The sources: 1) Folk tales – contains specific plot, heroes, situations, names and places that are passed on from generation to generation: (Br)The Three Little Pigs, Jack and His Friends etc.
They define the national mindset.
(- Ogres are legendary being which are usually depicted frequently featured in mythology, folklore, and fiction throughtout the world. Ogres appear in many classic worls of literature, and more often described in fairy-tales and folklore as feeding on human beings.
- Tom Thumb is a character of English folklore. The History of Tom Thumb was published in 1621 and has the distinction of being the first fairy tale printed in English. Tom is no bigger than his father’s thumb) 2) The internet
(- Meme is a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behaviour) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation): “memes are the cultural counterpart of genes”
A meme can be a simple idea, or a complex idea. The most important point about a meme is that it propagates. In other words, a meme is an idea, value or pattern of behavior that is especially attractive and is passed from one person to the next - or even one society to the next.
Let's take an idea of a simple meme: 'love, love, love (music) love, love, love ...' If you are familiar with the Beatles you probably are humming that tune right now. That tune is a meme (at least as it is understood by the experts - references below!). It is passed around the world through the radio, people singing, etc. The Beatles were very good at creating musical memes, and the life of their music continues on beyond their own lives. 2) Political slogans and billboards:
An impeachment in the hand is worth 2 Republicans in the Bush.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (Лучше синица в руках, чем журавль в небе. Лучше импичмент (в руках), чем два республиканца с Бушем.
3) Catchphrases
Go for it! (Am). A long time