Crypto Terminologies For Newbies
Here are lists of common terms and terminologies/ crypto jargon that newbies in the space would come across at first and might be finding it difficult to understand what they mean
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🕒 7:07 AM
📅 Sep 27, 2025
✍️ By Dotlad
🚨 Are you New to crypto and Confused by all the jargon?
Here are 15 crypto terms should/must know
1. Blockchain
A decentralized digital ledger. Think of it as a shared database that everyone can see but no one controls alone.
2. Wallet
Your digital vault for crypto.
• Hot wallet = online (convenient, less secure).
• Cold wallet = offline (safer, slower).
3. Private Key
Your secret password. If someone has it, they own your crypto. Never share.
4. Public Address
Like a bank acct number. Safe to share for receiving funds.
5. Exchange (CEX vs DEX)
• CEX = Centralized (Binance, Coinbase). run by companies
• DEX = Decentralized (Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Aster, Avantis). peer-to-peer, no middleman
6. Gas Fees
The “fuel” you pay to make transactions on a blockchain. Ethereum gas, BSC fees, etc.
7. Stablecoin
Crypto pegged to stable assets (USDT, USDC). Used to avoid volatility.
8. Token vs Coin
• Coin = native to its own blockchain (BTC, ETH).
• Token = built on another chain (USDT on Ethereum/BSC).
9. DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
Banking without banks, financial services on the blockchain— lending, borrowing, trading on-chain.
10. NFT
Unique digital assets (art, collectibles, in-game items). Can’t swap 1:1 like coins.
11. Liquidity
How easily you can buy/sell without big price swings.
12. HODL
Slang for “hold.” Long-term mindset — don’t panic sell.
13. FOMO / FUD
• FOMO = Fear of Missing Out 🚀
• FUD = Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt 😱
14. Airdrop
Free distribution of tokens, usually for promotion or rewarding early users.
15. DYOR
“Do Your Own Research.” The golden rule before investing.