writing research memes

Yearly paid plans are up to 65% off for the spring sale. Limited time only! 🌸

• Form Builder
• Survey Maker
• AI Form Generator
• AI Survey Tool
• AI Quiz Maker
• Store Builder
• WordPress Plugin

HubSpot CRM

Google Sheets

Google Analytics

Microsoft Excel

• Popular Forms
• Job Application Form Template
• Rental Application Form Template
• Hotel Accommodation Form Template
• Online Registration Form Template
• Employment Application Form Template
• Application Forms
• Booking Forms
• Consent Forms
• Contact Forms
• Donation Forms
• Customer Satisfaction Surveys
• Employee Satisfaction Surveys
• Evaluation Surveys
• Feedback Surveys
• Market Research Surveys
• Personality Quiz Template
• Geography Quiz Template
• Math Quiz Template
• Science Quiz Template
• Vocabulary Quiz Template

Try without registration Quick Start

Read engaging stories, how-to guides, learn about forms.app features.

Inspirational ready-to-use templates for getting started fast and powerful.

Spot-on guides on how to use forms.app and make the most out of it.

See the technical measures we take and learn how we keep your data safe and secure.

• Integrations
• Help Center
• Sign In Sign Up Free
• 40+ Hilarious research memes that will make you smile

Şeyma Beyazçiçek

Researches are part of our lives, especially if you are a forever learner. While doing research, we have been through similar difficulties or experienced the same feelings. In order to show these common points, internet memes come to our aid!

In this blog, you will see excellent any kind of material, such as UX research memes, clinical research memes, psychology research memes, and research paper memes. If you want to take a break and enjoy your time, you should definitely take a look at our 40 hilarious Research memes that will make you laugh :  

• 1. Tip of the iceberg

#1 Research meme - Source: Facebook - High Impact PhD

In the background of each research, there are nights, days, weeks, and even months spent time and effort for the research. So, the paper itself is just a little concrete form of all the effort and work. 

2. There is no destination!

#2 Research meme - Source: Make a meme

Researches are like living. There is no destination, but it is a journey! As you read and see, you will realize the limitless world of knowledge. 

3. But it sounds cool, isn’t it?

#3 Research meme - Source: Quick meme

When we need to do research, the first thing to do is to google it, right? We seem to have no better option as the first step in our era. 

4. Don’t want to check🫣

#4 Research meme - Source: Ah See it

Before submitting the paper, reading it might feel like it is not good enough. If you do not want to feel like that, all you need to do is submit it without the last check. 🤗

• 5. Memes matter🤨

#5 Research meme - Source: Reddit

When it comes to doing Research about anything not related to the Research topic, everything seems to be worth reading and learning. Especially if it is a meme!

6. They are always one step ahead!

#6 Research meme - Source: Facebook- High Impact PhD Memes

It is undeniable that applied research with sensational findings always gathers more attention and funding. Basic research is always doomed to lose spotlights. 😏

7. Vs the reality

#7 Research meme - Source: Pinterest

When you tell people that you are doing psych research, everybody imagines something different. However, the reality is completely different from their picture. But calm down; at least we know that you are drowning among the papers.

8. Don’t want to be THAT person

#8 Research meme - Source: Illinois

If you are the person who made somebody do psych Research or made them into psychology, you should definitely question yourself and your actions. 👀 

9. None can say the opposite!

#9 Research meme - Source: Giphy

If one has never done any research, s/he can assume that you begin a research, develop, and finish it. Nevertheless, of course, the process is way much more complicated than that! 

• 10. Welcome to the Research-lover club🫶

#10 Research meme - Source: Imgflip

If you are into research, any topic will be a duty for you. A new phone? A holiday plan? A trip abroad? Considered it done because the necessary research is done!

11. Me trying not to be a square

#11 Research meme - Source: Facebook- High Impact PhD Memes 

When you attempt to try a new research method for the first time, you might feel the anxiety of not knowing what you are doing. But as you do, it gets better, we promise. 

12. That’s the only smart thing to do 😎

#12 Research meme - Source: Meme-arsenal

Before making an important decision, no matter what, you should definitely do your research because it is how cool people act! 

13. UX Research is everything!

#13 Research meme - Source: Playbook UX

If you are a UX designer, you can share this meme with confidence. The picture given above summarizes the importance of UX research very well. 

14. Watch me, then 😈

#14 Research meme - Source: Pinterest

Yes, probably it is not a paper that can be written the night before; we know that. But if there is no other option left, it is possible turning into a writing machine. ⌨️

• 15. It is a serious job🧐

#15 Research meme - Source: Memes

While doing research, the most significant part is to collect data related to your topic in your most serious mood. It is essential but hard to keep this mood for a long time. 

16. Am I just perfect or bad at self-feedback?

#16 Research meme - Source: Tumblr

It seems like it is easier to find somebody else’s errors or criticize it. But when it comes to ours, our mistakes come suddenly invisible. Science needs to explain this!

17. I want to break free🎶

#17 Research meme - Source: McGill

While working on our research papers, we know that you do not completely feel free and work as you wish. Practicum supervisors are like a limit for research. 

18. Above the clouds☁️

#18 Research meme - Source: Imgflip

While doing the research, there is always a crowd of tabs that we cannot dare close. But, when we complete the research, it is the most satisfying feeling to close all the tabs finally.

19. So am I…

#19 Research meme - Source: Make a meme

This process is challenging both physically and psychologically, for sure. So, finishing a research paper might feel like someone who survived a battle scene. 

• 20. Look, I am famous!

#20 Research meme - Source: Twitter-High Impact PhD Memes

It is a really really satisfactory feeling to see your work online! Also, reading your work from someone else’s perspective is quite fun. 

21. It is hard to keep your energy stable 📉

#21 Research meme - Source: Meme-arsenal

At the beginning of the semester, we have big energy and motivation to start our paper. However, at the end of the semester, it is hard to feel the same enthusiasm and energy.  

22. Why would they?😭

#22 Research meme

Yes, we know that the question is optional, but still, it hurts us… When the respondents skip the question, we feel the rejection of the bone. 💔

23. So, what a medical researcher does?

#23 Research meme - Source: Mosio

When you tell people that you are a medical researcher, everybody might assume or imagine your work differently. This meme given above is a good illustration of the situation. 

24. The hardest part is done 👍

#24 Research meme - Source: Quick meme

Sometimes, it is hard to understand the topic or instructions of the research. When you understand it, it gets easier. However, when you complete your research and realize that you did wrong from the beginning, it is like a nightmare!

• 25. No kid, just no.

#25 Research meme - Source: Memes happen

Yes, Wikipedia is also a source of information. But when the data is taken as copy and paste, it is an unacceptable mistake that a professional never ever does!

26. It is worthy ✨

#26 Research Meme

Looking at your final work and being able to be proud of the paper feels like a real victory! Is the paper good? Yes. Am I okay? Doesn’t matter. 🤝

27. Hard to tell🤔

#27 Research meme - Source: Make a meme

Both quantitive research and qualitative research have pros. But it is like a dilemma to make a decision between these two. 

