dank memes before:2017

Sun, 03 May 2026 22:58:45 +0000

The Rise of Dank Memes Before 2017: A Cultural Phenomenon That Shaped Internet Humor Before 2017, the internet was already brimming with digital slang, viral trends, and chaotic humor — but there emerged a distinct cultural movement that would leave a lasting imprint on meme history: dank memes. Though the term “dank meme” didn’t explode in mainstream consciousness until a bit later, its roots trace back to the late 2000s and early 2010s, where niche communities, 4chan, Reddit, and early imageboards cultivated a uniquely esoteric and layered form of internet humor. ### What Are Dank Memes? “Dank” in meme culture originally relied on extreme, high-quality, or obscure images and text layered with intellectual or surreal references — often intentionally absurd or hidden. They emphasized high production value, meta-commentary, and a level of inside knowledge that excluded casual observers. Dank memes rejected mainstream appeal, thriving instead in underground forums like 4chan’s /x/ and /o/ boards, where irony, satire, and dark humor reigned supreme.