share
- Adaptability: People can make them their own
Social Connection Elements
Memes serve as:
- Cultural currency – Showing you’re “in the know”
- Conversation starters – Giving people things to talk about
- Identity markers – Signaling what groups you belong to
- Emotional regulation – Helping process complex feelings through humor
How Memes Shape Our Communication
What I find most fascinating about this year’s memes is how they’ve actually changed the way we talk to each other, both online and offline. I catch myself using “meme speak” in regular conversations now, and it doesn’t feel forced – it feels natural.
Language Evolution in Real-Time
We’re witnessing:
- New grammatical structures (“It’s giving…” sentences)
- Borrowed terminology (Gaming terms like “NPC” in social contexts)
- Emotional shortcuts (Using memes to express complex feelings)
- Cultural references (Shared understanding through viral moments)
Generational Communication Bridges
Interestingly, memes are creating connections across age groups. I’ve seen my parents using “slay queen” unironically, and somehow it works. Memes are becoming a universal language that transcends traditional communication barriers.
The Future of Meme Culture
Looking at these trends, I can see where internet culture is heading. We’re moving toward:
More Personalized Humor
- Niche communities creating increasingly specific content
- Individual experiences becoming universal through shared language
- Micro-trends that serve smaller but more engaged audiences
Faster Evolution Cycles
- Shorter attention spans requiring constant innovation
- Platform-specific formats developing unique characteristics
- Cross-platform adaptation becoming more sophisticated
Deeper Cultural Integration
- Memes influencing mainstream media and advertising
- Academic study of internet culture increasing
- Professional contexts adopting meme language appropriately
Creating Your Own Meme Strategy
If you want to stay relevant in internet culture (and honestly, who doesn’t?), here’s what I’ve learned:
Understanding Your Audience
- Know your platform – What works on TikTok won’t necessarily work on Twitter
- Timing matters – Jump on trends early but not too early
- Authenticity wins – Don’t force it if it doesn’t feel natural
- Engagement over perfection – People connect with genuine reactions
Content Creation Tips
- Start with relatability – What do you and your friends actually talk about?
- Add your perspective – Don’t just copy; contribute something new
- Test and iterate – See what resonates and build on it
- Stay current – Follow trend accounts and pay attention to emerging patterns
The Impact on Marketing and Brands
I’ve watched brands struggle to keep up with meme culture this year, and honestly, most of them are doing it wrong. The successful ones understand that memes are about authentic communication, not advertising opportunities.
What Works for Brands
- Understanding the culture before participating
- Adding genuine value to conversations
- Respecting the context and not commercializing everything
- Being consistent with brand voice while adapting to trends
Common Brand Mistakes
- Using outdated memes (nothing screams “hello fellow kids” like old trends)
- Missing the point entirely and focusing on products instead of culture
- Over-explaining jokes or being too corporate in meme spaces
- Trying too hard to be relatable instead of being genuinely helpful
Conclusion: Why Memes Matter More Than You Think
After spending way too much time analyzing internet culture this year, I’ve come to realize that memes aren’t just entertainment – they’re how we collectively process the world around us. Each of these trending memes represents something we were all feeling but couldn’t quite put into words.
“Ohio” gave us a way to describe the increasing weirdness of reality. “It’s giving” let us communicate vibes and energy more precisely. “Girl dinner” challenged expectations about how we should take care of ourselves. “Roman Empire” normalized our random obsessions and mental rabbit holes.
These aren’t just jokes – they’re the language we’ve created to navigate a complex, fast-moving world. They help us feel connected to each other and give us permission to be authentically human, even in digital spaces.
As we head into the rest of 2024, I’m excited to see what new memes emerge and what they’ll tell us about ourselves. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from tracking internet culture, it’s that the memes we create reveal more about who we are than we might expect.
The next time you see a meme taking over your feed, don’t just laugh and scroll past. Take a moment to think about why it resonates with so many people. What need is it filling? What feeling is it expressing? What does it say about our collective moment in time?
Trust me, once you start seeing memes as cultural artifacts rather than just entertainment, the internet becomes a much more fascinating place. And honestly, in a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, that shared understanding through humor might be exactly what we need.
Related Resources:
- Understanding Internet Culture and Digital Communication
- The Psychology of Viral Content
- How Social Media Shapes Language Evolution
What’s your favorite meme from 2024? Have you noticed how these trends are changing the way you communicate? Share your thoughts and let’s keep this conversation going – after all, that’s what meme culture is all about.