STONKS

What Does STONKS Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

STONKS means "Stocks."

More Observations...

It is an intentional misspelling because is often used to refer to stocks (and finance) in a humorous or ironic way, especially to comment on financial losses. STONKS became a meme sometime during 2017. The meme shows a character called Meme Man standing in a suit behind some numbers. The meme was originally used as a reaction image to jokes about making poor financial decisions. Over time, due to its use on Reddit's WallStreetBets, the meaning evolved to literally mean "stocks" (often referring to "Meme Stocks" such as GME (Game Stop), NOKIA, BB (Blackberry), and AMC.)

In early January 2021, STONKS caught the attention of mainstream media due to its heavy use during a "stock market war" over video game retailer GameStop.

The STONKS meme featuring Meme Man:

Image for STONKS

When I write STONKS, I mean this:

[STONKS is a deliberate misspelling of "stocks."]

Summary of Key Points

"Stocks" is, by far, the most common meaning for STONKS when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

STONKS
Definition:	Stocks
Type:	Word
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of STONKS in Sentences

Here are examples of STONKS in conversations:

• Gerry: Did you buy GME STONKS?
• Joe: Are you saying STONKS because it's trending on Reddit?
(Here, STONKS means stocks.)

• Toni: Why would you buy one and get one free when you can buy two and get two free?
• Jo: STONKS.
(Here, STONKS is used to reply to a foolish finanical decision.)

An Academic Look at STONKS

STONKS is a deliberate misspelling of stocks. It is typically used as a noun (i.e., a naming word). For example:

• It's not just about the GME STONKS. You need to buy AMC, NOKIA, and BB too.
(Here, STONKS is being used as a noun.)

Example of STONKS Used in a Text

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