The change has caused a surge in the value of a memecoin, a digital currency inspired by internet memes, that shares the same name. While Musk has previously influenced cryptocurrency prices with his social media activity, it remains unclear if he has any involvement with this particular memecoin.
The term “Kekius” seems to be a Latinized version of “kek,” a word akin to “LOL” popularized by gamers, but now often associated with the alt-right. “Kek” is also the name of an ancient Egyptian god of darkness, sometimes depicted with the head of a frog. The “Maximus” part may be a reference to the famous character Maximus Decimus Meridius from the movie Gladiator.
Musk’s new profile picture shows Pepe in Roman military attire, holding what appears to be a game console.
