With over 617 million identity-verified crypto wallets, according to Statista, the cryptocurrency ecosystem can feel like its own universe. It is filled with jargon, memes, and slang that sometimes make it hard to keep up. From NFTs to DeFi and now Web3, new terms pop up almost daily. Among the words you’ve probably seen floating around is degen.
The term degen is an old one, but it’s taken on new significance in crypto circles. If you’re trying to dive deeper into this ecosystem, understanding what degen means will help you understand blockchain technology’s lingo and culture.
Let’s break down degen: meaning, origins and how to use it in Web3.
Degen is short for degenerate. The term originally comes from gambling culture, where it was used to describe people who behaved recklessly at casinos or poker tables. For example, Gus Hansen, a Danish professional poker player known for his aggressive playing style and numerous high-stakes poker games, is often referred to as a degen.
Later on, the crossover between gambling and sports led to the word degen describing athletes who damaged their careers by making nefarious wagers. A notable example is Michael Jordan, who was rumored to have placed bets on various sports, including his own games, leading to concerns about the integrity of the sport. This contributed to his image as a degen in some circles.
In the same spirit, degens in crypto are known for making bold moves that can lead to massive returns or complete losses.
In the crypto community, it’s used playfully to describe someone whose main mission is speculating on coins and tokens, often with little research or caution. Instead of making decisions based on careful analysis, degens might buy into a project on impulse, hoping to hit the jackpot. Think of it like gambling: you’re going all-in with the chance of winning or losing it all.
Being called a degen isn’t necessarily an insult in crypto. In fact, it can even be a badge of honor in some cases. It means you’re parts of a high-risk, high-reward community that isn’t for the faint-hearted. Degens are usually those who jump into projects early, well before they gain mainstream recognition. They’re often ahead of the curve, willing to explore the newest, most speculative ventures in crypto.
Qualities associated with a degen include:
It’s important to note that while some degens strike gold, many others experience devastating losses. That’s part of the game—crypto can be highly volatile.
In the context of crypto, a degen goes beyond just taking risks. It’s about adopting a mindset that embraces the market’s chaos and unpredictability. While traditional investors may rely on careful analysis, market data, and financial models, degens go the other way. They rely on instinct, trends, and sometimes even pure FOMO (fear of missing out).
For example, degens are often the first to jump into new decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols or buy into obscure NFT collections. They thrive in fast-paced environments like crypto, where fortunes can change instantly. To be a degen is to accept the high risks of a largely unregulated market and the belief that fortunes favor the bold.
Here are a few examples of how degens might operate:
Like degen, many other slang terms have evolved to fit the unique culture of blockchain and digital assets. These terms serve as shorthand, building a sense of community among people who are deeply involved in the space.
Terms like HODL (hold on for dear life) and moon (massive price increase)express their optimism—or despair—about the market. As more people entered the space, new slang words emerged, cementing themselves as part of the community’s culture. With new generations and meme references cropping up daily, you should expect more crypto terms
Let’s explore some additional terms you’ll frequently encounter among degen communities:
As Web3—an internet built on decentralized protocols—gains momentum, degens are becoming increasingly important in driving innovation. Many Web3 projects rely on early degen adopters to create momentum, build a community, and provide the initial liquidity needed for the project to succeed. Degens’ willingness to take risks means they often participate in the most experimental parts of Web3, testing new technologies, financial products, and decentralized applications (dApps) that traditional investors might shy away from.
Of course, there’s always a downside. The projects that degens bet on don’t always pan out. Some disappear into thin air, while others fall victim to hacks or scams. It’s a risky game, but the potential rewards are worth it for many degens.
While not everyone in crypto is a degen, understanding this subculture can give you valuable insights into the broader market trends and attitudes that shape the space. Whether you’re just starting out or are already familiar with crypto, keeping an eye on what degens are up to can provide a unique window into where the next big opportunities—or pitfalls—might lie.