28. But I googled it 😏

#28 Research meme - Source: Quick meme

Yes, it is not possible to do our research in libraries. Instead, we google our questions and topics. Still, it is research, isn’t it?😇

29. Do not confuse me, please🙏

#29 Research meme - Source: Twitter - Iopsyche Memes

Sometimes, our research does not give us what we want. However, we can turn these opposite ideas into the next work. Looking on the bright side is our job! 

• 30. Which one are you?

#30 Research meme - Source: 9GAG

If you want to be the muscled dog, take your job seriously. Otherwise, you will be the weak dog if you do not work like a professional! 

31. 🥁Drum rolls🥁

#31 Research meme - Source: Memes happen

Imagine that you have already prepared the 15 pages of your research, and your PI tells you to start over. The pain🤡

32. It is time to be serious

#32 Research meme - Source: Cheezburger

Yes, the research is important. There should not be any spelling errors. But memes never allow spelling eros. Check it once, twice, three times, four times, five times….

33. That critical decision

#33 Research meme - Source: Meme-arsenal

It is essential to read the important papers related to the topic. But when it takes too much time and delays the time of starting your own research, it might feel anxious.😶

34. Let’s calm down

#34 Research meme - Source: Joey deVilla

One cannot deny that Google is a source of information today. But still, simply scrolling through pages on Google does not give you a good research paper. 

• 35. Let your confidence speak!

#35 Research meme - Source: Giphy

When you are well-equipped for a topic that you have done your research before, and you witness that someone is talking totally wrong about it, you can let your self-confidence speak!

36. A product without UX Research?!

#36 Research meme - Source: Twitter - Doug Collins

The importance of UX research can be fully understood when a product is launched without UX research. 

37. Let’s make it spicy🪩

#37 Research meme - Source: LinkedIn

If your cries for help are ignored, all you need to do is to name the docs in a fun way, just like the example given above. 😊

38. The moment of confusion

#38 Research meme - Source: Memes

When you think about too much of your research, it starts to seem wrong and correct at the same time. So, not to feel burn-out, avoid thinking about too much. 

39. Social media and research?

#39 Research meme - Source: Ah See It 

Digital culture has changed many things. When we witness someone on social media mention their research, it does not sound reassuring, right? 

• 40. It is what it is

#40 Research meme - Source: Make a meme

I have not slept, and I have not eaten properly lately. I am also not socializing in these last days. But it does not matter because I finished my research. 👍 

In this post, we have collected funny research paper memes, UX research memes, funny clinical research memes, or research memes in gif forms to make you smile. Memes are an excellent form of common feelings, and if these memes were able to help you have a great time, we are even happier than you! 

Şeyma is a content writer at forms.app. She loves art and traveling. She is passionate about reading and writing. Şeyma has expertise in surveys, survey questions, giveaways, statistics, and online forms.

• Form Features
• Data Collection

Table of Contents

Related posts.

Gap model of service quality: Definition, model, & examples

Fatih Serdar Çıtak

20+ Essential word of mouth (WOM) marketing statistics for 2024

Fatih Özkan

Talent management strategies for startups

David Torrealba

27 Hilarious Peer Review Memes for Academics and Researchers 🤓🔬

Welcome to our latest blog post! If you’re part of the academic or research community, you know that the peer review process, while essential, can be a rollercoaster of emotions. That’s why we’ve compiled a collection of 27 side-splitting peer review memes that perfectly capture the ups, downs, and quirky moments of academic life . From the endless cycle of revisions to the mysterious vanishing reviewer, these memes offer a light-hearted look at the challenges and idiosyncrasies we all face in the world of research. So, take a break from your scholarly endeavors, and let’s dive into some academic humor that’s sure to bring a smile to your face! 📚😂

Top 27 Hilarious Peer Review Memes:

“Finding a Minor Error” : A scientist triumphantly holding a magnifying glass over a stack of research papers, with the caption: “When you spot a minor error in a well-written paper .”

“Reviewer 2 Strikes Again” : A trio of superheroes labeled “Reviewer 1,” “Reviewer 3,” and a villain labeled “Reviewer 2,” with the caption: “The never-ending battle in peer review.”

“Endless Revisions” : A researcher sitting at a computer , surrounded by piles of crumpled paper and coffee cups , with a calendar showing months passing by. Caption: “Just one more revision they said.”

“The Waiting Game” : A skeleton sitting at a computer with an inbox still waiting for peer review feedback, captioned: “Still waiting for the reviewers’ comments.”

“The Optimistic Author” : An author submitting a paper with stars in their eyes , dreaming of acceptance. Next panel shows them receiving revision requests, with a caption: “Reality hits hard.”

“Citation Overload” : An overstuffed sandwich with each layer labeled as a different citation, captioned: “When reviewers ask for more citations.”

“Lost in Translation” : A researcher looking confused at a screen showing review comments that are vague and contradictory, captioned: “Trying to decipher reviewer feedback.”

“Data Juggling” : A scientist juggling multiple charts and graphs, with the caption: “When reviewers ask for additional data analysis.”

“The Perfect Match” : Two researchers finding each other on a dating app, only to realize they are reviewer and author of a contentious paper, captioned: “When your peer review is too close to home.”

“The Methodology Maze” : An image of a researcher looking perplexed at a complex maze, with each turn labeled with different research methods. Caption: “Navigating the methodology section as per reviewer’s suggestions.”

“Infinite Edits Loop” : A flowchart looping endlessly between “Submit Revision” and “Receive More Edits”. Caption: “The never-ending cycle of peer review.”

“Reviewer’s Crystal Ball” : A mystic crystal ball with the words “Future Studies” inside it. Caption: “When reviewers expect you to predict and address future research outcomes.”

“The Jargon Jungle” : A researcher hacking through a dense jungle, where each plant is labeled with complex scientific jargon. Caption: “Trying to simplify language as suggested by reviewers.”

“Expectation vs. Reality: Results Section” : Two panels; the first showing a neat, straightforward graph (Expectation), and the second showing a messy, complicated graph (Reality). Caption: “What reviewers expect vs. what you have.”

“The Ghost Reviewer” : A ghost hovering over a computer, ignoring the email reminders. Caption: “The mysterious case of the disappearing reviewer.”

“Conference Call Confusion” : A group of confused researchers on a video call, with speech bubbles of contradictory comments. Caption: “When every reviewer has a different opinion.”

“The Lengthy Literature Review” : A researcher buried under a mountain of books and papers. Caption: “When reviewers ask for a ‘brief’ literature review update.”

“Graphs Galore” : A researcher surrounded by an overwhelming number of graphs and charts, looking bewildered. Caption: “When one reviewer asks for more data visualization.”

“The Keyword Conundrum” : A researcher looking at a thesaurus with a confused expression, surrounded by a cloud of keywords. Caption: “When reviewers suggest using ‘more specific’ keywords.”

“Revision Rollercoaster” : A rollercoaster ride with highs labeled “Acceptance” and lows labeled “Major Revisions.” Caption: “The emotional rollercoaster of manuscript revisions.”

