1. Self-aware or self-referential: This is probably the most common meaning. It refers to something that is aware of itself or its own nature. Think of a character in a movie who is aware they are in a movie, or a novel that discusses the process of writing itself.
Examples:
* A joke about jokes: "Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!" This joke is meta because it's about the nature of jokes and how they work.
* A movie about making movies: A film like "The Player" or "Adaptation" is meta because it explores the process of filmmaking and the struggles of filmmakers.
* A song about writing a song: A song about the songwriting process is meta because it's about the creation of music itself.
2. Beyond the ordinary or literal: This meaning is often used in conjunction with "metaphysics," which is the study of the fundamental nature of reality. Something that's "meta" in this sense is going beyond the physical world and exploring abstract concepts like existence, consciousness, and the universe.
Examples:
* A philosophical discussion about the nature of time: This would be considered meta because it explores a concept that goes beyond our everyday experience.
* A science fiction story that explores the concept of parallel universes: This story would be meta because it delves into an abstract and hypothetical reality.
3. Higher level or more complex: This meaning is often used in the context of technology or digital media. Something that's "meta" is a level above the typical or standard, often referring to something that interacts with or is aware of other levels of its own system.
Examples:
* A "meta-search engine" that searches multiple search engines simultaneously: This would be considered meta because it's operating at a higher level, combining the results of other search engines.
* A "meta-analysis" of research studies: This would be considered meta because it analyzes the results of other studies, looking for patterns and trends.
In short, "meta" refers to something that is aware of itself, transcends the ordinary, or operates at a higher level. It's a complex term with multiple meanings that depends on the context.