This is who you are trading against meme originated from a photo that was intended as a boast by a group of crypto and NFT traders, but it was quickly turned into a hilarious joke by the internet community. The original image aimed to showcase success and wealth, but the very ordinary appearance of the subjects created the core comedic element.
The origin of the “this is who you are trading against” meme
It all started on march 7, 2022, when a twitter user named NFTNick.eth posted a selfie on a luxury yacht. In the photo, he and three other friends are relaxing on the water, with a city skyline and a bridge in the background. The photo was accompanied by the challenging caption: “This is who you’re trading against.”
The original intention of NFTNick.eth was clearly to “flex” his lavish lifestyle and that of his friends in the trading world. The underlying message was: “We are the successful, big-time players enjoying the fruits of our labor. Can you, a small retail trader, possibly compete with us?”. The post that launched the this is who you are trading against meme was intended to be aspirational or even intimidating.
However, the reaction from the online community was the complete opposite of what was expected.
The spread and ironic meaning
Instead of feeling threatened, twitter and other social media platforms found the picture incredibly funny. The main reason was the stark contrast between the confident caption and the appearance of the men in the photo. They didn’t look like “wolves of wall street” or powerful financial tycoons; they looked more like a group of average college guys on spring break.
Their normal, almost goofy appearance shattered the “professional trader” image the tweet was trying to build. This ironic twist is the very essence of the this is who you are trading against meme. The community’s reaction quickly led to a flood of comments, quote tweets, and photoshops.
The online world rapidly adopted the phrase as a template for mockery. People began using the caption “This is who you’re trading against” and pairing it with other funny or silly images to create a comedic contrast. The public’s reaction cemented the photo’s legacy as a prime example of the this is who you are trading against meme.
Variations of the meme
The appeal of the this is who you are trading against meme lies in its incredible flexibility. The meme didn’t just stop at making fun of the original photo; it evolved into numerous variations:
- Directly mocking the original photo: Many users zoomed in on each individual in the photo, making humorous comments about their outfits, expressions, and general demeanor. They unwillingly became anti-heroes in the meme world.
- Using the caption with other images: This became the most popular format. Users kept the caption “This is who you’re trading against” and paired it with:
- An image of a cat intensely staring at a stock chart on a computer screen.
- A picture of a baby randomly smashing a keyboard.
- Goofy-looking cartoon characters or movie characters.
- Self-deprecating photos of themselves trying to trade.
These variations expanded the meme’s reach far beyond the crypto community, appealing to anyone who could appreciate the humor. This versatility is what gives the this is who you are trading against meme its lasting power.
Why did this meme go viral?
The success of the this is who you are trading against meme can be explained by a few key psychological and cultural factors:
Irony: The huge gap between expectation (powerful traders) and reality (very normal-looking guys) is the core element that generates laughter.
Anti-“Flex” Culture: The internet community often enjoys mocking over-the-top displays of wealth on social media. The this is who you are trading against meme serves as a perfect, humorous counter-narrative.
Relatability: Many small-time traders felt a connection. They looked at the picture and thought, “So my competition is just… these guys?” This reduced pressure and created a sense of shared amusement. This relatability is a key factor in the success of the this is who you are trading against meme.
In summary, the this is who you are trading against meme is a classic case of how internet culture can completely flip the meaning of a message. It demonstrates the power of humor and irony in pushing back against “flex” culture. For more great meme breakdowns, be sure to follow Mevx Trader.
