WallStreetBets
Very CommonA Reddit community known for high-risk retail trading, meme stocks, and posting extreme gains and losses.
Often shortened to WSB. Using it as a reference implies chaotic, high-risk, or degenerate trading behavior.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | went full WallStreetBets on my bonus. zero regrets. | Used a bonus to make risky trades in the style of WSB. | x, 2022 |
| 02 | my 401k is starting to look like a WallStreetBets portfolio ngl | Self-deprecating joke about bad investment performance or bad choices. | reddit, 2022 |
| 03 | WallStreetBets taught me more about options than any book tbh | Credit to WSB community for practical (if chaotic) trading education. | reddit, 2021 |
| 04 | hedge funds were scared of WallStreetBets for like two weeks and then went back to destroying retail traders | Commentary on the brief but real power shift during the GameStop squeeze. | x, 2021 |
Use it when
- Referring to the subreddit or its community directly.
- Describing reckless, high-risk trading behavior inspired by or similar to the community.
- Referencing the 2021 GameStop short squeeze and retail trading movement.
Do not use it when
- You mean general stock trading or investing.Use “retail investing” instead.
- You mean careful, research-based trading.
Variations and related forms
Origin and context
r/WallStreetBets was founded in 2012 but remained niche until the January 2021 GameStop short squeeze, when coordinated retail buying squeezed hedge funds and made global news. The community's language and memes spread widely after that event.
- First seen
- 2012
- Confidence
- high
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/wall-street-betsUpdated: 2026-08-29License: CC BY 4.0