Flappening
The Flappening refers to the event where the market capitalization of Litecoin (LTC) surpassed that of Bitcoin Cash (BCH). This term highlights the competition between the two cryptocurrencies and is often discussed within the crypto community in terms of market values, and rankings
What is the Flappening?
The Flappening is a variant of the “Flippening,” a hypothetical scenario in which Ethereum (ETH) surpasses Bitcoin (BTC) in market capitalization. Flappening describes the moment when Litecoin overtook Bitcoin Cash as regards market capitalization.
The term was first used by Charlie Lee, the founder of Litecoin, in 2018. Lee, a former Coinbase executive, is credited with creating Litecoin as a faster and lighter alternative to Bitcoin.
When did the Flappening occur?
The Flappening gained significant attention in 2018 when Litecoin’s market capitalization briefly surpassed that of Bitcoin Cash on the 14th of December. The event was seen as a testament to Litecoin’s growing adoption and usage, particularly in the e-commerce and payments sectors.
The Flappening showed a significant implication for the cryptocurrency market as it highlights the growing diversity of the market, with newer altcoins like Litecoin and Ethereum challenging the dominance of older coins like Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash.
While the Flappening is a notable milestone, it is important to remember that market capitalization is just one measure of a cryptocurrency’s success. Other factors, such as adoption rates, transaction volumes, and community support, also play an important role in determining a cryptocurrency’s long-term viability.
Useful links
Key Takeaway
The flappening represents a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency market, highlighting the growing diversity and innovation in the space. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how different cryptocurrencies adapt and grow, and what new milestones will be reached in the future.
Browse the Paybis Glossary to master more web3 lingo!
Alternatively, explore related terms and articles below.
FAQ
Does market cap ranking actually matter for cryptocurrency investors?
Yes and no. Market cap shows which coins dominate by total value. It signals investor confidence and liquidity. A higher market cap usually means easier buying and selling without price slippage. But it doesn’t guarantee future performance. Market capitalization shifts like the Flappening highlight the dynamic nature of cryptocurrency rankings. Investors can also easily swap BTC to ETH to diversify their crypto portfolios as market positions change. Small-cap coins can outperform giants during bull runs. Large-cap coins offer more stability during crashes. Use market cap as one factor among many – technology, adoption, team, and use case matter just as much.
How can I track Litecoin's current value and market position?
Price tracking tools show real-time values. The Flappening was a testament to Litecoin’s growing adoption, particularly in e-commerce. If you’re interested in tracking LTC value fluctuations, a Litecoin calculator can help you understand current market prices. CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko rank all cryptocurrencies by market cap, showing where Litecoin sits relative to competitors. Most exchanges display live price charts with 24-hour volume and price changes. Set price alerts if you’re waiting for specific entry or exit points. Tracking market cap rankings reveals how Litecoin performs against Bitcoin Cash and other mid-cap coins over time.
What other major cryptocurrency comparisons should I understand?
The Flippening gets the most attention. The term Flappening was derived from the concept of the “Flippening,” which originally described a hypothetical scenario where Ethereum surpasses Bitcoin in market cap. To understand other major crypto comparisons, read about Ethereum vs Ethereum Classic and their market dynamics. Ethereum came close in 2021 when its market cap reached 80% of Bitcoin’s. Other notable rivalries: Binance Coin vs Ripple, Solana vs Cardano, Polygon vs Avalanche. Each comparison reveals different value propositions. Some compete on speed, others on smart contract capabilities, decentralization, or specific use cases. Understanding these rivalries helps you evaluate which technologies might succeed long-term.
Are older altcoins like Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash still relevant in 2026?
Litecoin survived where many didn’t. It launched in 2011 and remains in the top 20 by market cap. Bitcoin Cash hard-forked from Bitcoin in 2017 but has faded in relevance. Litecoin maintained utility through merchant adoption and consistent development. The cryptocurrency market continues to evolve with newer altcoins challenging established positions. Investors looking to diversify beyond Bitcoin and Litecoin can also buy Cardano, another promising blockchain platform. Newer platforms like Solana and Cardano offer faster speeds and smart contracts. Legacy altcoins compete on brand recognition and battle-tested security. Litecoin’s “digital silver” narrative persists. Bitcoin Cash struggles to differentiate from Bitcoin. Relevance depends on continued innovation and real-world adoption.
Did the Flappening have any lasting impact on crypto markets?
Not really. Market caps fluctuate constantly. Litecoin briefly overtook Bitcoin Cash in December 2018, then positions reversed multiple times afterward. The event highlighted that Bitcoin Cash’s dominance wasn’t permanent. But no fundamental shift occurred. Bitcoin Cash continued declining relative to other cryptocurrencies. Litecoin maintained its position as a mid-cap coin. The real impact was psychological – showing that newer coins could challenge Bitcoin forks. It proved market cap rankings aren’t fixed hierarchies. Today, dozens of coins have surpassed both Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash. The Flappening was a moment, not a movement.
What caused Litecoin to overtake Bitcoin Cash in 2018?
Multiple factors converged. Bitcoin Cash faced internal conflicts between competing developer teams. The network split into Bitcoin Cash ABC and Bitcoin Cash SV in November 2018, weeks before the Flappening. The hard fork divided community support and confused investors. Meanwhile, Litecoin benefited from steady development and merchant adoption. Charlie Lee actively promoted Litecoin through social media and partnerships. Payment processors added LTC support. The combination of Bitcoin Cash’s drama and Litecoin’s stability drove the market cap shift. Timing mattered – the crypto winter of 2018 punished coins with internal conflicts harder than stable alternatives.
Disclaimer: Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high‑risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more at: https://go.payb.is/FCA-Info
