Ever scrolled through your phone, snorting with laughter at a perfectly timed meme, thinking, "I could totally do that!"? The internet has gifted us with a universal language: memes. These bite-sized pieces of internet culture have become a fundamental way we communicate, express ourselves, and share our experiences in the digital age. They reflect current trends, poke fun at everyday life, and connect us through shared humor, regardless of our backgrounds.
But what if you could take your meme mastery to the next level? "What Do You Meme?" is a party game that transforms online amusement into an offline social experience. By pairing hilarious caption cards with iconic images, you compete with friends to create the funniest memes, judging each other's comedic genius in real time. This game matters because it allows us to translate our digital wit into tangible social interaction, fostering laughter, creativity, and perhaps even revealing who the true meme lord of your friend group really is.
So, You Want to Be a Meme Master?
What are the official rules of What Do You Meme?
The official rules of What Do You Meme? revolve around pairing Caption Cards with a Photo Card to create the funniest meme. A rotating judge chooses the winning caption for each round, and the player with the most winning cards at the end of the game wins.
The game begins with each player receiving seven Caption Cards. A Photo Card is then drawn and placed face up for all players to see. Each player (except the judge for that round) secretly selects one Caption Card from their hand that they think best complements the Photo Card and submits it face down. The judge shuffles all the submitted Caption Cards, reads each one aloud with the Photo Card, and chooses the funniest combination. The player who submitted the winning Caption Card receives the Photo Card as a point. The role of the judge rotates to the next player in a clockwise direction, and a new Photo Card is drawn. This process repeats until a player accumulates a predetermined number of Photo Cards (usually specified in the game instructions, such as needing to win 5 or 10 rounds), or until a set number of rounds have been played. The player with the most Photo Cards at the end is declared the "Meme Lord" and winner of the game.What are some good strategies for winning What Do You Meme?
Winning What Do You Meme? requires understanding your audience, playing to trends, and strategically using your meme cards to create the funniest and most relatable pairings with the caption card presented. It's about knowing what kind of humor the judge appreciates and tailoring your meme choice accordingly, while also aiming for universally funny memes that resonate with the broader group.
To elaborate, success in What Do You Meme? isn’t solely based on objective humor, but rather on subjective perception and audience awareness. Pay attention to the judge's past choices. Do they favor edgy humor, observational humor, or something else entirely? Adapt your meme selections to match their established preferences. Also, consider broader trends – viral memes and relatable situations generally perform well. Stay up-to-date on internet culture to leverage current jokes and references. Don't be afraid to use a "filler" card if you're stuck, but always aim for a connection, even a tenuous one. A meme that is tangentially related but executed with confidence can sometimes outperform an obvious choice that lacks spark. Finally, remember that presentation matters. While the core of the game is the meme-caption pairing, how you "sell" your meme can make a difference. Subtly explain the connection or context if it isn't immediately obvious. A well-timed facial expression or a witty comment can sway the judge in your favor. It’s also wise to keep a diverse hand of meme cards. Try to have a balance of broad, relatable memes and more niche or absurd choices to increase your chances of having a winning option for any given caption.What are the best expansion packs for What Do You Meme?
The "New Phone, Who Dis?" expansion is generally considered the best due to its standalone playability and focus on modern texting humor. However, for existing *What Do You Meme?* players seeking fresh content, the themed expansion packs like "Game of Thrones," "Spongebob," or "Friends" offer the most value, injecting relevant and hilarious references to beloved pop culture franchises.
The "New Phone, Who Dis?" expansion distinguishes itself by being a self-contained game, meaning you don't necessarily need the original *What Do You Meme?* base set to play. It introduces a texting-themed dynamic, where one player reads out a text message prompt, and others compete to provide the funniest meme response. This variation provides a refreshing twist on the original formula, appealing to a broader audience and catering to current internet trends. For dedicated *What Do You Meme?* enthusiasts, the themed expansions provide a targeted dose of humor. If your group shares a fondness for a particular TV show or franchise, these expansions are sure to be a hit. The "Game of Thrones" expansion, for example, leverages iconic scenes and characters to create uniquely funny meme combinations. Similarly, the "Friends" and "Spongebob" expansions tap into the nostalgia and widespread appeal of those respective shows. These themed packs resonate strongly with players who already appreciate the source material, leading to inside jokes and heightened enjoyment.How many players can play What Do You Meme?
