The 'Meme Stocks' or 'Stonks' meme features 'Meme Man,' a 3D-rendered gray head character, standing in front of a stock market graph with an orange arrow pointing upward. It gained massive popularity around 2017 as a way to mock questionable financial decisions that result in perceived wealth or ironical success. The intentional misspelling of stocks as 'stonks' underscores the irony and internet humor behind the character. While originally used for small personal blunders, the template became a global cultural icon during the GameStop short squeeze of 2021, symbolizing the chaotic and unpredictable nature of retail investing and internet-driven market trends.