PoliticsJuly 4, 2026
memecoin
/ˈmiːm.koʊɪn/
Definition
A type of digital asset or cryptocurrency that gains value primarily through social media hype, internet trends, or novelty status rather than utility.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau of 'meme'—originating from the Greek word 'mimema' and popularized by Richard Dawkins—and 'coin,' referring to cryptocurrency. It emerged in the 2010s to describe tokens based on viral internet culture.
In the news
In the article, the term refers to a specific digital asset associated with Donald Trump that generated significant revenue for him. Its mention underscores the regulatory benefit the asset received when the S.E.C. declared it exempt from securities oversight.
The Key Ways Trump’s Financial Interests Intersect With Government Policy
Read the full article ↗The New York Times