"Meta" describes a reference made in fiction, where the work reaches outside the narrative and addresses the audience directly or demonstrates awareness of itself as a work of fiction. This is best explained as when a character "breaks the fourth wall", for instance by looking directly at the camera and commenting about the movie or show they are in.
In the TV show Community the character Abed often makes meta references by referring to himself and the other characters as being in a TV show. In response to this, one of them once commented "Abed, it makes the group uncomfortable when you talk about us like we're characters on a show you're watching."
by CeraWithaC January 07, 2016
Abbreviation of Most Effective Tactic Available. Mostly used when comparing tactics in a game, but can be used in other things as well. It can change over time as new tactics are explored or can change by a change in the rules of a game or availability of new resources. In real life changes to gamerules are usually to make the game more interesting (soccer rules change for offside, usage of time compensation in some courses). In computer games this is done by patching to balance the game or fix bugs.
by ChelseaStaub November 13, 2015
A medium is meta if it references itself (see, e.g., meta.) This is often done by trampling over what appeared to be a closed system's barrier - e.g. a book referencing its author, a play referencing its audience (see, e.g., breaking the fourth wall.)
The feeling behind 'meta' is that of pulling back the camera. We start with a family having dinner, then pull back to reveal the camera crew, then pull back to the writers room for describing the crew's motion, then pull way back to the scientists marionetting the miniature writers, then pull back to reveal all this on a TV screen in the background of the kitchen where the family is having dinner.
The feeling behind 'meta' is that of pulling back the camera. We start with a family having dinner, then pull back to reveal the camera crew, then pull back to the writers room for describing the crew's motion, then pull way back to the scientists marionetting the miniature writers, then pull back to reveal all this on a TV screen in the background of the kitchen where the family is having dinner.
Author of this piece: Did you know that Urban Dictionary sells mugs? Perfect for Drinking and Writing.
Reader of this piece: Is this an example of something being meta?
Editor of Urban Dictionary: I'm not sure.
Reader of this piece: Is this an example of something being meta?
Editor of Urban Dictionary: I'm not sure.
by blink the dust January 03, 2017
by Ganderschplaf the Gray November 23, 2015
In the gaming world, meta is what the entire community does within one week of the game's release or latest patch, ignoring everything else the game or the game developer has to offer.
by PSloth December 19, 2014
In the gaming world. The meta is what is in RIGHT NOW. What are the best strategies, plays, options.. Things of that nature. Often referred to as "Meta-Game".
Example 1. "Woah Dude! That Magic the Gathering deck is crazy!"
"Yes... It is the meta."
Example 2. "Dude! The your build is crazy!" (moba players)
"Yes...... It is in deed.. The meta."
"Yes... It is the meta."
Example 2. "Dude! The your build is crazy!" (moba players)
"Yes...... It is in deed.. The meta."
by MC Nudge December 31, 2014
The sweetest human being you’ll ever meet. They’re rare so when you meet one, you instantly feel a connection. They have the best smile and the cutest laugh and you want to be in their presence for ever. If you ever meet a Meta, you are indeed very lucky.
by thankyoukanye April 22, 2019