The long-standing tension between the Bitcoin and XRP communities has flared up once again—this time, ignited by a single meme posted on the official Bitcoin X (formerly Twitter) account. In a bold move that’s drawn both criticism and amusement, the BTC team publicly mocked XRP, labeling it as “crap” in a two-panel comic. The post has since gone viral, reigniting debates over cryptocurrency legitimacy, technological superiority, and community ethics in the digital asset space.
A Meme That Crossed the Line?
The controversial post features a classic internet meme format: a child looking down at their shoe with visible disgust. In the first panel, the caption reads: “I just stepped in some crap.” The second panel zooms in on the shoe’s sole—revealing that the “crap” is, in fact, labeled XRP.
Ugh!
— Bitcoin (@Bitcoin)
While humorous to some, many in the crypto community viewed the post as a direct and unprofessional jab at Ripple’s flagship cryptocurrency, which currently ranks as the fourth-largest digital asset by market capitalization. Critics argue that such behavior from an official account undermines the credibility of the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem.
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The XRP Community Fights Back
As expected, the XRP community didn’t stay silent. Within hours, supporters of the Ripple network fired back with memes of their own, turning the tables on Bitcoin’s perceived weaknesses.
One viral remix, posted by user Six8Jay, flipped the narrative by labeling Bitcoin as “slow crap,” highlighting one of BTC’s most persistent criticisms—its sluggish transaction speed. In this version, the child steps on something unpleasant again, but this time, it's Bitcoin stuck to the shoe.
Edoardo Farina, founder of Alpha Lions Academy and a vocal XRP advocate, took a more technical approach. He reminded followers that XRP Ledger (XRPL) was co-created by David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto—engineers who aimed to solve some of Bitcoin’s core limitations. He pointed to Bitcoin’s proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism as energy-intensive and outdated, contrasting it with XRPL’s faster, more scalable design.
Farina also revived an old but persistent nickname for Bitcoin: (B)eta (T)est (C)oin, suggesting that BTC is still an experimental asset—while positioning XRP as the refined, production-ready alternative.
Other community members echoed these sentiments. RISKTAKE speculated that the Bitcoin team targeted XRP out of fear—implying that XRP’s growing adoption in cross-border payments poses a real threat to Bitcoin’s dominance.
One user shared a relatable anecdote: attempting to buy coffee with Bitcoin only to be stopped by the barista because the transaction hadn’t confirmed yet. “Meanwhile, XRP settles in 3-5 seconds,” he added.
Alex Cobb, a well-known figure in the XRP community, claimed the official Bitcoin account had blocked him shortly after he criticized the meme. He called the action “super bearish,” suggesting it reflects poorly on BTC’s commitment to open discourse.
A History of Rivalry: More Than Just Memes
The friction between Bitcoin and XRP isn’t new—it’s rooted in philosophical, technological, and ideological differences.
Bitcoin maximalists often dismiss altcoins like XRP as unnecessary or inferior, advocating for BTC as the digital gold and sole long-term store of value. On the other hand, XRP supporters emphasize utility—particularly in global remittances and institutional finance—where speed and low cost matter more than decentralization at all costs.
Earlier in 2025, tensions spiked over the proposed U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve. Some Bitcoin advocates accused Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse of lobbying against Bitcoin’s inclusion. However, Garlinghouse denied the claims, clarifying that he supports a multi-asset reserve—one that includes both BTC and other major cryptocurrencies like XRP.
In a symbolic gesture of peace last month, Ripple donated the infamous “Skull of Satoshi” to the Bitcoin community. Originally used as a critique of Bitcoin’s high energy consumption, the skull had become a controversial artifact. Ripple rebranded it as a tribute to BTC’s resilience and longevity—an olive branch meant to bridge divides.
Yet, less than four weeks later, the official Bitcoin X account reignited hostilities with this latest meme.
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Why This Feud Matters to the Broader Crypto Ecosystem
While meme wars may seem trivial, they reflect deeper divisions within the cryptocurrency world:
- Technological priorities: Is decentralization more important than speed? Should a coin be slow but secure, or fast and scalable?
- Community culture: Does mockery help or harm adoption? Can rival projects coexist respectfully?
- Public perception: To outsiders, these public spats can make crypto appear immature or fragmented—potentially deterring institutional investors.
Many neutral observers have called for unity. As one crypto analyst put it: “We’re all building toward a decentralized future. Why are we stepping on each other instead of moving forward together?”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the official Bitcoin X account affiliated with Satoshi Nakamoto or Bitcoin Core developers?
A: No. The @Bitcoin account on X is managed by an independent team and is not officially linked to Bitcoin’s original creator or core development group. It serves primarily as a promotional and educational platform.
Q: Why do some people call Bitcoin a ‘beta test coin’?
A: The term stems from critiques that Bitcoin remains in an experimental phase due to scalability issues, high fees, and slow confirmations. Proponents of faster blockchains like XRP use this label to suggest newer technologies are more advanced.
Q: Can XRP really replace Bitcoin?
A: Unlikely in the same role. Bitcoin is primarily seen as digital gold—a store of value. XRP excels in utility, especially for fast cross-border transactions. They serve different purposes in the crypto ecosystem.
Q: Did Ripple actually donate the ‘Skull of Satoshi’?
A: Yes. The symbolic artifact was handed over as a peace gesture last month, intended to acknowledge Bitcoin’s impact while promoting collaboration between communities.
Q: Are memes dangerous for cryptocurrency credibility?
A: When posted by official channels, yes. While memes can engage audiences, they risk alienating users and appearing unprofessional—especially when targeting other major projects.
Q: What are the core differences between Bitcoin and XRP?
A: Bitcoin uses proof-of-work, has ~10-minute block times, and prioritizes decentralization. XRP uses a consensus protocol, settles transactions in 3-5 seconds, and focuses on institutional payment solutions.
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Final Thoughts: Growing Up from Meme Wars
The crypto space has come a long way since Bitcoin’s inception—but maturity must extend beyond technology into community behavior. While humor has its place, public mockery from influential accounts risks deepening divides and distracting from shared goals: financial inclusion, transparency, and innovation.
Rather than stepping on each other—literally or figuratively—the crypto world would benefit from collaboration. After all, in a financial system dominated by centralized institutions, every decentralized project is on the same side of history.
As adoption grows and regulations evolve, perhaps it’s time for all communities to focus less on memes—and more on building the future.
Keywords: Bitcoin vs XRP, cryptocurrency rivalry, Bitcoin meme, XRP Ledger, crypto community feud, BTC transaction speed, XRP utility