“The Citation Detective” : A detective with a magnifying glass inspecting a citation, with the caption: “When reviewers question every single reference.”

“Reviewer Roulette” : A roulette wheel with sections labeled as different reviewer personalities (e.g., “The Nitpicker,” “The Over-Enthusiast,” “The Ghost”). Caption: “Spinning the wheel to see what kind of reviewer you’ll get this time .”

“Conference Deadline Panic” : A researcher frantically typing on a laptop with a calendar showing a looming conference date . Caption: “Trying to incorporate last-minute review comments before the conference deadline.”

“The Abstract Abyss” : A researcher staring into a swirling vortex labeled “Abstract.” Caption: “When you have to summarize years of work in 250 words.”

“Data Dive” : An image of a diver surrounded by a sea of data points and graphs. Caption: “Exploring the depths of data analysis after reviewer feedback.”

“The Overzealous Editor” : A cartoon of an editor with a giant red pen , crossing out huge sections of a manuscript. Caption: “When the editor gets a little too enthusiastic with revisions.”

“Peer Review Poker” : Researchers sitting around a poker table, holding cards with different sections of a manuscript. Caption: “Bluffing your way through the peer review process.”

And there you have it – 27 hilariously relatable peer review memes that every academic and researcher will understand and appreciate. Whether you’ve faced the enigmatic Reviewer 2, endured the endless revisions, or navigated the complex maze of methodology, these memes are a humorous reminder that you’re not alone in this journey. Share these with your colleagues to spread some laughter in your lab or library . Remember, a little humor goes a long way in making the rigorous journey of research a bit more enjoyable. Stay tuned for more academic insights and light-hearted content! 🌟📉

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

77 Funny Book Writing Memes for Authors and Writers

Hey, writers. It’s good to see you here instead of hard at work on your current writing project. Of course, we know that it’s important to have some downtime and to have a bit of a laugh, which is why we’ve collected these 77 fun memes that do a rather good job of poking fun at the truth of what it is to be a writer. Have fun checking them out. You might just see a bit of yourself in them.

“Why Can’t You Just Get Your Book Published?”

Just tell a publisher to publish the book…. You beautiful genius, why didn’t we writers think of that?

Writers When They’re Determined to Do Anything

Why finish a book when there are so many other important things to do, like, well, anything except finish? After all, the crevices in the keyboard don’t clean themselves, do they?

Getting Those Thoughts Down on Paper

It always feels like the best characters are trapped inside our big brains, but we aren’t quite smart enough to help them get out and on the page.

How I Tell a Story

Does this sound familiar? It’s not our fault. What some may see as scatterbrained, we can tell ourselves, is simply a mad genius at work.

When You Find a Typo in a Published Book

Ah, yes, the dichotomy of typos. It feels so good when you find a typo in someone else’s published book, but so bad when you see one in your own.

Red Pill or Blue Pill?

Overcomplicating things and spending hours creating the perfect Spotify playlist for a story that will never see the light of day hits close to home, doesn’t it?

Respond to Bad Reviews

All publicity’s good publicity, right? While bad reviews aren’t going to do you any favors, lashing out against a reviewer will hurt your brand… no matter how good it might feel.

Picking Between Past and Present Tenses

Few things make writers tenser than talking about tenses.

I Just Hope I Find It Along the Way

This is how a lot of great stories start . It’s also how a lot of manifestos tend to start, so be careful.

Rewriting the Beginning 50 Times

The middle is where many writers fear to tread. Surely, if you just tweak the beginning another one or fifty times, the middle will be easier.

Who’s Been Keeping Me From Writing

Writing isn’t easy, but it’s a lot harder when your biggest obstacle to getting things done is the weirdo staring back at you from the mirror.

The World Right Now

The real world can be a bummer. It’s no wonder writers spend so much time in their own heads. It’s often the best place to be.

Writing vs. Editing the First Draft

It appears you even threw the kitchen sink into the first draft. Sounds good now, but just wait until you have to edit.

Two Kinds of People 

Want to make a writer curse like Yosemite Sam and fight like a Spartan? Go ahead and dogear the pages in their favorite books.

Most Difficult Things About Writing

Admit it. We’ve all gone down the rabbit hole of character names for hours and days on end, searching for that perfect name with meaning, history, and gravitas. And then we wind up using Jack or Kate because it’s easier to type.

The Present Tense

With this type of tense problem, it might just be easier to give up and learn a completely new skill. Maybe basketweaving.

“Your Parents Are Dead”

Seriously, how many characters have one or more dead parents to give them “character”? In literature and pop culture, from Bambi to Batman, parents have it rough.

My First Draft

Your brain is a wonderful, powerful tool, but that first draft always comes out like a child’s first finger painting. It’s messy, it might be a dog or a dinosaur, but it can be turned into something special. Probably.

When Someone Finds Your First Draft 

The only thing worse than cringing when reading your first draft is finding out that someone else has seen your first draft.

“I Trusted You”

Just keep telling yourself that it’s only a fictional death. Tell your therapist and your tissue box the same thing.

Being a Good Writer

And here you are… reading these memes and telling yourself that it’s still “writing work” because you are “getting ready”.

A Day in the Life of a Writer

Hey, this is rather accurate, except we’re missing the parts about feeling like an imposter and wondering whether that new show you want to stream is out yet.

Genius Level of an Author

Even worse is the location where you tend to have those great ideas. We all know that it’s usually in the bathroom.

I Think I Did a Pretty Good Job

If only we all had this kind of confidence in ourselves as writers! Honestly, though, don’t write reviews for yourself… the Internet will find you and make sure you know how wrong you are.

I Wonder if…

Well, this is a great way to start a horror story . Now what happens when they start trying to get in touch with you?

How I Feel When I Write a Plot Twist

Oh, that plot twist feels so great when you come up with it… until you realize that you confused twist with a trope.

Trying to Work Out if the Plot Ties Together

Plot seems easy, but we all know it’s not. It’s like doing long division in your head while walking barefoot across a floor filled with Legos.

The List of Books That I’ve Actually Finished Writing

Yeah… but at least you have a list.

Writing in the Middle of the Night

Honestly, there’s not much of a difference between vampires and writers, except that vampires tend to be more organized and better dressers.

I Will Find You

It’s not a lack of ideas that plagues most writers. It’s the lack of a pen and paper to write them down while on the toilet.

Brace Yourself and Kill the Character 

Yes, kill the character, but make sure you wear gloves and bury the body deep.

I Have No Memory of This Place

This is where you convince yourself that you never really liked the story, so you can start that new idea.

If we’re being honest, most of us are actually some combination of the first and the sixth image here. I mean, we sometimes look at a sheet of paper.

When You Write Something Really Dark 

And then you start to worry about the authorities checking your online search history.

Me Listening to Music While Writing

We all know that we have those ideal “theme songs” for everything we write. Don’t pretend you’re any different.

The Reality of My Writing

With a little massaging and edits even this could work… or not.

