Meme coins are a category of cryptocurrencies that originate from internet memes, jokes, or pop culture references. Popular examples include Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, which gained traction through online communities and social media hype. These tokens often lack intrinsic utility but can see rapid price movements fueled by speculation and viral trends. Investors monitor meme coins for their potential to generate short-term gains, though they carry significant risk due to their volatility and reliance on community sentiment.