1. Altcoin
Originally referred to all cryptocurrencies outside of Bitcoin, such as Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC). Now, with the development of the Web3 industry, it generally refers to all non-mainstream coins.
2. Airdrop
The act of project teams distributing tokens for free to attract attention or reward early supporters.
3. Bear Market
The market is in a long-term downtrend, investor sentiment is pessimistic, and prices continue to fall.
4. Bull Market
The market is in a long-term uptrend, investor sentiment is optimistic, and prices continue to rise.
5. Layer1 (Base Layer Blockchain):
Base layer blockchains, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana chains; Layer 2 is built on top of Layer 1.
6. Layer2 (Second Layer Blockchain):
Layer 2 blockchain based on network layers, providing faster transaction speeds and lower costs compared to the base layer.
7. CEX (Centralized Exchange)
Centralized Exchange, such as Binance and Huobi, managed by centralized institutions that control user assets and transactions.
8. Cold Wallet
Hardware devices for offline storage of cryptocurrencies (like Ledger), which are more secure than hot wallets.
9. Consensus Mechanism
Consensus rules agreed upon by the blockchain network, such as PoW (Proof of Work) and PoS (Proof of Stake).
10. DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)
A community governance model that operates automatically through smart contracts, where members make decisions through token voting.
11. DApp (Decentralized Application)
Applications developed on blockchain, such as Uniswap and Compound.
12. DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
Utilizing blockchain technology to provide financial services without intermediaries, such as lending, trading, and insurance.
13. DEX (Decentralized Exchange)
Decentralized Exchange, such as Uniswap, where users trade directly through their wallets without the need for asset custody.
14. DYOR (Do Your Own Research)
Do Your Own Research, a reminder for investors to thoroughly research project risks before investing.
15. ERC-20
The standard protocol for issuing tokens on Ethereum, defining the basic functions of tokens (like transfers).
16. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Fear Of Missing Out, the behavior of blindly buying in due to the fear of missing out on price increases.
17. FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt)
Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt, the act of spreading negative information that causes market panic.
18. Gas Fee
Transaction fees required to execute transactions or smart contracts on the Ethereum network.
19. Halving
The event where Bitcoin's block reward is halved every four years, often viewed as a price catalyst.
20. Hard Fork
Incompatibility upgrades of blockchain protocols that lead to the splitting of old and new chains (like BTC and BCH).
21. Hash Rate
The total computing power of mining machines in a blockchain network; higher hash rates make the network more secure.
22. HODL (Hold)
Originating from a misspelling of 'Hold', it refers to the strategy of holding cryptocurrencies for the long term.
23. ICO (Initial Coin Offering)
Initial Coin Offering, where the project team raises funds by issuing tokens.
24. KYC (Know Your Customer)
Know Your Customer, a requirement for exchanges to ask users for identification information to comply with regulations.
25. Liquidity
The ability to buy and sell assets quickly in the market without affecting the price; high liquidity results in less trading friction.
26. Mainnet
The network of a blockchain project that is officially launched and operates independently, in contrast to the testnet.
27. Mining
The process of competing for computing power to verify transactions and earn block rewards (PoW mechanism).
28. NFT (Non-Fungible Token)
Represents ownership of unique digital assets, such as art and virtual land.
29. Node
Devices running blockchain protocols, responsible for storing data, verifying transactions, and disseminating information.
30. OTC (Over-The-Counter)
Over-The-Counter, large traders negotiate buy and sell transactions privately to avoid market fluctuations.
31. P2P (Peer-to-Peer)
Peer-to-Peer, where users trade directly without relying on third-party intermediaries.
32. Private Key
A string of cryptographic characters used to control cryptocurrency assets; leaking it may lead to asset theft.
33. Public Key
An address generated from a private key, which can be publicly shared to receive cryptocurrency.
34. Pump and Dump
Market manipulation behavior: driving up prices and then selling off, leading to losses for retail investors.
35. ROI (Return on Investment)
Return on Investment, a metric for measuring investment returns.
36. Satoshi
The smallest unit of Bitcoin, 1 BTC = 100 million satoshis.
37. Seed Phrase
A phrase consisting of 12-24 words used to recover wallet private keys, which must be stored offline.
38. Smart Contract
Automatically executed code protocols that trigger operations when conditions are met (like transfers).
39. Stablecoin
Cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies or gold, such as USDT (1:1 pegged to the US dollar).
40. Staking
Locking tokens in a blockchain network to support operations and earn returns (similar to deposit interest).
41. Tokenomics
The design of the token distribution, circulation, and destruction mechanisms, which impact the long-term value of the project.
42. TVL (Total Value Locked)
Total Value Locked, the total value of assets deposited by users in DeFi protocols, measuring the scale of the project.
43. Wallet
Tools for storing and managing cryptocurrencies, divided into hot wallets (online) and cold wallets (offline).
44. Whale
Addresses or investors holding large amounts of cryptocurrency, whose actions may influence market prices.
45. Whitepaper
Official documents released by the project team that explain technical principles, team background, and development plans.
46. Yield Farming
DeFi activities that provide token rewards by offering liquidity (such as depositing in liquidity pools).
47. Zero-Knowledge Proof
Proof that verifies transaction validity without revealing specific information, enhancing privacy (like Zcash).
48. 51% Attack
A single entity controlling more than 50% of the computing power, capable of manipulating transactions or performing double-spending attacks.
49. APY (Annual Percentage Yield)
Annual Percentage Yield, a method for calculating annual returns on investments or staking.
50. Metaverse
A virtual reality world where cryptocurrencies and NFTs are often used to build economic systems (like Decentraland).