Core Memory
An unforgettable, impressionable experience
Example
Remember that time we got caught in the rain at the music festival and just kept dancing?
Oh yeah, that was the best
Definitely a core memory for me
A core memory in Inside Out
Related Slang
| Canon event | A pivotal event in a person's life |
| FOMO | Fear of missing out |
| Rent Free In My Head | Frequently on my mind |
| Traumaversary | Anniversary of a traumatic event |
| Annivorcery | Anniversary of a divorce |
| Cancerversary | An important date regarding a person's fight against cancer |
| Friendversary | Friendship anniversary |
| OMM | On my mind |
| TMW | That moment when |
| Living rent free | Being obsessed about |
Can you survive our Dungeons & Dragons slang quiz?
A core memory is an experience that feels unforgettable, deeply meaningful, or nostalgic. It sticks with you over time, often because it had a strong emotional impact or was especially unique. People commonly use the term when sharing personal stories, photos, or videos online to emphasize that a particular moment had a lasting effect on them.
The term became popular in the late 2010s and early 2020s (partially due to the 2015 film Inside Out) through social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, where users often reflect on memorable experiences or milestones. Gen Zers and Millennials widely use it to comment on both everyday life events and larger, life-changing moments. A core memory can apply to anything from a fun summer trip with family or friends to an iconic pop culture moment that shocks audiences.