Are you noticing something strange in the crypto world lately? The days of jumping on a viral meme coin and watching it soar seem to be fading. Instead, a new trend is taking over, especially on the Bonk blockchain. In a recent tweet thread from niftywap.eth, the crypto enthusiast highlighted a wild shift: people aren’t buying memes for their humor or virality anymore—they’re chasing the potential for "crime coins." Let’s break this down and see what’s going on.

The End of Organic Virality?

niftywap.eth points out that two highly viral memes on Bonk, each sitting around a million in value, are being ignored. Why? Because they aren’t labeled as "crime coins." Back in the day, a meme coin like Dogecoin took off because of its funny Shiba Inu mascot and community hype on platforms like TikTok. You’d spot a trending video, buy the coin early, and ride the wave as it gained traction. It was simple and, dare we say, organic. But now? That strategy feels outdated.

The thread suggests that the crypto market has evolved into a "totally different game." Investors are no longer swayed by pure normie (everyday user) virality. Instead, they’re looking for coins with a darker edge—those rumored to be tied to shady practices or "crime candles" (a term hinting at manipulated price spikes). It’s a stark contrast to the innocent meme culture we once knew.

What Are Crime Coins?

So, what exactly are crime coins? The term isn’t officially defined, but it seems to refer to meme coins speculated to be involved in illicit activities—like pump-and-dump schemes or money laundering. According to a 2025 Crypto Crime Trends report from Chainalysis, illicit crypto activity dropped to $40.9 billion in 2024, yet the professionalization of these operations continues to grow. This could mean some investors are betting on coins with hidden agendas, hoping to profit from orchestrated price jumps rather than genuine community support.

niftywap.eth’s frustration is palpable: "People aren’t buying the meme anymore, they’re buying the potential for crime. That is a big problem." It’s a wake-up call for anyone who loved the lighthearted side of meme coins.

The Bonk Blockchain Connection

Bonk, a Solana-based meme coin, has become a hotspot for this shift. The thread mentions other projects like $CAPY and $JAIL, which are tied to adorable or quirky memes (capybaras and "horny jail" jokes) but still struggle to break through without a crime coin label. Some users in the thread, like bob @bobdotjpg, suggest $CAPY (a capybara-themed coin) deserves more attention due to its low market cap ($120k) and internet popularity. Yet, without that illicit buzz, it’s being overlooked.

Interestingly, the thread also references TBC_on_Sol, a project praised for its community-driven content rather than chart performance. This hints at a potential counter-movement—could content-rich projects reclaim the meme coin spotlight?

Why This Matters in 2025

As of July 24, 2025, this trend raises big questions for the crypto community. If virality no longer drives meme coins, what does that mean for new projects trying to build a legit following? For blockchain practitioners, understanding this shift is key. It’s not just about hopping on the latest TikTok trend anymore—it’s about decoding market psychology and spotting red flags.

niftywap.eth’s success over the past 2.5 years came from buying viral meta early and holding. Now, they’re worried: "If memes can’t run off of pure normie virality we are supremely cooked." This could push creators to either lean into the crime coin narrative (risky and unethical) or innovate with genuine value (a tougher but rewarding path).

What’s Next?

The crypto space is at a crossroads. Will we see a return to organic meme growth, or is the crime coin era here to stay? For now, keep an eye on Bonk and projects like $CAPY or $JAIL. Dive into the Meme Insider knowledge base for the latest updates on meme tokens and how to navigate this evolving landscape. Share your thoughts—do you think crime coins are the future, or can virality make a comeback? Let’s discuss in the comments!