Top 40 Slang and Memecoin Terms Every Crypto Community Uses
Why Slang Defines Crypto Culture
The crypto world is more than just markets and charts — it’s a culture. From Twitter (X) threads to Telegram groups, crypto communities thrive on slang and inside jokes that make the space feel like its own universe. If you’ve ever scrolled through a crypto meme page or Discord chat, you’ve probably seen words like “HODL” or “WAGMI” and wondered what they mean.
This guide breaks down 40 of the most popular slang and memecoin terms you’ll hear in crypto communities — so you can decode conversations, laugh at the memes, and truly feel like part of the gang.
The Top 40 Crypto Slang & Memecoin Terms
1. HODL
A misspelling of “hold” that became legendary. Means holding crypto long-term regardless of volatility.
2. WAGMI (We’re All Gonna Make It)
A rallying cry of optimism used in bull runs.
3. NGMI (Not Gonna Make It)
The opposite of WAGMI, usually mocking bad investment choices.
4. FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt)
Negative news or rumors intended to scare investors.
5. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The anxiety of not buying before a price pumps.
6. Diamond Hands
Refers to holding through extreme volatility without selling.
7. Paper Hands
Selling too early under pressure, opposite of diamond hands.
8. Degen (Degenerate)
A trader who takes reckless, high-risk bets, often in memecoins.
9. Moon
When a coin’s price skyrockets dramatically. Example: “DOGE is going to the moon!”
10. Lambo
Short for Lamborghini. Represents financial success from crypto profits.
11. Pump and Dump
A coordinated effort to inflate a coin’s price before insiders sell off.
12. Bagholder
An investor stuck holding a coin that has crashed in value.
13. Ape In
Jumping into a new coin without research, usually driven by hype.
14. REKT
Slang for “wrecked.” Used when someone suffers huge trading losses.
15. GM (Good Morning)
A simple greeting that became a crypto cultural staple on Twitter and Discord.
16. GN (Good Night)
The evening equivalent of GM.
17. PEPE
A popular frog meme that has inspired countless memecoins.
18. SHIBA / SHIB Army
Refers to Shiba Inu token fans. Known for their strong online presence.
19. DOGE / Dogecoin
The original memecoin based on the Shiba Inu dog meme.
20. Whale
An individual or entity holding a large amount of a cryptocurrency.
21. Shrimp / Fish / Dolphin
Slang for small and mid-level crypto holders, opposite of whales.
22. Flippening
The hypothetical moment Ethereum surpasses Bitcoin in market cap.
23. Gas Fees
Transaction fees on Ethereum and other blockchains. A meme-worthy pain point.
24. Bearish
Expecting prices to fall.
25. Bullish
Expecting prices to rise.
26. ATH (All-Time High)
The highest price a coin has ever reached.
27. ATL (All-Time Low)
The lowest price a coin has ever seen.
28. Pumpamentals
A joking reference to fundamentals that supposedly justify a coin pumping.
29. Ponzinomics
Used to describe tokenomics that resemble a pyramid or Ponzi scheme.
30. Exit Scam
When project founders disappear with investor funds.
31. Rug Pull
When liquidity is suddenly drained from a project, leaving investors “rugged.”
32. Shilling
Promoting a coin excessively, often for personal gain.
33. Doxxed
When the identity of an anonymous developer or trader is revealed.
34. SAFU
Originated from Binance (“Funds are SAFU”), meaning funds are safe.
35. Hodl Gang
A community of long-term crypto holders.
36. Alt Season
Periods when altcoins significantly outperform Bitcoin.
37. Tokenomics
The economic structure of a token — supply, distribution, incentives.
38. Wen Lambo / Wen Moon
Playful way of asking when a coin will pump.
39. Copium
A meme word for denial — coping with losses by staying overly optimistic.
40. Hopium
The opposite of FUD; excessive hope about a coin’s future.
Why Slang Matters in Crypto Communities
Slang isn’t just fun — it reflects the culture of resilience, humor, and shared identity within crypto. In volatile markets, these terms often serve as coping mechanisms and community glue, giving traders and investors a common language.
Takeaway
From HODL and WAGMI to degen trades and memecoins, slang defines the social side of crypto. Whether you’re new to the space or a seasoned trader, knowing these 40 terms will help you navigate online discussions, understand memes, and connect with the global crypto community.
