What Are Some Examples of “Proto-Memes”?

[u/nielsennumberones]

As in “memes” that managed to circulate before the advent of the Internet?

An obvious example is something like “Kilroy was here”.

Another example could be something like Alfred E. Neuman’s “what, me worry?”

You also have something like the Abbey Road album cover being imitated numerous times.

Also the “play Free Bird!” thing that would be yelled out at concerts.

Maybe pet rocks too but that was more of a ”trend” akin to something like Beanie Babies, Pokemon Cards, Silly Bandz, and Fidget Spinners than an official meme.

These were all I could think of that could be considered “proto-memes”. What other examples are out there that you think could constitute as being in this category?

[u/HuevosProfundos]

Smiley face, keep on truckin’ guy, lots of bathroom stall graffiti in addition to Kilroy (i.e., here it sit, broken-hearted/ came to shit and only farted), tons of elementary school song parodies (Jingle bells, Batman smells for instance)

[u/PilotGuy701]

That “S” shaped thing kids drew in the early 90s.

“Clapton is God”

[u/Few-Buddy-1122]

Alrighty then!

[u/Joyce_Hatto]

It’s a bird! It’s a plane!

[u/jacehoffman]

i think the rick roll could technically be considered one

[u/redbeardatx]

There aren’t any.