In crypto slang, the expression Diamond Hands refers to a person who holds their assets no matter what: market downturns, FUD, pressure from friends or the media. It is a symbol of maximum resilience and faith in the chosen asset.
Where did the term come from?
The first mentions were on trader forums and in the Reddit community.
The popularity came during the 'GameStop short squeeze' in January 2021, when users of r/WallStreetBets held GME shares despite pressure from funds and the media. That’s when the meme appeared:
"We got diamond hands 💎🙌" — we do not sell, we hold until the end.
In the crypto world, this meme has taken hold particularly firmly, as the HODL philosophy and belief in growth coincide with the image of 'diamond hands'.
How is it used in speech?
"I’m holding with diamond hands" — I hold and will not sell even at -50%.
"Diamond hands to the moon" — we hold the asset until maximum growth.
"Weak hands are selling, diamond hands are buying" — weak hands give up positions, strong ones hold.
Who is the Diamond Hands strategy suitable for?
1. Long-term investors. If your goal is 5-10 years, not speculation.
2. Believers in fundamentals. People who are confident that BTC or ETH will grow despite the cycles.
3. Those who know how to stay calm. Diamond hands is psychology, not just a strategy.
Examples of Diamond Hands in crypto
Investors who bought $BTC in 2011-2013 and are still holding it. Despite the crashes in 2014, 2018, and 2022, they ended up in huge profit.
Those who survived the crash $ETH from $1400 to $80 in 2018 and did not sell. Now (2025) the price is above $4000, and the 'diamond hands' have been rewarded.
Risks of Diamond Hands
Not everything is worth holding. There are projects that will not 'recover' (BitConnect, Terra/LUNA). Diamond hands in junk assets → is not Diamond Hands, but Bagholding.
Time is also important. You can 'hold' for 10 years and still not wait for recovery.
Diamond Hands ≠ mindless stubbornness
True diamond hands are confidence in fundamentals, not just a refusal to sell. Successful investors can distinguish between a 'temporary drop' and the 'death of a project'.
Conclusion: Diamond Hands is a symbol of strength, endurance, and faith. But it is important to remember: even diamond hands must hold wisely — not all assets are worth holding until the end.
