Love in Abstract: Decoding the ‘Just Like Love’ Meme

The phrase “像极了爱情” (xiàng jíle àiqíng), or “just like love,” originated from a popular comment on NetEase Cloud Music but is not lyrics from any particular song. The original comment, “暖昧上头的那几秒，像极了爱情” (“The ambiguous moments, just like love”), has since become a meme on platforms like Douyin (TikTok) and Kuaishou (Kwai), spreading across various contexts and taking on a life of its own.

Just Like Love

Despite its widespread use, “just like love” doesn’t have a specific meaning. It’s more of an abstract cultural expression. Love is complex and ever-changing, making it difficult for anyone to provide a detailed and accurate interpretation.

The phrase has been used humorously and ironically by internet users to describe a wide range of situations. From receiving a red packet (monetary gift) that feels like love to feeling like a hero in a video game, these examples show how versatile the meme has become. It’s a way to express something intriguing, incomprehensible, boring, or even amazing, much like the nature of love itself.

The meme has evolved through users’ various jokes and parodies. Originally, it might have been a bit mocking, suggesting that the moments described were reminiscent of love but with a hint of sadness and bitterness. This likely resonated with many people who have experienced failed relationships, making the phrase a form of self-deprecation.

“像极了爱情” has become one of the trendy internet phrases, similar to “here comes the bro” or “whatever, just roll with it.” It can be used freely, without much concern for context or meaning, serving more as a linguistic tic than a deep expression. It has become a part of the digital lexicon, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of language and culture on the internet.