HODL
A crypto community term meaning to hold cryptocurrency long-term rather than selling during price drops. Originating from a misspelling of 'hold' in a 2013 Bitcoin forum post, HODL has become a widespread investment philosophy and is sometimes backronymed as 'Hold On for Dear Life.'
“Many Bitcoin maximalists practice HODLing, refusing to sell regardless of short-term price volatility, betting on long-term appreciation over years or decades.”
Bitcoin (BTC)
The first and largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is designed as a decentralized digital currency with a hard-capped supply of 21 million coins, enforced through a halving mechanism that reduces new coin issuance approximately every four years. It uses Proof of Work consensus and is often referred to as 'digital gold.'
Bear Market
A prolonged period of declining prices, typically defined as a drop of 20% or more from recent highs, accompanied by widespread pessimism and negative investor sentiment. Crypto bear markets can be especially severe, with drawdowns of 70-90% from all-time highs.
Bull Market
A prolonged period of rising prices, typically defined as a 20% or greater increase from recent lows, accompanied by widespread optimism and strong investor confidence. Crypto bull markets are historically driven by Bitcoin halving cycles, institutional adoption, and new technology narratives.
Whale
An individual or entity that holds a very large amount of a particular cryptocurrency — enough that their trades can meaningfully move the market price. Whale activity is closely monitored by traders, as large buy or sell orders can signal market direction or trigger cascading liquidations.