When People Try to Read Your Unfinished Writing

This is when it’s time to start poking at some eyes and smacking hands.

New Project vs. Unfinished Projects

There’s nothing sweeter than the kernel of a new idea. Until you’ve actually thought about it and played around a bit. Then there’s that next new idea.

My Creativity

Creativity is like the friend who tries to hype you up to do something dangerous and then just leaves you standing alone in the middle of the restaurant in your underwear.

20 More Words for a Paper 

And here’s why writing toward word counts can be a problem. I mean, “here is”.

Writers have more excuses than a kid who wants to get out of gym class on dodgeball day.

Finding Your First Typo in Your Published Book

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to have your heart drop into a bucket of ice water and embarrassment, here it is.

I Wrote a Novel in Second Person

To be honest, the writer deserves to be there. Second person for a novel is an abomination.

How to Be Successful

“Here’s what you need, kid. You need a little luck, a little talent, and a couple of those plot things from Jersey Jim down on 52nd Street. Yeah, that’s how you do it.”

A Famous Writer

You would probably be better off with a career in just about anything else aside from venomous snake wrangler. And even then…

Time to Get to Work

So, this is what it’s like when people feel called out about something. Not cool, Padme. Not cool.

A Serial Killer’s Google Search History

Seriously, if there’s a serial killer in the city and the authorities started looking at search histories, writers are screwed.

The Main Villain

This is a little like turning a raging wolf into a tiny lap dog wearing a jaunty hat. It doesn’t always work, and it can take away some of the allure and mystery from your original Big Bad.

A Character With Living Parents

Well, that’s impossible. Characters don’t have living parents. Time to pack it up and become a full-time blueberry farmer.

A Total Emotional Hellscape

Sure, it makes us sad. Yet, we continue to do it. We writers are sadistic gods of our created worlds, and we like the power.

Writers After Killing Your Favorite Character 

Writers have a heart. Honest. We just keep ours in a little jar in the cabinet.

When You Write 200 Years of World History 

Worldbuilding is nature’s way to keep the population of fantasy writers in check.

Adverbs Everywhere

Think of adverbs as characters you don’t like. Kill them with impunity and smile while doing it.

Story Idea vs. First Draft

At least you recognize that the first draft is a little goofy… some writers just press submit.

It’s Called an Oughtobiography

Instead of reading this clever meme, you “ought to be” writing.

Delete Charakter

When you have a character that doesn’t fit… just pluck them out of the story like aliens beaming up a farmer in Indiana. Find another story for them.

Manuscript Evolution

I’d like to say that it gets easier with time, but I don’t like to lie.

All the Random Subplots Without Cohesion

Don’t worry. No one will notice. Honest. Wait, I don’t like to lie.

When I Finally Write the End

Honestly, there’s no better feeling. So, to get that good feeling faster, start your books backwards.

Something Useless and Unpractical

It’s a good feeling. All that worldbuilding is great. You aren’t getting any further on your story, but hey, you do you.

Where Does It Hurt

Everyone says technology is the way of the future. This happens too often, and everyone starts looking for stone tablets and chisels.

When Only 10 People Read Your Book

It’s not the size of your audience that counts, it’s the journey. You’ll grow stronger, and maybe some fresh “eyes” to see where you can do better.

I’m Going to Become a Writer

This is disturbingly accurate. Of course, it would’ve been nice if the guidance counselor had actually told me this. At least then, I could’ve made an informed decision.

Alright… “Chapter 1”

You laugh, but how many would-be writers are slowly decaying in front of the blank page right now. Not so funny now is it?

At the Third and Last Act of Editing 

Editing has to be some sort of karmic retribution we’re all suffering because of the transgressions of some writer from the past, right?

Some Sort of Bullshit Energy

If you use enough fancy high-tech-sounding words and have people with lab coats and clipboards in scenes, no one will notice.

How I Speak vs. How I Write

Writers have two creatures living in us. One is refined, charming, and intelligent. It doesn’t get out much. The other creature is rabid, weird, and always present.

What Gives People Feelings of Power 

It doesn’t seem like it takes much to please a writer. Just finish a chapter… just finish a chapter. Little do people know that’s like milking a cobra.

Villain vs. Mentor Character

Sometimes, we do get attached to the characters. We don’t want to let them go. But our villains have to be villainous. They can’t just shake their fist at the sky.

After a Character Runs Out of Meaning

Of course, for fantasy, urban fantasy, and horror authors, the coffin just ends up adding more character meaning.

Am I Researching or Just Procrastinating

To the untrained eye, it appears as though I’m procrastinating. But am I researching? No, I’m procrastinating!

It’s Free Character Development 

Well, it’s part of humanity, so it can be part of a character. Of course, this often serves as a dark mirror for many writers.

Finishing the Current Chapter

Yes, this is procrastinating, but it’s also writing… so, we should probably come up with another word for it. Procrastin-writing?

Very Little Overlap 

These little circles show the truth. But when you hit that sliver in the middle, it’s like magic.

That Plot Twist

This is like a surprise fart, but one that you and others will enjoy because it doesn’t stink.

The Tone I Wanted to Write the Story in

Honestly, this might say a lot about you and what you have inside. Not that it’s a bad thing.

Killing New Characters, You’re Attached to

Sometimes killing makes us sad, sometimes it makes us happy. If we weren’t writers, we’d be in prison.

How many times did you see yourself in these memes? Let’s be honest. Writers who have been at it for more than a couple of days are sure to find a lot of humor and a lot of truth in the memes. Hope you had fun with them and even more importantly, isn’t it time you got back to that work in progress?

Yves Lummer

As the founder of BookBird, Yves Lummer has pioneered a thriving community for authors, leading more than 100,000 of them towards their dreams of self-publishing. His expertise in book marketing has become a catalyst for multiple best-sellers, establishing his reputation as an influential figure in the publishing world.

Elements of a Story: 8 Story Elements Explained

February 6, 2024

170 Book Puns: Funny Puns & Jokes You’ll Never Forget

February 4, 2024

Side Character: Definition, Examples & Writing Tips

How to Start a Story: 10 Secret Writing Tips

Inciting Incident: Definition, Purpose & Examples

January 23, 2024

Biography vs. Autobiography vs. Memoir: Art of Life Stories

November 22, 2023

Privacy Overview

Want to sell more Books?

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• CAREER COLUMN
• 12 May 2021

The 100 memes that immortalize my PhD defence

• Sophie Dufour-Beauséjour 0

Sophie Dufour-Beauséjour works as a policy analyst for the Government of Canada’s Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

I finished my PhD on sea-ice dynamics in Nunavik, an Inuit territory in the Canadian Arctic, during the pandemic. My defence took place on 30 October 2020, over Zoom.

Access options

Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals

Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

24,99 € / 30 days

cancel any time

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 51 print issues and online access

185,98 € per year

only 3,65 € per issue

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-01273-8

This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged .

