Ape in
Etymology
From "ape" evoking impulsive, herd-like behavior. It spread through crypto and Reddit’s WallStreetBets around 2020–2021 ("aped in"), often self-deprecating about reckless conviction.
verb · /AYP IN/
To buy into an asset impulsively and heavily, usually driven by hype rather than research.
What it names
It names diving in with size and no due diligence — acting on fear of missing out and crowd energy. It’s half a confession, half a boast about trading on instinct.
Example
I aped in on the hype and now I’m holding a bag I didn’t research.
Related idea
Close to degen behavior, but "ape in" is the single reckless act, where degen describes the persistent style.
See also