Definition
Originally a typo for 'hold', HODL became crypto slang for a long-term investment strategy of holding cryptocurrency through price volatility rather than trading in and out.
Why It Matters
HODLing reflects a specific investment philosophy — that crypto's long-term value will exceed short-term volatility. It counters panic-selling during bear markets.
Example
A Bitcoin investor who bought in 2017 and HODLed through the 80% crash of 2018 ultimately saw Bitcoin reach new all-time highs in 2020 and 2021.
Related Terms
Dollar-Cost Averaging
Bear Market
Bull Market
Bitcoin