Technical Definition

Memecoin

A memecoin is a cryptocurrency whose identity and popularity are strongly connected to an internet meme, joke, character or online cultural trend.

By Crypto University Editorial
ShitcoinFOMODegen

✦ Key Insight

Memecoins can experience extreme volatility because demand may depend heavily on attention, sentiment and speculation.

✕ Common Misconceptions

Popularity, community size or viral attention does not guarantee long-term value or liquidity.

Detailed Explanation

Memecoins are often driven heavily by community attention and social media. Some later add applications or services, but the category is defined more by culture and branding than a specific technology.

In Practice

“Dogecoin is widely described as a memecoin because of its origins around an internet meme.”

Dig Deeper

FOMO

FOMO means fear of missing out and describes the urge to act because others appear to be profiting or participating.

Volatility

Volatility measures the magnitude and frequency of price changes in an asset or market over time.

Shitcoin

Shitcoin is a derogatory slang term used to describe a cryptocurrency someone considers low-quality, useless, highly speculative or lacking credible value.

Degen

Degen is crypto slang for a participant who embraces highly speculative, experimental or high-risk opportunities, often with limited conventional risk controls.