Lore vs. Meme: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
Lore refers to a body of traditional knowledge or stories, while a meme is a cultural element, often humorous, that spreads virally.
Key Differences
The term "Lore" harks back to older times, often synonymous with traditional stories, myths, or accumulated knowledge. It’s a repository of shared understanding, encapsulating tales, wisdom, and practices passed down generations. Contrarily, the word "Meme" is much more modern in its inception and application. Coined by Richard Dawkins, it refers to an idea, behavior, or style that spreads across people in a culture, especially through the internet.
Diving deeper, lore provides insight into cultures, traditions, and histories. It is the reservoir of tales and lessons, some cautionary, some celebratory, that define a group or civilization. On the other hand, memes, primarily in the digital age, are snippets or snapshots—be they images, videos, or catchphrases—that resonate with current sentiments, often humorous or satirical, and spread rapidly online.
Lore is often localized, specific to regions or groups, and carries weight and reverence. It offers continuity, linking the past with the present. In contrast, memes are transient, reflecting fleeting societal thoughts or jokes. Their potency lies in their immediate relatability and shareability, often becoming outdated quickly as new memes emerge.
One interesting similarity between lore and meme is their communal nature. Both thrive in shared spaces: lore in communal gatherings, passed orally or through written mediums, and memes in the digital sphere, shared across social platforms. Yet, while lore seeks to preserve and perpetuate, memes often disrupt, satirize, or poke fun.
In essence, while both lore and memes shape and are shaped by societal perceptions, their lifespans, mediums, and intentions differ considerably. Lore serves as a bridge to bygone eras, while memes capture the zeitgeist of the moment.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Traditional stories or knowledge.
Idea or behavior spread virally, often digitally.
Longevity
Time-honored, passed down generations.
Typically transient, rapidly evolving.
Medium
Oral tales, written texts, cultural practices.
Images, videos, texts on the internet.
Intent
Preserve and perpetuate traditional knowledge.
Resonate, entertain, or satirize current events.
Cultural Significance
Deep-rooted in history and traditions.
Reflects contemporary culture, often humorously.
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Lore and Meme Definitions
Lore
A body of knowledge on a particular subject.
The lore of the Native American tribes is rich and varied.
Meme
An amusing image, video, or text that is shared online.
Her tweet became a meme overnight.
Lore
Accumulated facts or traditions.
Every family has its own lore that strengthens bonds.
Meme
An element of culture passed from one individual to another.
The dab dance move became a popular meme.
Lore
Knowledge gained through experience or study.
Years of sailing have enriched his nautical lore.
Meme
An idea, behavior, or style that spreads within a culture.
The distracted boyfriend meme went viral.
Lore
Collective beliefs or customs.
Fishing lore passed down generations ensures sustainable practices.
Meme
A unit of cultural information spread by imitation.
The meme of paying it forward has a positive impact.
Lore
Accumulated knowledge or beliefs held by a group about a subject, especially when passed from generation to generation by oral tradition.
Meme
A viral phenomenon that conveys a theme or concept.
The meme humorously highlighted the struggles of online classes.
Lore
The space between the eye and the base of the bill of a bird or between the eye and nostril of a snake.
Meme
A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.
Lore
All the facts and traditions about a particular subject that have been accumulated over time through education or experience.
The lore of the Ancient Egyptians
Meme
An image or short video clip, often accompanied by a humorous saying or popular catchphrase, that is transmitted virally, especially on social media.
Lore
The backstory created around a fictional universe.
Meme
A humorous saying or popular catchphrase that is transmitted virally, especially as a caption for such an image or video clip.
Lore
(obsolete) Workmanship.
Meme
(originally) Any unit of (originally cultural) information, such as a practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another in a comparable way to the transmission of genes.
Lore
(anatomy) The region between the eyes and nostrils of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Meme
(Internet) Media, usually humorous, which is copied and circulated online with slight adaptations, such as basic pictures, video templates, etc.
Lore
(anatomy) The anterior portion of the cheeks of insects.
Meme
(Internet) A specific instance of a meme, such as an image macro or a video, often with humorous superimposed text.
This meme generator lets you make your own memes by adding a caption to existing images, or by uploading your own image.
I'm always posting memes on the groupchat.
Lore
The space between the eye and bill, in birds, and the corresponding region in reptiles and fishes.
Meme
Something not to be taken seriously; a joke.
It's a meme degree, you know. Good luck getting a job from that.
Jogging is a meme.
Lore
That which is or may be learned or known; the knowledge gained from tradition, books, or experience; often, the whole body of knowledge possessed by a people or class of people, or pertaining to a particular subject; as, the lore of the Egyptians; priestly lore; legal lore; folklore.
His fair offspring, nursed in princely lore.
Meme
Granny; nana
Lore
That which is taught; hence, instruction; wisdom; advice; counsel.
If please ye, listen to my lore.
Meme
To create and use humorous memes.
Lore
Workmanship.
Meme
To turn into a meme; to use a meme, especially to achieve a goal in real life.
To meme into existence
Lore
Lost.
Neither of them she found where she them lore.
Meme
To joke around.
Lore
Knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote;
Early peoples passed on plant and animal lore through legend
Meme
A cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one generation to another by nongenetic means (as by imitation);
Memes are the cultrual counterpart of genes
Lore
Traditional stories or myths of a community.
The town's haunted house is embedded in local lore.
FAQs
Can lore change over time?
Yes, as it's passed down, lore can evolve, adapting to changing times and perceptions.
How does lore influence modern culture?
Lore shapes values, traditions, and worldviews, often serving as a foundation for cultural identity.
What is the origin of the word "Lore"?
"Lore" originates from Old English, meaning "learning" or "knowledge."
Can a meme become part of a culture's lore?
If a meme has a lasting impact and gets ingrained in a culture, it could potentially become part of its lore.
Who coined the term "Meme"?
Richard Dawkins coined the term "Meme" in his 1976 book, "The Selfish Gene."
How is lore typically passed down?
Lore is traditionally passed orally, though it can also be in written texts or cultural practices.
Why do memes spread so quickly?
The internet, especially social media, facilitates rapid sharing, making memes go viral quickly.
What's the lifespan of a typical meme?
Memes are transient, with lifespans varying from a few days to several months, though some become perennial.
Are there any academic studies on lore?
Yes, folklore studies delve deep into traditional stories, myths, and practices of cultures.
Do memes have any real-world impact?
Yes, memes can influence opinions, drive social movements, or even impact marketing and political campaigns.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