Related Articles

Brazil’s plummeting graduate enrolments hint at declining interest in academic science careers

Career News 21 MAY 24

How religious scientists balance work and faith

Career Feature 20 MAY 24

How to set up your new lab space

Career Column 20 MAY 24

Bad intercultural communication is hobbling academia — fix it for research equity

Correspondence 21 MAY 24

Harassment of scientists is surging — institutions aren’t sure how to help

News Feature 21 MAY 24

Reading between the lines: application essays predict university success

Research Highlight 17 MAY 24

How to stop students cramming for exams? Send them to sea

News & Views 30 APR 24

Postdoctoral Fellow

New Orleans, Louisiana

Tulane University School of Medicine

Postdoctoral Associate - Immunology

Houston, Texas (US)

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)

Postdoctoral Associate

Vice president, nature communications portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in the market-leading journal Nature Portfolio and help drive its overall contribution.

New York City, New York (US), Berlin, or Heidelberg

Springer Nature Ltd

Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow required to lead exciting projects in Cancer Cell Cycle Biology and Cancer Epigenetics.

Melbourne University, Melbourne (AU)

University of Melbourne & Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

Improve your writing in one of the largest and most successful writing groups online

Join our writing group!

16 Writing Memes That Perfectly Depict the Writer’s Life

by Holly Riddle

If you’ve been writing for a while, then you know a few things.

One: the writer life is, in reality, not at all like the glamorous perception you’ll see in movies and on TV.

Two: your friends, unless they’re writers too, just aren’t going to understand challenges like your writer’s block, procrastination when it comes to actually getting something on the page, or how much you can hate writing and find it fun at the same time.

Three: sometimes, the best thing to do about your writers woes is to just laugh about them—and that’s where these funny writer memes can come in handy.

Here are some of our 16 favorite funny writing memes that perfectly encapsulate the highs, lows, and humor of the writer’s life, from the struggles with a first draft to the constant story ideas to the way your characters just live in your head rent-free (even if your novel doesn’t technically exist yet).

1. Oh, you thought you were actually going to finish that novel?

Think again! Time for procrastination to set in. Writers do whatever they can to not finish that WIP (Work In Progress), until something kicks their butt into gear, whether it be National Novel Writing Month, a challenge with a writer friend, etc.

Source: Writers Write

2. Unfortunately, a writer only has themself to blame

Alas, even though you try to blame everything else in the world for your procrastination—the dog needed walking, the laundry needed doing!—you just can’t at the end of the day. Get that idea down on paper!

Source: September C Fawkes

3. Some days the new ideas just keep flowing… other days, not so much

You know how it goes. Once you get into your writing flow, the shiny new ideas begin—until they dry up completely and you have a bad case of writer’s block.

Source: Writing About Writing on Facebook

But guess what? We have a super helpful article on dealing with this very problem .

4. Don’t worry, though…

Daydreaming about writing and writing are actually the same thing… right?

Totally. Definitely. We relate.

Source: Aela Writes

5. You started? Great! Now, where’s the plot?

Once you get started on that novel, though, inevitably there’s going to be a time that you sit back, look at what you wrote, and really start to question whether or not your words actually form a cohesive plot. That’s where, of course, a writing schedule that incorporates a little beta reading can come in handy.

Your writer friends are the best folks to give insight into whether or not you truly have a story.

And! You can also swing by our article on finding the perfect plot .

6. Sometimes, you just gotta plow forward

Occasionally, though, you have to just keep writing, plot or no plot.

Source: Daddies Drarryy

7. Writing is just rewriting

Eventually, you’ll have to go back and address those rambling sentences. Newbie writers may not recognize it yet, but the old pros will. Sometimes, being a writer is just rewriting, rewriting, and rewriting some more—especially those pesky opening pages.

Source: Liz Lawson on Twitter

8. That said, perfection isn’t everything

Not everyone is going to love what you write and, frankly, that’s okay.

Source: Aye Write

9. Your biggest fan is you

Because, after all, you won’t be happy unless you write things you actually want to read. Don’t aim to please readers or other writers when you’re the first audience you’ll ever have.

Source: Writeous Writing

10. But maybe try to keep the tenses straight?

Past tense, future tense, present tense—it’s hard enough just deciding which one you want to use on a new project, let alone sticking to it while you write.

Source: Macademmia

To help you through this troubling time, check out our post on narrative tenses .

11. You and your characters are best friends forever

Oh, don’t mind me. I’m not talking to myself; I’m talking to my novel characters.

Don’t get us wrong—we love a good cast of heroes and villains .

12. Being a writer isn’t as easy as it looks

Yes, we all love writing (we hope you you do, anyway, since you’re here). Unfortunately, when many of us say we like writing, we like having written more than the actual getting the words on the page.

Source: The Darklings

13. No one understands

But no matter how easy or hard friends and family think your writing is, chances are they have no real clue what you really do.

Your parents call your writing “cute.” Friends think you lay around. You think you’re a big shot. You’re really just drinking coffee at your desk and creating stories from the looping picture in your head.

Source: Jenni Merritt

14. An editor will not make your life easier

Editors are amazing. They make your book better. If you have a publishing deal with a big publisher, they vouch for your book and make your writing dreams a reality. They don’t make your life easier, though.

That first edit letter? Ouch.

Source: The Mom Who Runs

15. So just enjoy the ride!

It’s not always easy to enjoy the ride that is the writing life, but at least try to. And stop feeling guilty about not keeping to your writing goals for the day/week/etc.!

Source: Memes for Writers on Instagram

16. And whatever you do…

Source: UniversityStudent.org

We believe in you! And if you ever need to step back from the pain and existential angst of being a writer, you’ll always have these writing memes here to help you have fun on your creative journey.

Get feedback on your writing today!

Scribophile is a community of hundreds of thousands of writers from all over the world. Meet beta readers, get feedback on your writing, and become a better writer!

Join now for free

Related articles

Writer's Block: The 'What If' Method

Choosing Your Tense…and Keeping It

Freelance Writing Basics: Introduction

Freelance Writing Basics: Freelance Writing Sandtraps

So You Want To Start Your Own On-Line Literary Journal. . .

Ten Points to Revising Your Novel

15 Memes for Writers That Will Crack You Up

Table of Contents

15 writing memes that will leave you in splits.

• Key Takeaways 
• Conclusion 

Not everyone is born with a passion to write. Writers are often faced with the struggle to write with the flow. The process of producing relevant content can be quite jarring. Anyone who has ever attempted to become a writer—or is a writer already—may be quite aware of concepts like writer’s block or the notorious distraction that is the internet. If you find yourself nodding to this, you will most definitely relate to the memes for writers we have included in this blog. They are hilarious, but they are also true. They speak of the sad truth about a writer’s life , which is typically quite far from the glamorous perception of it most have. 

With the freelance writing business being so much in vogue these days, the picture of a serious writer at their desk drowned in their thoughts, or furiously typing away at their computer, has become quite common. You all must be acquainted with a friend or relative who is a writer. Naturally, writing memes have also become a thing now. 

The 15 creative writing memes discussed in this article will surely resonate with the writer in you. It may also leave you in splits, making you picture yourself in that situation. So, go ahead and give yourself that much-needed comic relief through this curated list of funny writer memes. 

