The cryptocurrency world thrives on its unique culture, and a big part of that culture is its slang. Whether you’re scrolling through Crypto Twitter (CT) or chatting in Discord groups, you’ll encounter acronyms like LFG, FOMO, FUD, DEGEN, HODL, and 10x. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone looking to navigate the crypto space confidently.
Why Crypto Slang Matters
The crypto community is tight-knit, fast-paced, and highly communicative. Slang terms act as shorthand, making conversations quicker and more engaging. They also reflect the emotions and strategies of traders, from excitement (LFG) to caution (DYOR).
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular crypto slang acronyms:
1. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
FOMO drives impulsive buying when traders fear missing a price surge. This emotional reaction often leads to poor decisions, like buying at peak prices before a crash.
👉 Learn how to avoid FOMO in trading
2. LFG (Let’s Fing Go!)*
A rallying cry used when markets surge. LFG signifies excitement and bullish momentum.
3. FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt)
Negative rumors or misinformation spread to create panic and drive prices down.
4. DEGEN (Degenerate)
High-risk traders who jump into speculative investments without research—often as a joke or badge of honor.
5. HODL (Hold On for Dear Life)
A misspelled meme-turned-strategy advocating long-term holding despite market volatility.
6. PnD (Pump and Dump)
A scam where a coin’s price is artificially inflated, then dumped for profit.
7. 10X or 100X
Slang for coins that could multiply investments by 10 or 100 times.
8. DYOR (Do Your Own Research)
A reminder to verify projects before investing—don’t blindly follow hype.
9. WAGMI vs. NGMI
- WAGMI (We’re All Gonna Make It): Optimistic rallying cry.
- NGMI (Not Gonna Make It): Mockery for bad decisions (e.g., panic selling).
10. BTD (Buy The Dip)
Purchasing assets after a price drop, anticipating a rebound.
👉 Master trading strategies like BTD
Lesser-Known but Useful Crypto Slang
| Term | Meaning | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| CT | Crypto Twitter | Hub for real-time crypto discussions. |
| Jeet | Derogatory term for panic sellers. | “Don’t be a Jeet—HODL!” |
| SAFU | Funds Are Safe | Reassurance after exchange issues. |
| GM | Good Morning | Friendly crypto community greeting. |
| OG | Original Gangster | Respected early adopters. |
| REKT | Wrecked | Massive losses from bad trades. |
| WL | Whitelist | Early access to token sales. |
FAQs
Q: Is FOMO always bad in crypto?
A: Yes—it often leads to buying high and selling low. Stick to a strategy.
Q: What’s the difference between HODL and BTD?
A: HODL means holding long-term; BTD means buying during price dips.
Q: Are PnD schemes illegal?
A: Yes, but they still occur in unregulated markets. Avoid unknown coins with sudden pumps.
Q: Why do crypto traders use so much slang?
A: It speeds up communication and builds community identity.
Q: How can I avoid being a DEGEN trader?
A: Always DYOR—research projects before investing.
Final Thoughts
Understanding crypto slang isn’t just about fitting in—it’s about decoding market sentiment, avoiding scams, and making informed decisions. Bookmark this guide, and next time you see “LFG, WAGMI, or NGMI,” you’ll know exactly what’s up.