A meme is different from a normal reference. It's obvious when something is a meme, even if you're not familiar with it. Imagine this:

You're the hero of the kingdom, and you're summoned to the King's quarters, so he can commend your courage. Upon speaking to him, he has this to say: "Wow. Much courage. Very hero." --- End credits.

Now, this will elicit one of three responses (generally speaking):

1. People who love the meme will likely love this as well and laugh

2. People who hate the meme and already see it everywhere on the internet will only get annoyed/disappointed for the meme also invading the game they play

3. People who don't know the meme will be scratching their head and be left wondering what the heck that was