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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Virtue Signalling” is a rare card of the Memes World series 72, number 21342 of the collection, and the 1st best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Virtue Signalling” meme mean?
This meme expresses skepticism towards digital commitments perceived as superficial or narcissistic. It highlights the gap between public performances of goodness and the lack of concrete action. The dominant emotion is mockery towards those who use social causes as tools for personal validation or moral superiority without real impact.
Where does the “Virtue Signalling” meme come from?
The term was popularized by British journalist James Bartholomew in The Spectator on April 18, 2015, in his article titled 'The awful rise of “virtue signalling”'. Bartholomew defined this behavior as publicly expressing opinions to show one is 'kind, decent and virtuous', at the expense of tangible actions. Although earlier occurrences exist, such as in 2004, this writing anchored the term in public debate. The initial platform was the magazine's website before spreading massively on social media where it became a critical label for militant posts deemed insincere.
- 2015James Bartholomew publishes the foundational article in The Spectator on April 18.
How to use the “Virtue Signalling” meme
- Critique a profile picture change on Twitter during an international crisis seen as purely cosmetic.
- Denounce a viral post on social media advocating a cause without mentioning any donation or concrete action.
- Remind a friend who shares mass activist messages only to improve their online image.
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The “Virtue Signalling” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21342 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 72 |
| Fame | 70/100 · #1 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Virtue Signalling” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Virtue Signalling comes out of the Memes World series 72 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Virtue Signalling”
More cards of the Memes World series 72
Frequently asked questions
What does virtue signalling mean?
It refers to publicly displaying moral virtues to gain social approval rather than acting truly. It is a critique of digital engagement perceived as hypocritical.
Who is james bartholomew?
He is a British journalist who popularized the term in The Spectator in 2015. He may not have invented the expression, but he firmly established it in common vocabulary.
Virtue signalling origin?
Although traces exist since 2004, the term gained traction thanks to an article by James Bartholomew published in The Spectator on April 18, 2015.
How do I get the Virtue Signalling meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Virtue Signalling” is a rare card of the Memes World series 72. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Virtue Signalling card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Virtue Signalling - Know Your Meme · meme.com · memes · virtue-signallingVirtue Signalling: Meaning & Origin of the Term - meme.com · Virtue signaling and other inane platitudes - The Boston Globe · checked on October 13, 2026.
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Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.