‘Degen’ is a slang term derived from the word ‘degenerate’; it is often used in a lighthearted or self-aware manner. In the cryptocurrency space, it is often used to refer to individuals who engage in high-risk and speculative trading or investment strategies. Degen traders are typically associated with a willingness to take extreme risks in pursuit of potentially high returns.
The term degen acknowledges the speculative and sometimes unconventional nature of their cryptocurrency trades. However, others use it as cautionary, emphasising the risky nature of certain behaviours in the space.