What Do You Meme? can be played with 3 to 20+ players. The core game is designed for a wide range of participants, making it suitable for small gatherings or large parties. However, the game is typically more enjoyable with at least 4 players to ensure a good variety of meme caption cards are in play.
The game's scalability is one of its strengths. With a minimum of 3 players, there's still enough competition and variation in responses to make it entertaining. However, larger groups tend to generate more diverse and creative meme combinations, leading to more laughs. The "20+" designation is generally an estimate, and the game can theoretically accommodate even larger groups with some modifications, such as splitting into smaller teams if needed. Keep in mind that with very large groups, the game might take longer as more responses need to be reviewed by the judge. It's also worth noting that the dynamics of the game change slightly depending on the number of players. Smaller groups might feel more intimate, while larger groups can lead to more raucous and unpredictable gameplay. Ultimately, the ideal number of players depends on personal preference and the type of experience you're aiming for.What is the age recommendation for What Do You Meme?
The age recommendation for What Do You Meme? is 17+. This is due to the game's humor, which often relies on adult themes, suggestive content, and potentially offensive language. While some younger teenagers might be mature enough to understand the jokes, the game is generally designed for adults who appreciate internet culture and edgy humor.
The age rating isn't just a suggestion; it reflects the potential for discomfort or inappropriate content for younger players. The game involves pairing image macros (memes) with caption cards, and many of the caption cards are designed to be provocative or deal with topics that are not suitable for children. Imagine situations involving drugs, alcohol, or sexual innuendo – these themes are commonplace in the deck. While the humor can be funny for adults, it can be confusing, upsetting, or simply inappropriate for younger players who lack the life experience and maturity to understand the context or navigate the potentially offensive material. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow someone younger than 17 to play *What Do You Meme?* rests with the parent or guardian. They should review the card examples online or perhaps play a round themselves first to get a sense of the game's content. It's crucial to consider the individual child's maturity level and sensitivity before introducing them to the game. There are many family-friendly board games available that are more appropriate for younger audiences and provide a fun and engaging experience without exposing them to potentially harmful content.Where can I buy What Do You Meme?
You can purchase "What Do You Meme?" in English at major retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble, as well as directly from the What Do You Meme? website. Additionally, many specialty game stores and online retailers that carry board games and party games will also stock the game.
The availability of "What Do You Meme?" across various retailers makes it relatively easy to find. Checking online retailers first is a good approach, as you can often compare prices and shipping options. Amazon is typically a reliable source, often offering competitive pricing and fast shipping. Target and Walmart are good options if you prefer to purchase in person and want to browse other products at the same time. Specialty game stores might offer different editions or expansions that aren't available elsewhere, and the staff can provide recommendations. Before making a purchase, consider whether you're looking for the core game or any of its expansion packs, as "What Do You Meme?" has numerous themed editions like "Family Edition," "Spongebob Edition," and more. Make sure to verify that the edition you are buying is the one you intend to purchase and that it is indeed in English. Reading product descriptions carefully is essential to avoid any confusion.What do you do if a caption card doesn't make sense?
If a caption card in "What Do You Meme?" doesn't make sense, the best course of action is to discard it. The judge for that round should simply draw a new caption card to ensure fairness and maintain the humor of the game. Playing with a confusing caption can ruin the round for everyone.
Discarding a nonsensical caption card ensures the game flows smoothly and prevents frustration. The humor in "What Do You Meme?" relies on relatable and easily understandable captions paired with the image. A caption that's grammatically incorrect, uses obscure references, or simply doesn't make logical sense will likely result in unfunny or awkward meme combinations. Removing it and drawing a replacement keeps the game light and entertaining. While it's tempting to try and interpret a confusing caption card, doing so can lead to subjective interpretations and arguments, slowing down the game. It is more efficient and enjoyable to simply eliminate the problem and proceed with a fresh, clear caption. Remember the goal is laughter and fun, not deciphering poorly written cards.So, there you have it – a peek into the hilarious world of What Do You Meme? Hopefully, you're now armed with enough knowledge to dominate your next game night! Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more fun game guides and tips. Until then, keep meme-ing!