Dank Meme Meaning: What Does It Mean?

The internet moves fast, but dank memes move even faster. They’re bizarre, unpredictable, and often make zero sense to anyone outside the meme culture. Yet, that’s exactly what makes them so addictive. From distorted images to absurd captions, these memes thrive on exaggeration and irony, turning even the most random concepts into comedy gold. Whether they leave you laughing, confused, or both, one thing’s for sure—dank memes are here to stay. But when do you use them, and what makes a meme truly dank? Let’s break it down.

Dank Meme Meaning – Created by Englishstudyonline

Table of Contents

Dank Meme Meaning

What Does Dank Meme Mean?

“Dank meme” is a slang term that refers to viral internet content that has lost its value or currency due to overuse or passing trends. It can also refer to exceptionally unique or odd memes. The term “dank” itself is slang for something that is excellent, especially marijuana.

As you can see, the term “dank meme” is often used to describe a meme that has become overused or played out. It can also be used to describe a meme that is exceptionally weird or unique.

The Origin of Dank Meme

According to lexicographer Jonathon Green, the term “dank” originally meant “unpleasantly moist or humid.” However, in the 1980s, black, campus, and drug slang began repurposing the term to mean “excellent” or “first-rate,” particularly in reference to high-quality marijuana. Over time, this usage of “dank” became more widespread, and eventually, the term “dank meme” emerged.

The term “dank meme” is typically used to describe online viral media and in-jokes that are intentionally bizarre or have exhausted their comedic value to the point of being trite or cliché. In this context, the word “dank,” originally coined as a term for high-quality marijuana, is used ironically as a synonym for “cool.”

Dank memes often contain intentionally added visual artifacts, such as excessively poor image quality, color bleeding, or extremely saturated and modulated colors, or patterns that indicate that the image has been compressed and decompressed extensively. These visual elements are often used to add to the humor or absurdity of the meme.

Who Uses Dank Meme?

The term “dank meme” is primarily used by internet culture enthusiasts, meme creators, and social media users who enjoy edgy, ironic, and absurd humor. Here’s who commonly uses it:

Gen Z & Millennials – The biggest consumers of memes, often using “dank meme” to describe content that is intentionally weird, over-the-top, or deeply rooted in internet culture.
Reddit & 4chan Users – These platforms are meme incubators, where users constantly create, remix, and discuss dank memes.
Twitter (X) & TikTok Users – Many viral dank memes start on these platforms, where humor thrives on absurdity and irony.
Gamers & Streaming Communities – Dank memes often reference gaming culture, making them popular among Twitch streamers and Discord communities.
Meme Creators & Shitposters – People who create or share intentionally nonsensical, surreal, or exaggerated memes use this term frequently.

Dank Meme Examples

Example Conversations:

Friends Talking About Memes
Person A: Dude, why is this meme so cursed? It makes no sense!
Person B: That’s the whole point, it’s a Dank Meme. The weirder, the better.

Chat Between Gamers
Person A: Bro, did you see the new meme in our Discord?
Person B: Yeah, that was a solid Dank Meme. I almost choked on my drink.

Texting Between Siblings
Person A: Mom just sent me a minion meme with Comic Sans text…
Person B: Bruh, that’s the opposite of a Dank Meme. That’s peak boomer humor.

Social Media Banter
Person A: Why did you just send me a pixelated Shrek riding a unicycle?
Person B: Because it’s a classic Dank Meme, you uncultured swine.

Example Social Media Posts & Texts:

Instagram Caption:
“Only real ones remember this Dank Meme. 😂🔥 #InternetGold”

Twitter (X) Post:
“If you don’t get this Dank Meme, we can’t be friends. 🤡”

Reddit Comment:
“This is peak Dank Meme energy. Upvoted for the culture.”

TikTok Caption:
“POV: You’ve been on the internet too long and now only understand Dank Memes. 💀”

Related Terms to Dank Meme

Shitposting – Posting low-quality, absurd, or intentionally meaningless content for humor.
Deep-fried meme – A meme that has been excessively edited, distorted, or filtered.
Surreal meme – A meme style featuring bizarre, dream-like, or abstract humor.
Cursed image – A photo or meme that feels unsettling, strange, or eerie.
Wholesome meme – A meme that spreads positivity, kindness, or uplifting humor.
Irony meme – A meme that is intentionally nonsensical or sarcastic, often making fun of traditional memes.
Meta meme – A meme that references or satirizes the evolution of memes themselves.
Absurdist humor – A style of comedy that is deliberately bizarre, nonsensical, or illogical.
Meme lord – A person who is highly knowledgeable about meme culture and constantly shares them.
Copypasta – A block of text that is repeatedly copied and pasted across the internet, often as a joke.

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A dank meme is a type of internet meme that has been overused or has become outdated, resulting in its loss of value or currency. Dank memes can also refer to memes that are exceptionally unique or odd. These memes are often used to convey a sense of humor or irony and are typically shared on social media platforms.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What makes a meme 'dank'?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

A meme is considered 'dank' when it is funny, relatable, and shares a sense of humor that resonates with a particular group of people. Dank memes often use pop culture references, internet slang, and other elements to create a humorous and engaging experience for viewers.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some examples of dank memes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Examples of dank memes include the 'Arthur Fist' meme, the 'Pepe the Frog' meme, and the 'Distracted Boyfriend' meme. These memes have become popular due to their relatability and humor, and they are often used to express a wide range of emotions and experiences.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How did the term 'dank meme' originate?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The term 'dank' originally referred to high-quality marijuana, but it has since been adopted by internet culture to refer to something that is excellent or exceptional. The term 'dank meme' likely originated on internet forums and social media platforms, where users would share and discuss humorous and engaging memes.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Who popularized the use of 'dank meme'?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The use of the term 'dank meme' has become popularized by internet culture and is often used by users on social media platforms such as Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram. The term has also been popularized by internet personalities and content creators who use memes as a form of entertainment and engagement.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why do people enjoy sharing dank memes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

People enjoy sharing dank memes because they provide a sense of humor and relatability that resonates with a particular group of people. Dank memes can also be used to express a wide range of emotions and experiences, making them a versatile and engaging form of content. Sharing dank memes can also be a way to connect with others and create a sense of community online.

"}}]}