"I AM HODLING"
"I AM HODLING"
GameKyuubi @ bitcointalk 18.12.2013
I AM HODLING – The Curious Origin of the HODL Meme
HODL: Meaning, Origin & Mindset of the Bitcoin Community
What Does HODL Mean?
HODL is one of the most famous terms in the crypto world – originally a typo, now a symbol of patience, trust, and long-term conviction.
The term stands for the decision to not sell your cryptocurrencies, even when markets are highly volatile.
It is often interpreted as an acronym for “Hold On for Dear Life” – meaning: keep holding, no matter what happens.
How HODL Was Born – The True Story
In December 2013, the Bitcoin price dropped nearly 40% in just 24 hours.
A user nicknamed “GameKyuubi” posted a message on bitcointalk.org titled
“I AM HODLING” – he meant to write “I AM HOLDING”.
He was drunk, admitted it openly, and that honest moment went viral.
The typo became a meme – and soon, a symbol of an entire movement.
What HODL Really Means
HODL is more than just “not selling.”
It represents a mindset: think long-term, control emotions, and trust the technology and idea behind crypto.
Many hodlers see it as a life philosophy – staying calm when others panic.
HODL vs. Trading – Two Different Approaches
HODL: Buy, hold, and wait – ideal for long-term investors.
Trading: Buy and sell short-term to profit from volatility.
DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging): Invest fixed amounts regularly – a strategy that pairs well with HODL.
HODL isn’t a traditional investment strategy but rather a mindset – a statement against fear and overreaction.
How to Pronounce HODL
Most people pronounce “HODL” like “hoddle” (similar to “coddle”),
though some say “hold”. Both are accepted, but “hoddle” is the insider pronunciation.
Why HODL Became a Cult Term
Because it came from a genuine, human moment.
Because it mixes humor, strength, and community spirit.
Because it proves that even mistakes can make history.
Related Crypto Culture Terms
DYOR (Do Your Own Research) · WAGMI (We’re All Gonna Make It) · SAFU (Funds Are Safe) · “Not your keys, not your coins”
HODL DESIGN – Proof Grid
HODL DESIGN – Hash Grid
HODL DESIGN – Warning Hash
HODL DESIGN – Satoshi Shine
HODL DESIGN – Code Root
HODL DESIGN – Mint Mesh
HODL DESIGN – Pink Hash
HODL DESIGN – Token Glow
HODL DESIGN – Chain Fire
HODL DESIGN – Node Flame
HODL DESIGN – Dust Loop
HODL DESIGN – Lite Dust
HODL DESIGN – Ocean Hash
HODL DESIGN – Aqua Grid
HODL DESIGN – Purple Signal
HODL DESIGN – Chain Pulse
HODL DESIGN – Fire Mesh
HODL DESIGN – Signal Mesh
HODL DESIGN – Sky Grid
HODL DESIGN – Node Grid
HODL DESIGN – Proof Grid
HODL DESIGN – Hash Grid
HODL DESIGN – Fire Mesh
HODL DESIGN – Signal Mesh
HODL DESIGN – Chain Pulse
HODL DESIGN – Purple Signal
HODL DESIGN – Aqua Grid
HODL DESIGN – Ocean Hash
HODL DESIGN – Lite Dust
HODL DESIGN – Dust Loop
HODL DESIGN – Node Flame
HODL DESIGN – Chain Fire
HODL DESIGN – Token Glow
HODL DESIGN – Pink Hash
HODL DESIGN – Mint Mesh
HODL DESIGN – Code Root
HODL DESIGN – Satoshi Shine
HODL DESIGN – Warning Hash
HODL DESIGN – Sky Grid
HODL DESIGN – Node Grid
HODL DESIGN – Hash Grid
HODL DESIGN – Node Grid
HODL DESIGN – Chain Pulse
HODL DESIGN – Fire Mesh
HODL DESIGN – Aqua Grid
HODL DESIGN – Ocean Hash
HODL DESIGN – Purple Signal
HODL DESIGN – Lite Dust
HODL DESIGN – Node Flame
HODL DESIGN – Dust Loop
HODL DESIGN – Chain Fire
HODL DESIGN – Token Glow
HODL DESIGN – Pink Hash
HODL DESIGN – Warning Hash
HODL DESIGN – Mint Mesh
HODL DESIGN – Code Root
HODL DESIGN – Satoshi Shine
HODL DESIGN – Sky Grid
HODL DESIGN – Proof Grid
HODL DESIGN – Signal Mesh
Fun Fact:
The Legendary “I AM HODLING” Post
On December 18, 2013, a Bitcoin enthusiast named GameKyuubi made a post on
bitcointalk.org that became crypto history.
He meant to type “I am holding” – but a small typo turned it into “I AM HODLING.”
The result? A meme that would define an entire generation of crypto believers.
“I typed that title twice because I knew it was wrong the first time.
Still wrong. Whatever. I’m HODLING.”
– GameKyuubi, BitcoinTalk.org, December 18, 2013
That honest, slightly drunken moment turned HODL into more than just a typo –
it became a symbol of resilience, humour, and community in the crypto world.
One mistake created a movement that still inspires investors today.
Read the original post in the
BitcoinTalk archive.
Want to “HODL with Style”?
Discover HODL DESIGN
FAQ: Common Questions About HODL
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This FAQ is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile – only invest what you can afford to lose.
HODL means holding your cryptocurrency long-term – regardless of price swings.
It began as a typo (“I AM HODLING”) and is now understood as the acronym
Hold On for Dear Life – a call to stay strong during volatility.
The term was coined on December 18, 2013 by a user named GameKyuubi on
bitcointalk.org.
He accidentally typed “I AM HODLING” instead of “I AM HOLDING,” creating a legendary meme.
Originally just a misspelling, later reinterpreted as Hold On for Dear Life –
a phrase that captures determination and patience in crypto investing.
HODL: Buy and hold for the long term.
DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging): Invest small amounts at regular intervals.
Many combine both – DCA for accumulation, HODL for conviction.
HODL can help investors avoid emotional decisions and stay focused on the long-term potential of the market.
It encourages patience and discipline during volatility.
However, it’s not a guarantee of profit and should never replace informed, well-researched investment choices.
Most say “hoddle” (rhymes with “coddle”), some say “hold.”
“Hoddle” is considered the insider pronunciation among crypto enthusiasts.
A Hodler is someone who holds cryptocurrency through every market phase – bull or bear.
It represents trust, perseverance, and emotional stability – the opposite of panic-selling traders.
Being a Hodler is about conviction and belief in long-term value.
Both. In the crypto world, HODL has evolved beyond a strategy – it’s a philosophy.
It means staying calm under pressure, thinking long-term, and believing in your own conviction when others doubt.