The Year’s Wildest Ride: Top Finance Memes That Defined 2023
2023 has been a rollercoaster for the financial world. From unexpected bank failures to the relentless march of inflation, and the ever-evolving crypto landscape, there’s been no shortage of drama. And as any seasoned internet user knows, where there’s drama, there are memes. Finance memes have become the internet’s way of coping, commenting, and occasionally even predicting market movements. Let’s dive into the top finance memes that defined 2023, capturing the zeitgeist of the year in bite-sized, relatable humor.
1. The "Everything is Fine" Dog
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The Meme: The classic comic panel of a dog sitting calmly in a room engulfed in flames, saying, "This is fine."
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Finance Context: This meme perfectly encapsulated the feeling of many investors throughout the year. Whether it was a sudden market dip, a surprising interest rate hike, or yet another crypto scandal, the "Everything is Fine" dog became the go-to reaction for those trying to maintain a semblance of composure amid financial chaos. It was a sardonic acknowledgment that things were far from ideal, but also a way to express a sense of resignation and perhaps even dark humor in the face of uncontrollable events.
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Why It Resonated: The meme’s universality made it a hit. It spoke to both seasoned investors who had seen their portfolios battered by market volatility and newcomers who were just trying to navigate the complexities of personal finance. It was a shared language of acknowledging the absurdity of the financial world while finding a bit of humor in the madness.
2. The "Stonks" Family
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The Meme: A crudely drawn image of a man with a suit in front of a stock chart going up.
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Finance Context: This meme has been around for a few years but evolved and adapted to the latest financial trend. In 2023, it came back with a vengeance, often used to mock or celebrate risky investment decisions, particularly in the realm of meme stocks and cryptocurrencies. When a seemingly irrational investment paid off handsomely, "Stonks" was there to celebrate the victory. Conversely, when those same investments crashed and burned, "Stonks" was there to offer a mocking reminder of the risks involved.
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Why It Resonated: "Stonks" taps into the inherent gamble of investing. It acknowledges that sometimes, luck plays a far bigger role than skill or analysis. It’s a way of poking fun at the often-overconfident pronouncements of financial gurus and the sometimes-irrational exuberance of the market.
3. The "Distracted Boyfriend"
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The Meme: A man walking with his girlfriend turns his head to look at another woman walking by.
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Finance Context: This meme was brilliantly repurposed to reflect the allure of new, shiny investment opportunities distracting investors from their established, perhaps more stable, portfolios. The boyfriend might represent a long-term investment strategy, the girlfriend could be a solid index fund, and the passing woman could be a hot new cryptocurrency or meme stock promising quick riches.
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Why It Resonated: The "Distracted Boyfriend" meme highlights the temptation to chase the next big thing, even if it means abandoning a more sensible approach. It speaks to the fear of missing out (FOMO) that drives many investment decisions, especially in the fast-paced world of crypto and meme stocks.
4. "They Don’t Know"
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The Meme: An image macro with the caption "They don’t know…" followed by a description of something the subject is blissfully unaware of.
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Finance Context: This meme was used to highlight the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly successful investments. For example, it might depict someone proudly showing off their crypto gains, with the caption "They don’t know… about the impending regulatory crackdown." Or it could be used to mock those who were overly optimistic about the economy, with the caption "They don’t know… that a recession is looming."
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Why It Resonated: "They Don’t Know" is all about schadenfreude and a sense of superiority. It allows users to feel like they’re "in the know" while subtly warning others about potential pitfalls. It’s a way of expressing skepticism and caution in a world where hype often outweighs substance.
5. The Rise of "NPC" Memes in Finance
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The Meme: "NPC" (Non-Player Character) memes depict people mindlessly following trends or repeating opinions without critical thought.
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Finance Context: In 2023, "NPC" memes were used to critique those who blindly followed the advice of financial influencers or jumped on investment bandwagons without doing their own research. It was a way of mocking the herd mentality that can often drive market bubbles and subsequent crashes.
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Why It Resonated: These memes resonated because they tap into the growing distrust of institutions and experts. They encourage people to think for themselves and question the narratives being pushed by financial pundits and social media gurus.
6. Inflation Anxiety: The "Is This a Pigeon?" Meme
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The Meme: A scene from an anime where a character mistakes a butterfly for a pigeon.
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Finance Context: This meme became synonymous with the rising cost of everyday goods and services. As inflation soared, people used the "Is This a Pigeon?" meme to highlight the absurdity of price increases. For example, someone might post a picture of a loaf of bread with the caption "Is this a mansion?" to express their disbelief at the cost.
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Why It Resonated: The "Is This a Pigeon?" meme provided a humorous outlet for the very real anxieties surrounding inflation. It allowed people to share their frustrations about the rising cost of living in a relatable and lighthearted way.
7. The "Chad vs. Virgin" Investor
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The Meme: A side-by-side comparison of two characters, one depicted as weak and unappealing ("Virgin") and the other as strong and confident ("Chad").
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Finance Context: This meme was used to compare different investment strategies, often in a satirical way. The "Virgin" investor might represent someone who sticks to traditional, low-risk investments, while the "Chad" investor might represent someone who takes bold, high-risk bets.
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Why It Resonated: The "Chad vs. Virgin" meme is a way of poking fun at the often-polarizing debates within the investment community. It highlights the different approaches people take to managing their money and the sometimes-judgmental attitudes that accompany those choices.
8. The "Woman Yelling at a Cat"
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The Meme: A split image of a woman yelling at a cat sitting at a dinner table.
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Finance Context: This meme was highly versatile and was adapted to a variety of financial scenarios. The woman often represented an investor frustrated with market volatility, while the cat represented the stubborn or unpredictable nature of the markets.
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Why It Resonated: The meme’s flexibility allowed it to capture a wide range of emotions and situations. It was a perfect way to express frustration, confusion, or even anger at the often-unexplainable behavior of the financial world.
The Power of Finance Memes
Finance memes are more than just jokes. They’re a form of social commentary, a way of processing complex information, and a means of connecting with others who share similar experiences. They can also be a powerful tool for demystifying the financial world and making it more accessible to a wider audience.
As we move into 2024, expect finance memes to continue playing a significant role in shaping the conversation around money and investing. They’ll be there to celebrate the wins, commiserate the losses, and remind us that even in the face of financial uncertainty, there’s always room for a good laugh.
