“Not Gonna Make It” is the go-to slang for calling out a total train wreck. Whether it’s a sketchy project or just a really bad investment move, people use “NGMI” as a blunt, sarcastic way to say someone is headed for failure. It definitely sounds a bit mean, but it’s basically the community’s way of giving a harsh reality check to anyone making rookie mistakes.
It’s the opposite of WAGMI, which means “We’re All Gonna Make It” and spreads hope and happiness. Zyzz, a fitness influencer, made WAGMI popular, but NGMI, its opposite, was used to make fun of people who didn’t have the self-control to reach their goals.
By 2019 the term cropped up in Urban Dictionary entries, but it really took off in crypto during the 2020–2021 bull run. As memecoins, NFTs, and DeFi exploded on platforms like Reddit and Twitter, traders borrowed it to call out panic sellers, rug-pull projects, or anyone chasing bad hype.
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Almost everyone in crypto uses NGMI, from traders to degens, NFT collectors to crypto project founders. It’s used more often during market dips or when a token crashes. Some real-world examples of how the term is used include “You sold your Bitcoin during a 10% dip? NGMI.” It is addressing the panic selling in the market.
NGMI is sharp and can sting, so it’s not always friendly. It sometimes starts arguments on social media. But it also reminds people to think twice, do their homework, and avoid emotional trades.