Crypto Info

Crypto Lingo 101: From HODL to FUD

Ever Feel Lost in Crypto Conversations?

Imagine this: You’re scrolling through crypto Twitter, and someone says, “HODL through the FUD—we’re gonna moon soon!” …Wait, what?

Crypto has its own language—full of slang, memes, and acronyms. Over 500 new crypto terms have popped up since Bitcoin’s birth, and missing these could cost you money or opportunities.

This guide breaks down the must-know crypto lingo in plain English. By the end, you’ll chat about “whales,” “gas fees,” and “DYOR” like a pro. Let’s dive in!

Part 1: Basic Crypto Terms Every Newbie Needs

1. HODL

Meaning: Hold On for Dear Life (originated from a typo of “hold”)
Use: When prices drop, veterans say “HODL” instead of panic-selling
Example: “Bitcoin crashed 20%, but I’m HODLing!”

2. FUD

Meaning: Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt
Use: Describes fake news or panic meant to scare investors
Example: “Ignore the FUD—Elon isn’t banning Bitcoin.”

3. FOMO

Meaning: Fear Of Missing Out
Use: Buying crypto because everyone else is (often leads to losses)
Example: “I bought Dogecoin from FOMO and lost $500.”

4. Whale

Meaning: Someone with enough crypto to sway prices
Use: “A whale just moved 10,000 Bitcoin—watch the price swing!”

Part 2: Trading & Market Slang

5. Moon / To the Moon

Meaning: When a coin’s price skyrockets
Example: “Solana is going to the moon after their partnership!”

6. REKT

Meaning: Wrecked (losing money on a bad trade)
Example: “I got REKT shorting Ethereum—never again.”

7. ATH

Meaning: All-Time High (a coin’s highest price ever)
Example: “Bitcoin hit an ATH of $100,000 in 2025!”

8. Bagholder

Meaning: Someone stuck holding worthless crypto
Example: “I’m a bagholder of Squid Game token—it’s dead.”

Part 3: DeFi & NFT Lingo

9. Gas Fees

Meaning: Transaction costs on blockchains like Ethereum
Example: “Minting an NFT cost $200 in gas fees—ouch!”

10. AMM

Meaning: Automated Market Maker (powers decentralized exchanges)
Example: “Uniswap uses an AMM to let you trade without brokers.”

11. Minting

Meaning: Creating an NFT or token on a blockchain
Example: “I minted my art as an NFT on OpenSea.”

12. Rug Pull

Meaning: When developers abandon a project and steal funds
Example: “That meme coin was a rug pull—investors lost millions.”

Part 4: Community & Meme Terms

13. WAGMI

Meaning: We’re All Gonna Make It (hopeful rallying cry)
Example: “Stay strong, HODLers—WAGMI!”

14. NGMI

Meaning: Not Gonna Make It (mockery of bad decisions)
Example: “Sold Bitcoin at $30k? NGMI.”

15. GM / GN

Meaning: Good Morning / Good Night (common crypto Twitter greetings)
Example: “GM! Ready to see Bitcoin pump today?”

16. Shill

Meaning: Aggressively promoting a coin (often for profit)
Example: “Influencers shill coins they’ll dump later—be careful!”

Part 5: Technical Terms Simplified

17. Blockchain

Meaning: A digital ledger that records transactions
Example: “Bitcoin’s blockchain is public and unchangeable.”

18. Smart Contract

Meaning: Self-executing code on blockchains like Ethereum
Example: “Smart contracts power NFTs and DeFi apps.”

19. DApp

Meaning: Decentralized App (runs on blockchain, not servers)
Example: “Axie Infinity is a DApp for NFT gaming.”

20. DAO

Meaning: Decentralized Autonomous Organization (member-run group)
Example: “The DAO voted to fund a new crypto project.”

How to Use Crypto Lingo Safely

❗ Avoid Overusing Jargon: Don’t confuse newbies—explain terms first
🧐 DYOR: Do Your Own Research before trusting terms like “moonshot”
👂 Follow Trusted Voices: Learn from experts, not anonymous shillers

Conclusion: Speak Crypto Like a Pro!

Crypto slang is fun, quirky, and packed with insider wisdom. Now that you know HODL isn’t a typo and WAGMI is about hope, you’ll navigate forums, tweets, and whitepapers with confidence.

🚀 Your Next Step: Practice! Drop a “GM” in crypto Twitter threads or explain “gas fees” to a friend. The more you use these terms, the quicker you’ll master the crypto world.

Disclaimer

We share experiences and research, but this is not financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrencies are volatile, and markets can change rapidly. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making decisions. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or legal issues arising from your use of this information. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Do your research, assess your risk tolerance, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. By reading this, you agree that you alone bear responsibility for your choices.

Stay informed, stay safe.