Icon vs. Meme: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 18, 2023
An "Icon" is a representative symbol or revered figure, while a "Meme" is an idea, behavior, or style spread virally within a culture.
Key Differences
An Icon generally refers to a symbol or image representing a specific function or application.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
In contrast, a Meme is an element of culture, usually a humorous image or video, which is spread rapidly online.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Religiously, an Icon can mean a depiction or image of a deity or saint venerated by believers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
A Meme, on the other hand, doesn't have religious connotations and is typically shared for entertainment or to express shared experiences.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
From a graphical user interface perspective, an Icon is a small graphical representation of a program or file.
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Oct 18, 2023
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Yet a Meme in digital contexts denotes a viral trend that people adapt and share across social media platforms.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Historically, individuals regarded as iconic might have possessed qualities that left a lasting impact on a culture or society.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Conversely, a Meme, especially in modern contexts, might have a shorter lifespan, echoing contemporary societal quirks or fads.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
In the world of fashion or pop culture, an Icon might be an individual who has made significant contributions or changed the landscape of that domain.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Whereas a Meme in similar contexts could relate to a moment, phrase, or trend popularized and spread by internet users.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A representative symbol or revered figure.
An idea or style spread virally in culture.
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Oct 18, 2023
Usage Context
Common in religious, digital, and cultural realms.
Typically found online and on social media.
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Oct 18, 2023
Nature
Often static and enduring.
Dynamic, evolving, and potentially short-lived.
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Oct 18, 2023
Representation
Symbolizes applications, concepts, or ideals.
Echoes cultural moments, jokes, or trends.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
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Icon and Meme Definitions
Icon
A religious painting or image, especially in Eastern Christian traditions.
The Icon of Saint Nicholas is venerated in the church.
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Oct 18, 2023
Meme
A cultural item or idea spread rapidly through the internet.
The dancing baby was an early internet Meme.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Icon
Someone who is very successful and admired.
Madonna is often considered a pop Icon.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Meme
A unit of cultural information spread by imitation.
The Keep Calm and Carry On slogan became a popular Meme.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Icon
A small picture or symbol on a computer screen representing a program or function.
Click the camera Icon to access the photo app.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Meme
A humorous image, video, or text shared online.
The cat's funny reaction became a viral Meme.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Icon
A symbol representing a specific function or concept.
Click on the trash bin Icon to delete the file.
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Oct 18, 2023
Meme
An element of behavior passed from one person to another by imitation.
The ice bucket challenge was a charitable Meme that swept the internet.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Meme
A fad or trend amplified by online sharing.
The dab dance move turned into a widespread Meme.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Icon
A representation or picture of a sacred or sanctified Christian personage, traditionally used and venerated in the Eastern Church.
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Oct 05, 2022
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.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
An important and enduring symbol
"The disposable lighter is an icon of the throwaway mentality that began to take shape in the years following World War II" (Susan Freinkel).
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Oct 05, 2022
Meme
An image or short video clip, often accompanied by a humorous saying or popular catchphrase, that is transmitted virally, especially on social media.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
One who is the object of great attention and devotion; an idol
"He is ... a pop icon designed and manufactured for the video generation" (Harry F. Waters).
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Oct 05, 2022
Meme
A humorous saying or popular catchphrase that is transmitted virally, especially as a caption for such an image or video clip.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
(Computers) A picture on a screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, option, or program.
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Oct 05, 2022
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.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
An image, symbol, picture, or other representation usually as an object of religious devotion.
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Oct 05, 2022
Meme
(Internet) Media, usually humorous, which is copied and circulated online with slight adaptations, such as basic pictures, video templates, etc.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
A type of religious painting portraying a saint or scene from Scripture, often done on wooden panels.
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Oct 05, 2022
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.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
(by extension) A person or thing that is the best example of a certain profession or some doing.
That man is an icon in the business; he personifies loyalty and good business sense.
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Oct 05, 2022
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.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
(graphical user interface) A small picture that represents something.
Click the loudspeaker icon to configure audio settings.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
A word, character, or sign whose form reflects and is determined by the referent; onomatopoeic words are necessarily all icons.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
An image or representation; a portrait or pretended portrait.
Netherlands whose names and icons are published.
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Oct 05, 2022
Meme
To turn into a meme; to use a meme, especially to achieve a goal in real life.
To meme into existence
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
A sacred picture representing the Virgin Mary, Christ, a saint, or a martyr, and having the same function as an image of such a person in the Latin Church. The term is used especially for a highly stylized and conventionalized representation of a holy person, rich in symbolism and used in devotional services in many of the eastern Orthodox churches, especially the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2022
Icon
A symbol, especially a symbol whose form suggests its meaning or the object it represents.
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Oct 05, 2022
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
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
A graphical symbol for a data object whose form suggests the nature or function of the object; especially, such a symbol as viewed on the computer screen.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
Any object of uncritical devotion.
The former congresswoman and Vice-Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro is still an icon to many party members.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
An outstanding example of something which has come to represent the class of things to which it belongs; a paragon; used of persons as well as objects.
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
(computer science) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
A visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface;
They showed us the pictures of their wedding
A movie is a series of images projected so rapidly that the eye integrates them
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
A conventional religious painting in oil on a small wooden panel; venerated in the Eastern Church
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Oct 05, 2022
Icon
A person or thing representing a larger group or idea.
The Statue of Liberty is an Icon of freedom.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
FAQs
Can an Icon become a Meme?
Yes, if an Icon is used humorously or resonates with internet culture, it can become a Meme.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Do Memes have a longer lifespan than Icons?
Generally, Memes have a shorter lifespan as they reflect temporary trends, while Icons often have lasting significance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
How do Memes spread so quickly?
Memes spread virally through social media and online sharing, while an Icon might not necessarily spread but is recognized widely.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
What's the function of a desktop Icon?
A desktop Icon represents and provides access to a program or file, whereas a Meme conveys a cultural message.
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Oct 18, 2023
Can a Meme be an Icon?
If a Meme achieves long-term recognition and significance, it can become iconic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is every internet Meme funny?
Not necessarily, while many Memes are humorous, some convey deeper messages or societal commentary, unlike Icons which primarily represent.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
How are Memes created?
Memes often arise from shared cultural experiences, jokes, or online trends.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Are all Icons religious?
No, while some Icons are religious images, others can be digital symbols or revered individuals. Unlike a Meme, which is cultural and often secular.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is every cultural Icon famous worldwide?
No, while some Icons are globally recognized, others may be specific to certain cultures, unlike Memes which often spread globally.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
