Crypto analyst Miles Deutscher recently tweeted about something that's flying under the radar for many: it's quietly becoming "Base szn." For those new to the lingo, "szn" is crypto slang for "season," meaning a period where a particular blockchain or trend takes center stage. Base, the layer-2 scaling solution built by Coinbase on Ethereum, seems to be entering its moment in the spotlight, driven by impressive growth in decentralized exchange (DEX) volumes.

The chart shared in the tweet illustrates this surge vividly. Starting from modest levels around April 14th, Base's daily DEX trading volume has climbed steadily, hitting peaks over $2 billion by mid-July. This isn't just random noise—it's a sign of increasing onchain activity, where users are trading assets directly on the blockchain without intermediaries. DEXs like Uniswap or Aerodrome on Base are benefiting from lower fees and faster transactions compared to Ethereum's mainnet, making it attractive for retail traders and meme token enthusiasts.

What Makes Base Stand Out in the Meme Token World

Base was launched by Coinbase in 2023 as an optimistic rollup, essentially bundling transactions to make them cheaper and quicker while inheriting Ethereum's security. But why the hype now? Networks like Solana have seen similar stealth growth phases before explosive rallies, as noted in replies to Deutscher's tweet. Base is following a comparable path, with its ecosystem expanding rapidly. Meme tokens, those fun, community-driven cryptocurrencies often inspired by internet culture, thrive in environments with high liquidity and low barriers to entry—exactly what Base offers.

In the replies, community members are already buzzing about potential runners on Base. For instance, $TOSHI, a blue cat-themed token, is being touted as the face of Base. Then there's $BARIO, tied to a decentralized video game marketplace incubated by Base itself, aiming to onboard gamers and developers onchain. Other mentions include $BOMI from Book of Miggle and even $MOMO on Solana, showing cross-chain inspiration. These aren't just random shouts; they reflect how Base's growth could supercharge meme token launches and trading.

The Numbers Behind the Boom

Diving deeper into the metrics, the chart shows volatility but an overall upward trend. Early dips in April gave way to consistent climbs through May and June, with a notable spike in late July. This aligns with broader crypto market recoveries and Base-specific developments, like integrations with Coinbase's wallet for seamless onboarding. Higher DEX volumes mean more fees captured by the network, which could lead to better incentives for builders and users alike.

For meme token hunters, this is golden. High volume DEXs reduce slippage (the difference between expected and actual trade prices) and increase discoverability. If Base continues this trajectory, we might see a wave of viral memes similar to what Solana experienced with tokens like $BONK or $WIF.

Implications for Blockchain Practitioners

As a former CoinDesk editor, I've seen cycles come and go, but Base's quiet rise feels strategic. It's not relying on hype alone; it's building on Coinbase's massive user base—over 100 million verified users—to funnel normies (everyday people) into web3. This could democratize meme token creation, allowing anyone with an idea and some ETH to launch via platforms like pump.fun equivalents on Base.

If you're a blockchain practitioner, keep an eye on Base for technological news. Updates like improved rollup tech or new DeFi primitives could enhance your toolkit. Plus, engaging with the community now—through tweets, AMAs, or even launching your own meme—might position you ahead of the curve.

In summary, while the timeline might not be flooded yet, Base szn is here. Whether you're trading, building, or just observing, this could be the start of something big in the meme token space. Stay tuned, and remember, always DYOR (do your own research) before diving in.