1984

The book itself

"1984" is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell and published in 1949. It is set in a totalitarian society controlled by a party led by a figure known as Big Brother. The story follows the life of Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the party who works at the Ministry of Truth, where he alters historical records to fit the party's propaganda.

The novel explores themes of government surveillance, propaganda, thought control, and the loss of individual freedom. The society depicted in "1984" is characterized by constant surveillance, manipulation of language through a concept called "Newspeak," and the erasure of history to maintain the party's control.

Winston begins to rebel against the oppressive regime, seeking personal freedom and truth, and he starts an illicit affair with Julia, another party member. However, their acts of rebellion are eventually discovered, leading to a harrowing and brutal ordeal at the hands of the Thought Police.

The novel concludes with Winston's complete submission to the party's authority and his realization that he loves Big Brother, thus symbolizing the total victory of the totalitarian state over individual autonomy and independent thought. "1984" serves as a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of individual freedoms in the face of unchecked government power.

The joke

The phrase "Literally 1984" is often used online as a satirical or hyperbolic way to criticize or mock situations where rules, regulations, or restrictions are perceived as overly oppressive, intrusive, or authoritarian. It derives from George Orwell's novel "1984," in which the government exercises extreme control over every aspect of people's lives, including their thoughts and actions, through surveillance, propaganda, and strict rules.

When people use the phrase "Literally 1984," they are typically highlighting a situation where they feel that government or authority figures are overstepping their boundaries and infringing on individual freedoms, even if the situation is not nearly as extreme or dystopian as the one depicted in the novel. It's a way of drawing attention to what they see as excessive or invasive control, often with a humorous or ironic tone.

In essence, it's a form of online satire and exaggeration to criticize perceived overreach of rules and regulations, comparing them humorously to the extreme totalitarianism depicted in "1984."