‘Degen’ is a slang term derived from the word ‘degenerate’. 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 is often used in a lighthearted or self-aware manner, acknowledging 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.