1. The secret first draft

The first draft of your writing is like a gold mine: to the reader. It requires polishing and refining to a level that only a writer can understand. And the pain associated with the process can only be felt, but not defined. 

2. The pull of distraction

Many memes for writers are centered on the common experience of being distracted by everything but writing. Some content writing memes specifically uphold this reflection of what is, in reality, the biggest challenge to writing.

3. Cancel your internet subscription

A huge source of distraction for writers is the internet. Because a lot of the writer’s research comes from this source, it is extremely easy to get carried away by a nice Tweet or an article on Facebook. And writing memes have really capitalized on this weakness. 

4. Hell hath no fury like a writer disturbed

Creative writing memes are a true reflection of why writers and creators should not be interrupted during their tasks. It can be an unpleasant experience for the one interrupting the writer’s flow and, of course, for the writer, who might end up experiencing their 20th writer’s block in a day!

5. Procrastination is the writer’s greatest enemy

A lot of writing memes focus on the arch-enemy of a writer: procrastination. Because writers are creators, their eureka moment comes every once in a while. The rest of the time, it is just planning and thinking about getting the work done, but not really getting on with it. 

6. Waiting for that one big gig

A lot of writers are self-doubters. They don’t believe in writing as a hobby or a means to earn money. For them, writing is a passion that needs to be respected and rewarded. Some creative writing memes capture this beautifully (and hilariously!)

7. When you’re tangled up in our own plot

Creative writing, especially if you are a fiction writer, takes its toll. You are constantly trying to tie together characters, but you keep getting lost in your own story. There are so many memes for writers that have tried to reflect this story of all writers’ lives. 

8. The voices in the head

A writer is a creative person. And sometimes, creativity can be heavy. Many writers are known to overthink and overanalyze. Sometimes, they are even more sensitive than non-writers. 

9. That eureka moment

You will find so many memes for writers that talk about their eureka moments. It feels especially celebratory if it comes after a prolonged period of writer’s block. 

10. Good old writer’s block

Writer’s block is considered a menace in the life of a writer. Every writer, living or dead, has had to deal with it at some point in their life. It’s nearly impossible for a funny writer meme to not mock writer’s block.

11. Dealing with perceptions

Funny writer memes are all about depicting the different aspects of a writer’s life or mind. It is said that a creative writer thinks differently from a technical writer. Similarly, a non-fiction writer thinks differently from a journalist. But what about the rest of the world? How do they perceive what you do?

12. Decoding the freelance writer’s mind

Memes on freelance writers are a different genre altogether. That’s because the domain itself is extremely different from regular writing jobs.

13. The dreadful editor’s feedback

Writing is only one part of the job. And then come the incessant revisions of the first draft. This is why editors are probably the biggest fear of a writer’s life. No wonder, so many memes for writers are designed around this equation.

14. Dealing with guilt

All writers need a break. However, many writers get carried away by breaks, and end up feeling guilty for wasting time. And you will find a lot of funny writer memes around this. 

15. Every writer ever

Writing means letting your emotions out on paper. It is the best way to express what verbal communication can’t.

Key Takeaways

• The life of a writer is not always as fascinating as people make it out to be. 
• Writer’s block is something most writers struggle with. 
• Writers often struggle to concentrate on their tasks, as they are easily distracted. 
• Writing memes can help provide comic relief, and give insights into the challenges writers face. 

Writing requires the creator to put forward their best effort to tell a story, which is not devoid of challenges. We can go on and on about funny memes for writers. They never get old or boring. And they are surprisingly close to reality: and that is precisely why they are considered so relatable. 

Memes for writers are specially curated memes to encapsulate and reflect what writers go through in the profession.

It is an online tool that lets you generate your own writing memes, using standard templates or by uploading your own pictures and text.

The most popular creative writing meme is probably the “You Should Be Writing” meme that reflects procrastination.

Memes can be used to express a complex idea through simple imagery and text. They are eye-catching and precise.

Writer’s block or the unwelcome disruption to the flow of writing is often the most common challenge experienced by all writers. And meme-makers have tried to depict this through funny writer memes.

Latest Blogs

In this blog, explore the golden rules of using AI marketing tools so you can leverage the benefits to their maximum potential.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to avoid the pitfalls of SEO over-optimization while enhancing your site’s performance.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what AMP is, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it affects SEO.

Get your hands on the latest news!

Similar posts.

9 mins read

Content Marketing vs Advertising – Which One is More Effective?

11 mins read

Interactive Content vs. Static Content: Which is More Effective?

6 mins read

Unlocking Success: 4 Case Studies of Successful Content Marketing Campaigns Using a Platform

• Interesting
• Scholarships
• UGC-CARE Journals

PhD Memes About Research Life | High Impact PhD memes

ilovephd phd memes

Explore the world of “High Impact PhD Memes,” where humor meets academia. This collection of memes delves into the unique challenges and relatable moments of the PhD journey. From battling writer’s block to celebrating small victories, these memes capture the essence of research life. Join fellow doctoral candidates in sharing a laugh and finding solace in shared experiences. Get ready to dive into the comical side of academia!

Check this impact meme, interesting and funny PhD memes about research life from iLovePhD Memes Facebook Page

This is how I Run my PhD Life with Research Problems and Life Problems

Research Gap Identified

A Night Before Thesis Defense

When My Supervisor Shouts At Me

Position to Read Article in PDF

References and Review Paper

I heard he’s doing PhD in stress management

ILovePhD’s Meme Presented in the Final Thesis Defense

How deadlines chsing me

Motivation During First and Final year of the PhD

Can you Proof Read my Article

Cofee with First Publication Motivate a lot

Ph.D. Couple Goals | We Love PhD

Forget Princess I Want to be a Scientist – PhD Memes

Difference between First and Fifth year in LAB

PhD Scholar after Thesis Defence

Graphical Abstract vs. Abstract – PhD Memes

Welcome to PhD – Memes

When you notice people reading your research work but no one citing it.

Where is the novelty

PhD advisor before and after PhD admission

What if someone had published your idea

Eat and Innovate

Difference between Theory and Practice

Procrastination to write a research paper

Advisor with new project ideas

What I am doing in Life | Why I joined PhD

Show the difference between existing vs proposed work

Before deadline vs after deadline

When your experiment gives outstanding result but you don’t know how

The idea of graduating and having to write my thesis

When scholar says he/she will submit manuscript draft tomorrow, but it’s been 6 months now

When everything is going wring in your life but you’re used to it

Study vs Stress Meme

Lab on Sunday

When you start thinking about your research during dinner

“High Impact PhD Memes” offers a humorous and relatable glimpse into the world of research and academia. These memes resonate with the experiences of doctoral candidates, highlighting the challenges, victories, and moments of camaraderie that define the PhD journey. As we explore this collection, it becomes evident that humor can be a powerful tool for coping with the rigors of research life. So, whether you’re in the midst of your own PhD adventure or simply curious about the world of academia, these memes provide a lighthearted and insightful perspective that brings a smile to your face and a sense of connection to the scholarly community.

