Popular Cryptocurrency Terms You Need To Know

Cryptocurrency is no longer what it used to be; it moves quickly, and only the swift can keep up. The cryptocurrency market is becoming more popular daily, with different people investing in many available cryptocurrencies.

As with any investment, you must have some information about what you want to invest in. If not a lot, you should know the basics before you invest in cryptocurrency.

The best place to start as beginners who want to learn about digital currencies is from the basic terms. Like every other field of life, certain key terms are peculiar to the cryptocurrency market.

For example, when someone says “Bitcoin,” you know they are not talking about food. Instead, you are sure they are referring to one of the many cryptocurrencies available in the market.

What Does Cryptocurrency Mean to a Beginner?

Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that runs on blockchain technology where a decentralized system maintains transactions. Cryptocurrency is decentralized – this means that its value is not controlled or even decided by a governing body. Cryptocurrency, as a concept, appears to be the direct opposite of what is obtainable in the conventional financial sector, where there is a central governing body. Block chain consultant can play a big role in order to learn more about cryptocurrency.

The controllers of cryptocurrency are the holders of cryptocurrency (that is, you and me). That is, if you buy XRP today, you have complete control of it and can decide what to do with it. The decentralized system on which cryptocurrency is run uses cryptography, providing an outlet for personal wealth beyond confiscation or restriction.

There are many reasons why cryptocurrency is a favorite subject of many people today. One such is that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are seen as the currency of the future. Digital currencies are considered very valuable; one Bitcoin, for instance, costs close to $50,000.

Cryptocurrency is very volatile; Bitcoin price and others swing wildly, but they are considered a worthy investment by crypto enthusiasts. As such, people are rushing to buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin before the value increases.

Popular Cryptocurrency Terms You Should Know As a Beginner

It is easier to trade and make the most of your experience in the cryptocurrency market when you understand key terms. While there is always going to be something new to learn, major concepts you need a basic understanding of include but are not limited to;

• Blockchain

This is a virtual ledger where transactions about cryptocurrency are processed, verified, and recorded. Every time a trade is conducted with cryptocurrency, records of the transaction are stored on the Blockchain. It is decentralized and exists on computers globally – provided they have an internet connection.

• Fiat

This is another term you will hear very often in the cryptocurrency market. Fiat currency refers to government-issued currencies like dollars, Euros, and pounds. Where cryptocurrency is virtual money, fiat currency is physical money. Fiat currencies, unlike cryptocurrency, are backed by the government, and you often find a central body controlling their operations.

• Cryptocurrency Exchange

A cryptocurrency exchange is a term used to refer to the online services that let you trade (buy and sell) cryptocurrency. Every cryptocurrency trading or investment starts and is made on an exchange. Exchanges let you convert fiat currency to cryptocurrency and vice versa or a particular digital currency for another.

• Altcoin

Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency in the cryptocurrency market – the others are referred to as ‘altcoin.’ An altcoin is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin; there are thousands of them, and new ones are added every day. Altcoins include Ethereum, Tether, Solana, Polkadot, and Dogecoin.

• Cryptocurrency Wallet

A cryptocurrency wallet is a storage device, which can be physical or virtual, where your digital assets are stored. For example, a cryptocurrency wallet can be a hot or cold wallet. A cold wallet isn’t connected to the internet, while a hot wallet is connected.

• NFT

NFT is an acronym for ‘Non-Fungible Tokens’; they apply to anything from online artwork to GIFs, text logos, viral videos, articles, and songs. NFTs were launched but aren’t only used by Ethereum – the only way to get them is by using cryptocurrency.

• HODL 

HODL is a term used in both the cryptocurrency and physical worlds. It is an acronym for ‘hold on to dear life; it is slang used to advise crypto investors to hold on to their currency even through dips in the market.

As pointed out earlier, there is always something new to learn in the cryptocurrency market if you want to stay on top of your game and remain profitable. However, in all your learning, you have to prioritize certain key terms.

In conclusion, if you want a future in the cryptocurrency market, you start by learning the ropes of the market. That includes learning the basic terms, their meanings, and their usage.