Mamma-Meogeumi

"Mamma-Meogeumi" is a meme that exploded in popularity on the internet in the second half of 2024. The meme originated from a post on X (formerly Twitter), where a user uploaded an image of a chubby baby kitten along with the phrase "맘마먹음이" (Mamma-Meogeumi). The post quickly gained traction among users who resonated with its cute and endearing tone, leading to its viral spread. Initially, the meme was primarily associated with adorable animal pictures, but it soon expanded beyond pet-related content and became widely used among idol fandoms and the general public.

"Mamma-Meogeumi" is typically used to describe someone in a full or satisfied state after eating or to highlight a chubby and cute appearance. Users applied the phrase to childhood photos of idols, playful pictures of pets, and even affectionate moments with their children. Additionally, the meme developed further when people started using its opposite, "Jinjideushimi" (meaning "seriously determined"), to emphasize maturity and seriousness. This flexibility in usage contributed to the meme's continued popularity.

The meme was particularly prominent in fandom culture. Idol fans used "Mamma-Meogeumi" to describe their idols' cute, early debut days, while using "Jinjideushimi" to contrast their current mature image. This became a widely recognized "fan-exaggeration" meme, playing an active role in fan culture. Furthermore, content creators capitalized on its popularity by producing related merchandise and illustrations, further expanding the meme’s reach.