• getting a phd memes
• High impact PhD memes
• high impact phd memes twitter
• interstellar phd memes
• latest phd memes
• love phd memes
• md phd memes
• Peer Reviewer
• phd dissertation memes
• phd doctor memes
• phd humor memes
• phd jokes memes
• phd memes facebook
• phd memes funny
• phd memes instagram
• phd memes jokes tamil
• phd memes postdoc
• phd memes reddit
• phd memes tamil
• phd memes twitter
• phd research memes
• phd student memes
• phd student phd memes
• phd supervisor memes
• phd thesis on memes
• phd thesis writing memes

How to Write a Research Paper in a Month?

Example of abstract for research paper – tips and dos and donts, list of phd and postdoc fellowships in india 2024, leave a reply cancel reply, most popular, photopea tutorial – online free photo editor for thesis images, eight effective tips to overcome writer’s block in phd thesis writing, google ai for phd research – tools and techniques, phd in india 2024 – cost, duration, and eligibility for admission, 100 connective words for research paper writing, phd supervisors – unsung heroes of doctoral students, india-canada collaborative industrial r&d grant, best for you, 24 best free plagiarism checkers in 2024, what is phd, popular posts, how to check scopus indexed journals 2024, how to write a research paper a complete guide, popular category.

• POSTDOC 317
• Interesting 258
• Journals 234
• Fellowship 128
• Research Methodology 102
• All Scopus Indexed Journals 92

iLovePhD is a research education website to know updated research-related information. It helps researchers to find top journals for publishing research articles and get an easy manual for research tools. The main aim of this website is to help Ph.D. scholars who are working in various domains to get more valuable ideas to carry out their research. Learn the current groundbreaking research activities around the world, love the process of getting a Ph.D.

Contact us: [email protected]

Google News

Copyright © 2024 iLovePhD. All rights reserved

• Artificial intelligence

"research" Memes & GIFs

Imgflip pro.

• AI creation tools & better GIFs
• Custom 6x6 profile icon and new colors
• Your images are featured instantly in auto-approve-sfw streams
• Your images jump to the top of approval queues

Apply critical thinking

free thinker

Research Every Day

Science highschool students out there be like

Science highschool students out there be like | ME FLEXING HAVING RESEARCH TO MY REGULAR HIGHSCHOOL FRIEND: | image tagged in gifs,memes,research,science,homelander,highschool | made w/ Imgflip video-to-gif maker

My theoretical assumptions

My theoretical assumptions | MY OPERATING THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS | image tagged in gifs,research,graduate school | made w/ Imgflip video-to-gif maker

Dark Research

"for research purposes"

Who's a Good Boy?

Shut Up Brain !

Easily the longest meme I've ever made. If you're having trouble reading the text, I have all of it in the comments.

I'm too busy reading that thing to come up with a title

bad idea | WE'VE SEEN THIS MOVIE. IT DOESN'T END WELL. | image tagged in gifs,terminator,t2,science,research | made w/ Imgflip video-to-gif maker

why is this true tho....

Journey mode's end

20 Memes Only Writers and Authors Can Relate To

by Gatekeeper Press | Mar 22, 2021 | Blog , Writing

Table of Contents

Anyone who has ever attempted to write their first book already knows how flabbergasting a process writing can be. Along with the perceived benefits, such as working from anywhere, setting your own schedule, and having a creative outlet, there are plenty of challenges with the author territory. In fact, the glamorous perception of a writer’s life is likely to be vastly different from the realities of the actual vocation.

For example, how many friends and family members picture you seated at a mahogany desk, facing out a picture window while typing furiously away at your latest novel? With much envy, they conjure up a snapshot of your writing endeavors in their imaginations, with zero ideas of what a day in a writer’s life looks like. Cue the noisy gardener, kids, phone, and various other distractions while you stare at a blank screen with absolutely no idea of what to type. In that vein, let’s take a look at some hilarious and relevant writer memes for a nice chuckle. Surely many of these author memes will have you nodding, laughing, and sharing with fellow writers. Enjoy!

20 Hilarious Author Memes that Perfectly Encapsulate What Writers Go Through

1. nonexistent book catalog.

Meme courtesy of morganas-bookbox.com

In your mind, you see a long list of book titles you are for sure going to get to, but somehow the reality doesn’t seem to reflect that.

2. She’s a Writer

Meme courtesy of kellieelmore.com

A little quirky? Ok, yes, we writers sometimes do get a bad rap.

3. Audacity To Be a Writer

Meme courtesy of Bryan Hutchinson

Fear is the author’s number one barrier to success! Conquer fear and complete your manuscript .

4. Writer Expectations

Meme courtesy of Frabz.com

A perfect rendition of the life of a writer as viewed through various prisms.

5. Screwed Either Way

Meme courtesy of conniejjasperson.com

Some very famous authors have well-known reputations as, shall we say, oddballs.

Oh, that dastardly second page! Sometimes it just needs to be coaxed out of you.

7. Novelist’s Inspiration

Meme courtesy of someeecards.com

Novelists seek inspiration from all around them. Don’t be surprised if you become the basis of a great character.

8. Sensitive Bunch

Meme courtesy of Bill Platt

Oh, yes, we writers are a sensitive bunch! Please say you liked my book, pretty please.

9. “Constructive” Feedback

Meme courtesy of djedwardson.com

Say what?! Nothing is more humbling than receiving “constructive” feedback from an editor .

10. You Should Be Writing

Meme courtesy of relatably.com

All authors are guilty of procrastination…hey, it’s part of the creative process. We must mull ideas over before putting pen to paper. But that little voice in our head reminds us to get on with it already.

11. Blank Stare

Meme courtesy of Pinterest.com

Novelists get it! Sometimes all those great ideas get stuck inside your head.

12. I Don’t Know

Meme courtesy of completelynovel.com

Nonfiction writers can relate—especially when you are supposedly an expert in the field you are writing about!

13. Just Keep Writing

Meme courtesy quotesinhumor.com

As author Anne Lamott says, just write something every single day.

14. Writer’s Block

Meme courtesy of RickHudgens.blogspot.com

Oh boy, we know that stupefied look all too well. The lights are on, but nobody’s home.

15. Half-finished Novels > Friends

Novel writing meme courtesy of storyempirecom.wordpress.com

Even with all that writing talent, we writers seem to lack that whole stick-to-itness thing.

16. Kill the Character

Meme courtesy of writerswrite.co.za

Yep, sometimes you have to sacrifice a lousy go-nowhere character for the good of the manuscript. Ouch.

17. Try Self-publishing

Well, if only it were that easy, right? Why not give self-publishing a whirl?

18. It’s Fantasy

Says no fantasy writer, ever…but you can dream.

19. When You Finish Your Book

Getting lost in your manuscript? Yes, getting from page one to The End can seem to be a lifetime. But you’re one step closer to becoming an author !

20. “Affect” VS “Effect”

Meme courtesy of memegenerator.net

Let’s face it, no matter how good a writer we might be, we all get tripped up from time to time and just need a good proofreader .

