HODL stands for “hold on for dear life,” a strategy where investors buy and retain a crypto, regardless of market volatility. The term originated from a typo in a 2013 Bitcointalk forum post by a trader known as GameKyuubi, who mistakenly wrote “I AM HODLING” instead of “holding.”
The meme advises investors not to sell their crypto during price drops, recognizing that novice traders may struggle with short-term trading. HODL has proven effective for long-term investors in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other leading cryptos, especially during volatile periods like 2021 and 2022. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach for every investor or crypto.