This is exactly it. Do I have to read a reference for regex every damn time? Yes. But I also have an idea of what it can do; and knowing that, I have a vague idea when a problem presents itself that I could use regex to solve it.

Edit: Hello Zalgo my old friend.

This is great perspective and advice. It's how I learn too. I always felt like a poor performer because in my life I haven't been able to recall specifics after learning something when I compared to others. I've got a complex. But general what you describe is how I recall. Almost in chunks but not specifics.