Writer Memes are Funny But Writing a Book is Serious Business

A little humor is a great way to smooth out some of the bumps along the road to authorship. But when you’re ready to buckle down and tackle the serious business of self-publishing , you’ll need some editing talent in your back pocket. Just enjoy writing your amazing book, and when it’s finished, go ahead pass the manuscript off to the master editors at Gatekeeper Press .

Free Consultation

• Pierre Morin Publishing Journey Q&A
• Writing the End Is Just the Beginning
• V. & D. Povall Publishing Journey Q&A
• Sonja H. Lüsch Publishing Journey Q&A
• How To Get Your Book in Stores
• Author Q&A (22)
• Editing (18)
• Making Money (7)
• Marketing (13)
• Publishing (62)
• Publishing Journey Q&A (6)
• Uncategorized (2)
• Writing (57)

Memes and GIFs for Writing Development

As a consumer of social media, I have long been fascinated with memes, particularly those that relate to topics I am invested in, like teaching, literature, or composition. Memes, usually consisting of an image file overlaid by a short text, have become ubiquitous in popular culture. Many are based on images taken from films or TV shows, while others are based on a memorable photo or pair of  photos. The humorous text references current events or everyday experiences. Similar to memes, GIF files are omnipresent in social media, particularly  reaction GIFs , which are very short video clips showing characters’ facial expressions. Both memes and GIFs can be found through a web search, but can also be created using free and easy-to-use web tools like  Canva  or  Giphy .

As much as I enjoy consuming memes and GIFs in my own social media use, I also see great potential for these formats in supporting second language learners’ writing development. Two recent publications highlight ways that language and writing teachers have drawn on these resources. In this blog post, I summarize these two articles with a focus on how they can be useful for teaching second language writing and suggest additional activities writing teachers might try to bring memes and GIFs into the classroom.

Memes as Intercultural Communication

Memes can be the basis for an ongoing discussion of culture and language between learners and native speakers of a language. In their article “ An Ecological Perspective on the Use of Memes for Language Learning ,” published in the journal  Language Learning and Technology  (2023), Yiting Han and Blaine E. Smith report on analyses of a chat group between U.S. college students learning Chinese as a foreign language and Chinese international students at their university. The researchers noticed that both the learners and the native speakers frequently used memes in their posts. When they analyzed the discussions, they found that the learners were able to increase their understanding of Chinese culture as they negotiated the meaning of the memes with the group. Han and Blaine also found that the learners were able to express their own multicultural identities when they chose and created their own memes that bridged U.S. and Chinese cultures.

This study suggests that second language writers can not only  learn about  culture from consuming memes, but also  contribute to  culture through creating memes. These are sophisticated language skills:

Being able to read, reply, reproduce, remix, or even create memes in [a second language] requires not only the ability to interpret the words, but also the ability to decipher the information hidden behind the interplay of semiotic resources (e.g., humor, cultural significance, etc.). (p. 156)

According to Han and Smith, the text chat with memes allowed learners to have fun, draw on their existing knowledge of social media, and learn slang in social context through a playful and relatable experience.

Text chats with memes could be something second language writers join outside of class, but the authors of this article also suggest ways that teachers could bring memes into the classroom. One idea is to use memes for teaching intercultural awareness by having the teacher select memes for the class to analyze as a group. Alternatively, students could individually collect memes on a topic to share and discuss with their classmates.

GIFs for Academic Writing 

GIFs similarly draw on students’ existing understanding of social media communication. In her article “ Using GIFs to Position Students as Scholars ” in the journal Prompt (2023), Jamie Henthorn describes a writing assignment that uses GIFs to link students’ informal literacies to new academic writing skills while also positioning novice writers as scholars. Henthorn notes that her first-year college writing students are often intimidated by academic articles and unsure how to read or respond to them. This assignment directs students to analyze a journal article and report on their analyses by incorporating reaction GIFs to represent personal responses to each section of the text. In teaching this assignment over several years, Henthorn has found that even students who struggle to write about their understanding of academic texts are able to find and create apt GIFs to represent that same understanding. The author comments:

GIFs are one way to make analysis feel less formal, and they provide students another way to conceptualize their reactions to a text. Beyond my course, I want my students to see themselves as scholars able to engage with and build on the research they encounter. To do this, they should learn to trust their intuitions and observations about research. (p. 13)

In making the case that this assignment also positions first-year college students as scholars, Henthorn suggests that the process of selecting GIFs helps students recognize that they are in a conversation with the text and their own readers. Students have an investment in representing their reactions accurately so that readers know what worked (and didn’t work) for them in the text. Henthorn’s assignment could be modified for many different writing tasks that require learners to react to a source, from a film or song to a novel.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with the journal  Prompt , check it out. It’s an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes nothing but academic writing assignments!

Meme about teaching writing

Other Teaching Ideas With Memes and GIFs

These two articles have prompted me to think about many other ways I might incorporate memes and GIFs into my teaching. As Henthorn notes, these formats bring in a sense of fun while still challenging students to develop essential academic writing skills. Given how many memes and GIFs are freely available on the internet, students can easily search and select ones that best represent the points they want to make.For creative writing, students might choose to start with a meme and make up a story about the situation in the meme. Going the other way, students can select memes or GIFs to retell a familiar story or narrate an original story.

As Han and Smith suggest, memes can also be fruitful prompts for discussions of culture. Students might create memes that represent their home culture for an audience from a different culture. They could also remix memes from one cultural context for a different context by providing text in their new language and editing the visuals (see an example in Figure 4 of  Han and Smith’s article ).

It’s worth noting that both memes and GIFs are visual forms of communication. Alternatives for visually impaired learners might include using sound clips or adding metatext to make images accessible.

If you’ve developed any activities that connect memes or GIFs with teaching writing, please share your ideas in the chat!

02 Mar 2023

• Classroom Activities

Betsy Gilliland

About the author

Betsy Gilliland is an associate professor in the Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa, where she teaches courses on second language writing, teacher research, and qualitative research methods to undergraduate and graduate students. Co-editor of the   Journal of Response to Writing , she was chair of the TESOL Second Language Writing Interest Section (2019-2020) and has published in   TESOL Journal ,   Journal of Second Language Writing , and   ELT Journal , among others. She was a Fulbright Scholar at the Universidad de Atacama (Chile) in 2018.

This website uses cookies.  A cookie is a small piece of code that gives your computer a unique identity, but it does not contain any information that allows us to identify you personally. For more information on how TESOL International Association uses cookies, please read our   privacy policy . Most browsers automatically accept cookies, but if you prefer, you can opt out by changing your browser settings.

0, text: error()">

0, text: error(), css: errorCssClass">

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Provide email

Please enter your email to complete registration

Activate to continue

Your account isn't active yet. We've emailed you an activation link. Please check your inbox and click the link to activate your account

0, text: error" style="display: none;">

0, text: success" style="display: none;">

• Relationships

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here .

• Partnership
• Success stories
• --> -->