HODL
Slang for the strategy of holding a cryptocurrency long-term regardless of price fluctuations, originating from a typo of the word "hold."
HODL is one of the most recognizable slang terms in crypto — it originated from a typo of the word "hold" in a 2013 Bitcointalk forum post and later evolved into the backronym "Hold On for Dear Life." It refers to the strategy of holding a cryptocurrency long-term without selling it during sharp price drops or surges.
The HODL strategy is contrasted with active trading — its proponents assume that trying to predict short-term price swings is harder and riskier than simply riding out volatility while waiting for long-term value growth.
Related terms
Whale
A person or entity holding such a large amount of a given cryptocurrency that its transactions can noticeably affect the price.
Altcoin
Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin — the name comes from "alternative coin."
Staking
Locking up cryptocurrency you hold on a Proof of Stake network in exchange for rewards, usually paid in the same cryptocurrency.