In the fast-paced world of meme tokens, where fortunes can flip in seconds, a recent tweet from influential crypto personality Threadguy (@notthreadguy) has sparked a heated discussion. Posted on September 22, 2025, the tweet reads: "getting one shotted by memescope and trading new pairs is responsible for WAY MORE people not making it than any bear market." You can check out the original post here.
Unpacking the Tweet: What Does It Mean?
For those new to the scene, let's break this down. "One shotted" is gamer slang for getting taken out in a single hit— in crypto terms, it means losing your entire position or a massive chunk of your portfolio in one bad trade. Memescope, on the other hand, refers to popular sniping tools or bots used to quickly buy into newly launched meme tokens on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like those on Solana or Ethereum. These tools aim to get in early on potential moonshots, but they often lead to rug pulls, scams, or instant dumps.
"Trading new pairs" points to jumping into freshly listed token pairs, often hyped meme coins that promise quick gains but come with sky-high risks. Threadguy argues that these impulsive strategies are wiping out more traders than prolonged bear markets, where prices grind down over months or years.
The Bigger Picture in Meme Token Trading
Threadguy's observation resonates deeply in today's meme token ecosystem. With thousands of new tokens launching daily, the allure of 100x returns draws in beginners and veterans alike. However, data from platforms like DexScreener and Pump.fun shows that over 90% of these launches fail within weeks, often leaving early buyers holding worthless bags.
Bear markets, like the one in 2022, test patience and fundamentals, but they also allow for accumulation and recovery. In contrast, sniping new memes is like playing Russian roulette— one wrong click, and you're out. This high-stakes gambling has led to countless stories of lost savings, fueling the narrative that meme tokens are more casino than investment.
Why Memescope and Sniping Tools Are Double-Edged Swords
Tools like Memescope democratize access to early launches, letting retail traders compete with whales and bots. But here's the catch: they encourage FOMO (fear of missing out) without due diligence. Users often overlook red flags like locked liquidity, dev wallets, or community vibes, leading to devastating losses.
Experienced traders know that surviving in crypto isn't about hitting every home run; it's about avoiding strikeouts. Threadguy, with his background in streaming and building projects like CounterpartyTV, speaks from a place of seeing cycles come and go. His tweet serves as a wake-up call: focus on sustainable strategies over shiny new toys.
Lessons for Blockchain Practitioners and Meme Enthusiasts
If you're diving into meme tokens, take Threadguy's advice to heart. Here are some practical tips to "make it" without getting one-shotted:
- Research Before Sniping: Use tools like Rug.ai or community forums to vet launches. Don't rely solely on bots.
- Diversify Your Approach: Mix meme plays with blue-chip cryptos or yield-generating DeFi protocols to balance risk.
- Set Strict Rules: Define entry/exit strategies, like taking profits at 2x or cutting losses at 50% drawdown.
- Learn from the Trenches: Follow influencers like Threadguy for unfiltered insights, but always DYOR (do your own research).
In a market where AI-driven narratives and RWA (real-world assets) are gaining traction, shifting away from pure meme speculation could be the key to long-term success.
Threadguy's blunt take reminds us that while bear markets build character, reckless meme sniping just builds regret. As the blockchain space evolves, staying informed through resources like Meme Insider can help you navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger.