The original post: /r/bitcoin by /u/Tricky_Gap5575 on 2025-03-01 17:02:16.

HODL: Hold On for Dear Life.

This expression was adopted (from a typo) for and by bitcoiners, and gained traction as a philosophy, specifically for periods like we have just gone through.

It has become the number one rallying cry of all real bitcoiners.

You knew this expression before you bought bitcoin, but did you really understand it?

For newbies who held: This has been your boot camp. Congrats, you’re probably on your way. It’s all easy from here until you refuse to sell a little when things get frothy. (That’s your next lesson.)

For sellers: you are a washout. You are no longer a Marine. You can always re-enlist, but at the price you deserve and maybe with a limp.

Everyone who gets involved in bitcoin gets hazed. When you’re getting your ass paddled, you can either say “I quit” or “yes sir, may I have another?!” The latter are rewarded. The later are, Hodlers. The latter are Jarheads.

Besides scarcity, the truly unique important feature is proof of work. Work is stressful. Bitcoin is a fickle lady—she needs you to prove to her that you have done the work and understand her, and have faith when you get in the weeds.

No one who has held for more than 4 years has ever lost money. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be cool.

Hodl- “hold on for dear life.” If you don’t get it, think about index funds.