stonks

"Stonks" is a slang term originating from internet culture, particularly within online communities such as Reddit, where it refers to stocks or stock market investments. The term gained prominence through the r/WallStreetBets subreddit, a forum where individual investors discuss and trade heavily in low-priced, often volatile stocks. The name is a playful misspelling of "stocks," blending the word with "stoned," which humorously implies the euphoric or irrational behavior sometimes associated with speculative trading.

The concept of "stonks" became widely recognized during the GameStop (GME) short squeeze in early 2021, where retail investors coordinated to drive up the stock price, leading to significant financial losses for hedge funds that had bet against it. This event highlighted the growing influence of social media and online communities in shaping market behavior, often referred to as "meme stocks." The term has since expanded to describe any stock driven by speculative hype rather than traditional fundamental analysis.

Critics argue that "stonks" trading can be highly speculative and risky, with investors sometimes making impulsive decisions based on viral trends rather than financial fundamentals. Supporters, however, view it as a form of financial activism, allowing individual investors to challenge institutional power in the market. The term reflects broader shifts in investing, where digital platforms and collective action play an increasingly important role in shaping stock movements.