What is HODL?
HODL is crypto slang for holding an asset long-term through volatility, derived from a famous 2013 BitcoinTalk post titled 'I AM HODLING'. It became a community ethos for ignoring short-term price moves.
Why HODL matters
Understanding HODL is part of building a solid mental model of how Bitcoin, blockchain and Web3 systems actually work. Concepts in the General category sit at the foundation of the broader stack — get them right and the rest is far easier.
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Reading the definition is a start. ZeroToBlock teaches concepts like HODL through hands-on, browser-based simulations. Build the mental model by actually using it:
- Bitcoin 101 — interactive fundamentals course
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Related terms
- WAGMI / NGMI — Crypto slang for community sentiment.
More general terms
- Altcoin — Any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin.
- Cryptocurrency — Digital money secured by cryptography on a blockchain.
- Stablecoin — A cryptocurrency designed to track a stable reference value.
- CEX (Centralized Exchange) — A company-operated crypto trading venue.
- Whitepaper — The technical document describing a protocol's design.
- KYC (Know Your Customer) — Identity verification required by regulated services.
- AML (Anti-Money Laundering) — Regulations preventing illicit financial flows.
- Tokenomics — The economic design of a cryptocurrency.
Keep exploring
Continue with the full blockchain glossary — 136 terms in total — or read the developer blog and FAQ for deeper context.