The world of crypto is buzzing with shillers on platforms like X, Telegram, and Reddit. These shillers promise massive returns and exponential gains, using language that often leaves newcomers puzzled. If you’re new to the crypto world, the lingo can be confusing, so this guide breaks down seven common phrases used by crypto shillers to demystify what they’re really saying.
1. DYOR (Do Your Own Research)
In the crypto space, “DYOR” stands for “Do Your Own Research.” This principle highlights the core idea that each investor is ultimately responsible for their own investment decisions. While crypto influencers or enthusiasts may passionately promote a project, DYOR is a cautionary reminder that if a token plummets in value, the risk was yours alone.
Translation: When you lose your investment, don’t blame the shiller; you should have conducted thorough research before buying.
2. NFA (Not Financial Advice)
“NFA,” or “Not Financial Advice,” is a popular disclaimer used by crypto shillers to sidestep accountability. You might see posts that enthusiastically state: “This token is going to skyrocket! Buy now! (NFA)” or “Huge partnership incoming! (NFA)” While it sounds like advice, this disclaimer means they’re not officially advising you.
Using “NFA” gives influencers a way to hype a token without facing any repercussions if it tanks. It’s a common phrase you’ll find posted by anonymous users with cartoon avatars on X or Reddit.
Translation: I’m telling you this will make you rich, but if it doesn’t, don’t hold me responsible.
3. HODL
The term “HODL” originated as a misspelling of “hold” in a 2013 Bitcointalk forum post. At the time, Bitcoin’s price was swinging wildly, and the author encouraged others to “HODL” their Bitcoin rather than sell. Now, it’s a rallying cry for steadfast believers in crypto, with some even interpreting it as “Hold On for Dear Life.”
For seasoned crypto investors, “HODL” represents the belief that, despite market volatility, holding strong is a better long-term strategy than trying to time the market.
Translation: In a market where prices constantly fluctuate, traders can only take your money if you sell. So hold on and ride out the volatility.
4. Find a Safe Entry
The phrase “find a safe entry” suggests buying a token when it’s at a safe or low point before it rises. But in crypto, identifying a “safe” price point is often more of a gamble than a guarantee. If the token’s value doesn’t increase as anticipated, that “safe” entry wasn’t so safe after all.
“Safe entry” is simply another way shillers absolve themselves of responsibility for suggesting a token. They’ll tell you to find the right entry point but won’t tell you how to do so effectively.
Translation: I advised you to find a good entry point, so if you lost money, it’s because you didn’t time it right—not my fault.
5. Up Only
Crypto shillers love the phrase “up only” to imply that a token will only increase in value, promising continuous profits. However, anyone who’s spent any time in crypto knows that no token always goes “up only.” Any investment that sounds too good to be true likely is.
This phrase creates a sense of inevitability around a token’s success, coaxing investors to buy in without considering potential losses.
Translation: This token’s value is just as likely to drop. Remember, no token’s trajectory is truly “up only.”
6. To the Moon
When a crypto shiller says a token is headed “to the moon,” they’re implying it will skyrocket in value, leaving everyone who holds it with substantial returns. Realistically, though, very few tokens achieve this level of success, and the phrase often represents more of a shiller’s wishful thinking than reality.
You may hear this phrase when a token is gaining traction or has experienced recent growth. However, even if a project starts strong, the likelihood of it “mooning” is far from certain.
Translation: Despite my claim, there’s no guarantee this token won’t lose value. Betting on “to the moon” could mean watching it sink instead.
7. Buy the Dip
The phrase “buy the dip” is based on a sound investment principle: buy low and sell high. But accurately pinpointing the bottom of a dip is tricky, especially in crypto’s volatile market. Sometimes, the “dip” just keeps dipping, catching enthusiastic buyers off-guard.
Buying the dip is a tempting strategy, but even experienced traders have trouble accurately timing market lows. A token’s price may appear to have bottomed out, only to slide further.
Translation: This could be a great time to buy, but be prepared for potential losses if the dip keeps going.
Navigating the language of crypto shillers requires a mix of skepticism and knowledge. Understanding these commonly used phrases helps investors make more informed decisions and recognize when hype might be outweighing substance. While these phrases may sound appealing, relying solely on the advice of crypto shillers is risky. Always remember to conduct your own research and approach investments with caution—after all, the next big opportunity could turn into a major loss just as quickly.
