Meta Meaning in English
word
Definition
Used to describe something that refers to itself, or is about its own category, such as a joke about jokes or a story within a story. Also used in internet slang to mean highly self-aware or reflective.
Usage & Nuances
'Meta' is informal and mostly used in creative, online, or pop culture contexts, such as 'meta joke' or 'that’s so meta.' It's not usually used in formal writing. Often refers to a layer of self-awareness.
Example Sentences
That movie was so meta. It had jokes about making movies.
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She told a meta joke about comedians.
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His novel is a meta story about writing novels.
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This show is getting really meta—the characters started talking to the audience.
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It’s a meta moment when a book talks about the process of writing itself.
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People love meta humor online—it makes jokes smarter and more playful.
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