Stonks
Stonks is an internet meme and slang term that deliberately misspells “stocks.” It is used humorously or ironically in discussions of investing, financial mistakes, and meme-stock trading, often alongside the character Meme Man.
Stonks is an internet meme and slang term that deliberately misspells “stocks.” It is used humorously or ironically in discussions of investing, financial mistakes, and meme-stock trading.
What it is
“Stonks” emerged in 2017 from online meme culture, often linked to a Facebook post by Special Meme Fresh featuring the surreal character Meme Man in front of a stock-market graphic. The term signals irony or satire, poking fun at poor financial decisions, exaggerated confidence, or a simplistic view of money.
Why it matters
The meme gained mainstream attention during the 2021 GameStop and meme-stock trading frenzy, when social-media-driven retail investing captured headlines. It remains a recognizable shorthand in online finance humor, reflecting how internet culture shapes public conversations about investing.
Canadian context
Canadian readers encounter “stonks” mainly through global internet culture, especially on social media, investing forums, and meme communities. It is also relevant in discussions of retail investing and meme stocks that circulate in Canada as well as the United States.
In short
- Stonks is a deliberate misspelling of “stocks.”
- It is often paired with the Meme Man character.
- Used to mock poor financial decisions or hype.
- Gained peak attention during the 2021 GameStop surge.
Canadian readers encounter “stonks” mainly through global internet culture, especially on social media, investing forums, and meme communities. It is also relevant in discussions of retail investing and meme stocks that circulate in Canada as well as the United States.
Quick questions
What does “stonks” mean?
Where did the stonks meme come from?
Who is the “stonks guy”?
Sources
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/stonksSupports: Defines stonks as slang for stocks and notes its humorous, ironic use.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/stonks-stocks-meme-words-were-watchingSupports: Describes the term as a 2017 meme and notes its prominence during the GameStop trading episode.
- Know Your Meme — https://www.knowyourmeme.com/memes/stonksSupports: Describes the meme’s meaning, the Meme Man association, and its origin in 2017.
- Business Insider — https://www.businessinsider.com/stonks-meme-origin-stocks-dogecoin-gamestop-hold-line-memes-game-2021-1Supports: Explains the meme as a misspelling of stocks and discusses its rise in online financial discourse.