Meaning
What does I’m A Gnome mean?
I’m a gnome (or you’ve been gnomed) is a meme that can be classified as a type of bait-and-switch.
The meme tricks the audience into seeing the computer-animated gnome – called Noggin Clontith – midst of watching something totally different.
Being out of context is a key element for this meme in order to work.
Origin
What's the origin of I’m A Gnome?
In 2018 a British website under the domain name NogginClontith.co.uk was launched, with the aim to tell the story of Noggin Clontith, the gnome.
A YouTube video was uploaded in 2010 by the website’s developers for marketing purposes.
The video featured Noggin Clontith looking at the viewer and screaming “you’ve been gnomed!”
Spread & Usage
How did I’m A Gnome spread?
The meme started to spread on Reddit in 2015, after user Rolfy posted the video on /r/DeepIntoYoutube.
After it, copypastas were created and I’m a gnome eventually made it to the Wiki page called Trollpasta.
In 2018, the phrase “gnomed” was given an article on Urban Dictionary.
