This is who you are trading against meme is one of the most viral images in the investment world, especially within the cryptocurrency community. The photo of a group of young men relaxing on a luxury yacht quickly became a symbol of cocky confidence, flaunted wealth, and the perceived naivety of the opponents you face in the market.
The origin of the meme
On march 7, 2022, a twitter user named NFTNick.eth (@allnick) posted a selfie. The photo featured him and three other friends enjoying a sunny day on a luxurious yacht, with a coastal city skyline, likely miami, in the background. He accompanied the image with the confident caption: “This is who you’re trading against.”
The original intent from NFTNick.eth was clear: it was a “flex.” He wanted to show that he and his friends were successful traders, making enough money from the market to live a lavish lifestyle. The implicit message was, “we are wealthy, successful, and smart. How can you, a small retail trader, possibly beat us?” The post instantly went viral, creating the foundation for the This is who you are trading against meme.
Meaning and virality of the meme
Instead of feeling intimidated or overwhelmed, the online community found the situation hilarious. The photo and its caption quickly became the This is who you are trading against meme, with its meaning twisted in several, mostly satirical, directions:
- A mockery of “crypto bros”: The four individuals in the picture fit the stereotype of the “crypto bro”—young men who got rich quick from crypto, often flaunting their wealth ostentatiously but perhaps lacking deep financial knowledge. Instead of looking like formidable financial experts, they looked like guys who just got lucky.
- Ironic timing: The photo was posted in early march 2022. Shortly after, the cryptocurrency and stock markets entered a significant downturn. This timing made the boast incredibly ironic. The community joked that these same “smart” traders likely lost a substantial amount of money in the subsequent market crash, a powerful critique of the ‘crypto bro’ archetype that the This is who you are trading against meme so perfectly captures.
- Motivation for retail investors: Ironically, the This is who you are trading against meme became a source of motivation. Instead of thinking, “I can’t beat them,” many people thought, “Oh, so these are the guys I’m competing against? They don’t look so intimidating. Maybe I do have a chance!” It turned an intended threat into an affirmation that the market isn’t just for the boastful.
Variations of the This is who you are trading against meme
The flexibility of this format has spawned countless humorous variations. Users keep the caption “This is who you’re trading against” but replace the original image with other photos to create a funny contrast.
Animals: A golden retriever staring at a computer screen, a cat walking on a keyboard, or even a hamster “trading” in its cage. This pokes fun at the idea that the market can be so random that even an animal could “trade” successfully.
Children: Images of a baby smashing a laptop keyboard are also used, implying that opponents’ trading decisions are as random and thoughtless as a child’s.
Fictional characters: Goofy characters from movies and cartoons are also featured, further emphasizing the perceived incompetence of self-proclaimed “sharks” in the market. Each variation plays on the core idea of the original This is who you are trading against meme.
Ultimately, this meme is more than just a joke. It deeply reflects the psychology and culture of the retail investment community in the digital age. It’s a voice against hubris, a source of comic relief, and a reminder that in financial markets, nothing is certain, and those who boast the loudest may not be the final winners.
In conclusion, the This is who you are trading against meme is a perfect example of how the internet can turn an intended flex into a timeless joke. It reflects the culture and humor of the modern investment community and serves as a powerful social commentary. For more fascinating meme origin stories, be sure to follow MevXBot.
