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What is HODL?
HODL means "Hold On for Dear Life" — a crypto strategy of buying and holding long-term regardless of short-term price drops. It originated from a misspelled Bitcoin forum post in 2013.
Full Explanation
HODL is crypto slang for holding your investment long-term without selling during price drops. It originated from a typo ("I AM HODLING") in a 2013 Bitcoin forum post and was retroactively turned into the acronym "Hold On for Dear Life." HODLers believe in the long-term value of their assets and refuse to panic-sell during bear markets. The strategy has historically rewarded patient Bitcoin holders — every previous bear market was followed by a new all-time high.
Related Terms
Last updated: 2026-03-21