Meme Coin
Cryptocurrency based on an internet meme — extreme volatility, speculative nature.
Meme coins are cryptocurrencies born from jokes or internet memes, without fundamental technological innovation. Their value is almost entirely based on community, hype, and virality.
Most famous:
•DOGE — the original, Shiba Inu
•SHIB — "DOGE killer", Shiba ecosystem
•PEPE — frog meme, 2023 hit
•WIF (dogwifhat) — Solana meme, 2024
•BONK — Solana ecosystem meme coin
Why they're popular:
•Low price per token — psychological accessibility
•Shared humor and identity
•Potential for rapid extreme gains (and losses)
Risks:
•99% of meme coins end at zero
•Susceptible to pump-and-dump schemes
•No fundamental basis for long-term value
•Insider wallet dumping on retail investors