My pal Gokmop (who is way more prolific than me) has published an article on Wikipedia about snowclones. “Snowclone” is an Internet meme that can be simply defined as inserting a new word or phrase into an old idiom. For example, substituting the word “laptop” for “dime” in the expression “Brother, can you spare a dime?”, resulting in “Brother, can you spare a laptop?”
“Snowclone” is most often used in a derogatory context, pointing out the laziness of some writers and journalists. The example above probably even made you think of the headline to some pablum that passes for the Fourth Estate these days.
Gokmop’s material always makes for good reading, so check out his article and, if you’re game, contribute to the ever-growing List of Snowclones.
Last, if you’re not already among the converted, do yourself a favor and get to know Wikipedia.