Internet
ape
What does ape mean?
To buy a token, NFT, or stock impulsively — usually a large amount, usually without research, usually because the chart is going up or your timeline is hyped. 'Ape in' is the full phrase. Carries a self-aware acknowledgement that this is dumb behaviour, which is part of the appeal.
"Saw the chart, didn't read the whitepaper, just aped in with 2 ETH."
Origin
Verb sense from earlier finance forum slang ('ape into a trade'). NFT sense from Bored Ape Yacht Club (launched April 2021). WSB sense crystallised during the January 2021 GME short squeeze.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to ape into something?
It means buying into a token or NFT quickly and impulsively, usually on hype or FOMO rather than after careful research.
Where does 'ape in' come from?
It plays on 'monkey brain' impulse-trading memes and was reinforced by the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection.
Is aping in a good idea?
It's inherently high-risk since it skips due diligence; the term is often used half-jokingly to admit you bought without thinking it through.
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