In 2024, the term “aura” has become a major trend on X (formerly Twitter), finding its way into sports, entertainment, and even general social media conversations. What started as a compliment for athletes has turned into a massive meme format that has caught fire online.
The “aura” meme seems to have taken a life of its own, and its continuous trending status on X is a testament to the internet’s love for irony, humour, and over-exaggeration.
But what exactly is this “aura” meme, and why is it such a big deal?
The Origins of the Aura Meme
The term “aura” first started gaining traction in soccer and basketball circles. It was initially used to compliment players for their on-field presence and charisma. Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool centre-back, is largely credited for popularising the use of “aura” in sports. His commanding presence on the field led fans to describe his actions as him using his “aura” to defend.
Van Dijk using his “AURA” to block that Martinez shot. pic.twitter.com/TZAumkCCq0
— H (@_Hammad7) March 8, 2022
This became even more noticeable when in 2022, a viral post on X showed van Dijk “blocking” a shot with his so-called aura. Soon after, the term became a way to praise or humorously mock players’ performances.
The New York Times itself even commented on Van Dijk’s mistakes being forgiven due to his “aura” back in 2020, which further cemented the term’s presence in the soccer world. From there, memes started popping up, showing Van Dijk’s “aura” as almost a superpower on the field.
Expanding Beyond Sports
By the time 2023 rolled around, the “aura” term had expanded far beyond the soccer pitch. It found its way into basketball circles, with fans using it to comment on players’ confidence and style during games. Eventually, the term spread to other areas, with people using “aura” to describe everything from a person’s vibe to their overall presence.
The phrase started popping up more frequently in memes, with some using it as an ironic way to describe someone’s unearned confidence. By late 2023, X users began describing celebrities, influencers, and even random individuals using “aura” to denote that certain je ne sais quoi that made them stand out, whether positively or negatively.
Meme Variations: Gaining and Losing Aura Points
One of the most popular offshoots of the “aura” meme is the idea of gaining or losing “aura points.” In these memes, people joke about how certain actions or social interactions can either boost or diminish a person’s aura. This variation became especially viral on TikTok in early 2024, with millions of plays and likes on videos showcasing humorous interpretations of what activities could impact one’s aura.
Why Is the Aura Meme Trending?
So, why is the “aura” meme nonstop trending on X? In a world where internet culture moves faster than we can keep up, the aura meme manages to blend humour, exaggeration, and relatability into one neat package.
People can apply the concept of aura to just about anyone, whether it’s a celebrity, athlete, or even themselves. The idea that someone’s vibe can be measured, gained, or lost adds a layer of complexity that keeps the meme fresh and adaptable to various situations.
Additionally, its origins in sports give it a broad appeal, while its expansion into more general use allows anyone to jump on the trend. Aura memes tap into the human fascination with presence and personality, and the playful way the internet addresses these concepts makes the meme both timeless and trendy.
“define aura”
aura: pic.twitter.com/UR3wQfFSHV— Soren streams 𝗧𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗢𝗥’𝗦 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡⚔️ (@westsoren18) September 6, 2024
Define “Aura” pic.twitter.com/jMXqiAUk4p
— Flo🇩🇪🇮🇹 (@NennmichFlo) September 5, 2024
When people ask aura Aura is, just show them this photo. pic.twitter.com/56jORIwEbW
— Olympics Memes 🥇 (@OlympicsContext) July 29, 2024
Questo video esiste.
Definizione di AURA 🐐 pic.twitter.com/0iXA4OqMj7
— miке (@magicmike_jfc) June 3, 2024
what is the aura meme pic.twitter.com/cOwRZIT0bx
— 7TV (@Official_7TV) June 2, 2024
Define aura.
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 30, 2024
