HODL

A term, originating from a misspelling of “hold,” encouraging long-term retention of digital assets despite market volatility.

What is HODL?

HODL, a deliberate misspelling of “hold,” is a widely used term in the digital asset community that advocates for holding cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, through price fluctuations rather than selling in response to short-term market downturns. The term emerged from a 2013 BitcoinTalk forum post by user GameKyuubi, who wrote “I AM HODLING” during a Bitcoin price crash, emphasizing a commitment to long-term investment over panic-selling. It has since become a cultural meme, symbolizing resilience and belief in the future value of digital assets.

The HODL strategy is rooted in the belief that assets like Bitcoin, which reached an all-time high of $103,332 in December 2024 per CoinMarketCap, or Ethereum, which hit $7,200 in 2024, will appreciate over time due to growing adoption, network upgrades, or scarcity mechanisms like Bitcoin’s halving. On platforms like X, HODL is often paired with emojis like 💎🙌 and associated with “Diamond Hands,” celebrating investors who endured market dips, such as the 2022 bear market, to see recoveries. However, HODLing carries risks, as prolonged bear markets or project failures can erode value, as seen with some altcoins losing 90%+ during 2018.

HODLers are advised to research asset fundamentals using tools like Glassnode, which reported 75% of Bitcoin’s supply held by long-term holders in 2025, or CryptoQuant for on-chain activity. While HODLing reflects optimism, it requires careful evaluation to avoid holding failing projects, with X users often urging “DYOR” (Do Your Own Research) to complement the strategy.