# HODL

> HODL, originating from a 2013 BitcoinTalk forum, is a crypto community term signifying the long-term holding of cryptocurrency investments despite market fluctuations, and has become a meme and rallying cry against panic selling.

- Canonical URL: https://iq.wiki/wiki/hodl
- Categories: Glossary
- Created: 2022-12-03T01:34:35.568Z
- Last updated: 2026-06-18T14:17:44.627Z
- Source: IQ.wiki — the world's largest blockchain and crypto encyclopedia (https://iq.wiki)

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**HODL** is a term that is commonly used in the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) community which refers to the practice of holding onto one's cryptocurrency investments for a long period of time, regardless of market fluctuations or other external factors. The term originated in a 2013 BitcoinTalk forum post in which a user, who was drunk at the time, misspelled the word "hold" as "hodl" and it has since become a popular meme in the cryptocurrency community. [\[1\]](#cite-id-xn54wqmvlaa)



## Origin of the Term

The term HODL was first coined in a 2013 BitcoinTalk forum post by a user who went by the handle "GameKyuubi." In the post, the user wrote about their frustration with the volatility of the cryptocurrency market and their desire to hold onto their [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) investments for the long term, regardless of market fluctuations. The user wrote: "I AM HODLING." [\[1\]](#cite-id-xn54wqmvlaa) [\[2\]](#cite-id-ij3xnu7z6fb)

The misspelling of the word "hold" as "hodl" in the forum post was likely a result of the user being drunk at the time, as they later admitted in a follow-up post. However, the term quickly caught on in the cryptocurrency community and has since become a popular meme and rallying cry for those who believe in the long-term potential of cryptocurrencies. [\[4\]](#cite-id-rh6ckuivu3b)

## Usage in the Cryptocurrency Community

HODL is often used as a rallying cry by those who believe in the long-term potential of cryptocurrencies and are willing to hold onto their investments, even during times of market volatility. Many in the cryptocurrency community view HODLing as a sign of conviction and commitment to the technology and its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems. [\[5\]](#cite-id-o5d33ryzssg)

HODLing can also refer to the practice of buying and holding cryptocurrencies as a long-term investment, rather than actively trading them in hopes of short-term gains. This strategy is often advocated by those who believe that the long-term potential of cryptocurrencies far outweighs any short-term market fluctuations.

## Variations of the Term

Over time, various variations of the term HODL have emerged in the cryptocurrency community. [\[6\]](#cite-id-bt3sl3v5yuv) Some of the most common variations include:

* HODLer: a person who practices HODLing
* HODLing: the act of holding onto one's cryptocurrency investments for a long period of time
* HODLing Strong: a phrase used to express commitment to the HODLing strategy, even during times of market volatility
* Weak HODLer: a person who is not committed to the HODLing strategy and may be prone to selling their cryptocurrency investments during times of market volatility

## Criticism of HODLing

While HODLing has become a popular meme and rallying cry in the cryptocurrency community, it has also been criticized by some. Some argue that HODLing is a form of irrational exuberance and that it ignores the fundamental risks and challenges associated with cryptocurrencies. Others have pointed out that HODLing can be a risky strategy, as the value of cryptocurrencies can go down as well as up, and holding onto them for too long can result in significant losses. [\[3\]](#cite-id-j59ct54jzke)

Despite these criticisms, HODLing remains a popular term and practice in the cryptocurrency community. It continues to be used as a way to express belief in the long-term potential of cryptocurrencies and as a way to encourage others to hold onto their investments.