WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT " HODL"

HODL is a cryptocurrency slang term that started as a typo for "hold" but evolved into an investment strategy of holding onto crypto assets long-term, rather than trading them during market fluctuations.

Go Back
Blog Thumbnail

🕒 9:13 PM

📅 Sep 27, 2025

✍️ By chyneyz

The term originated from a 2013 Bitcointalk forum post by user GameKyuubi and is now often used as an acronym for "Hold On for Dear Life," reflecting the belief in the long-term value of cryptocurrencies despite price volatility.

Origin Story

Bitcointalk Post: In December 2013, during a significant Bitcoin price drop, a user on the Bitcointalk forum, GameKyuubi, posted a message with the typo "I AM HODLING".

Viral Spread: The misspelling quickly gained traction among crypto enthusiasts.

Backronym: It was later embraced as a "backronym" for "Hold On for Dear Life," a phrase that accurately captured the sentiment of holding through intense market ups and downs. 

HODL as an Investment Strategy

Long-Term Focus: HODLing is a long-term investment philosophy, contrasting with active trading strategies like day trading. 1.

Belief in Future Value: HODLers typically have a strong belief in the long-term potential and value of their crypto assets. 

Emotional Resilience: The strategy emphasizes ignoring short-term price swings and avoiding emotional decisions driven by panic or greed, aiming for future growth over immediate gains.