# Ethereum Glossary

> A clear guide to understand commonly used crypto jargon, slang, and acronyms for anyone entering the crypto community.

**Published by:** [Ethereum Daily](https://paragraph.com/@ethereumdaily/)
**Published on:** 2025-07-20
**Categories:** crytpo, glossary, ethereum
**URL:** https://paragraph.com/@ethereumdaily/crypto-glossary

## Content

Jump to a letter below, or scroll to explore bite‑size definitions. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | #Aaccount – a secure digital identity made up of a public and private key used to send, receive, and control cryptocurrency.account owner – the program or person that has control over a particular account’s data and activities.actively validated services (AVS) – extra security checks that continuously monitor blockchain data to keep networks honest and running smoothly.address – a unique combination of letters and numbers used to send or receive digital currency like an email address for crypto.aggregator – a tool that collects prices from different places to help you get the best deal when buying or selling crypto.air-gapping – a security method where a device is completely disconnected from the internet to prevent hacking.airdrop – free crypto coins or tokens that are sent directly to users’ wallets, often as a promotion or reward.All Core Devs (ACD) call: a biweekly open meeting where Ethereum core developers discuss protocol upgrades, review EIPs, and coordinate network development.all-time high (ATH) – the highest price a cryptocurrency has ever reached.allocation – how a set amount of crypto tokens is divided among different groups or purposes.alpha – a very early version of a product shared mainly for testing and feedback.altcoin – any digital currency that isn’t Bitcoin or Ethereum.AMM (Automated Market Maker): a decentralized exchange protocol that uses algorithms and liquidity pools, rather than order books, to automate trading and set prices for crypto assets.AML (Anti‑Money Laundering) – rules designed to stop people from using crypto to hide or move illegal money.angel investor: An individual who provides early-stage funding to startups, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity, helping bootstrap crypto projects.Anti Sybil – tools or strategies that prevent one person from pretending to be many users in a system.app – a digital interface that lets users interact with blockchain-based services.ape (slang): to quickly invest in a new token or NFT impulsively, usually without due diligence.appchain – a blockchain built specifically to run one app or purpose.API (Application Programming Interface) – a way for different software programs to talk to each other and share information easily.arbitrage – making money by buying something for less in one place and selling it for more in another.ASIC (Application‑Specific Integrated Circuit) – a computer chip built to do one specific task, usually in crypto mining, very fast.ATH (All-Time High): the highest price that a cryptocurrency or asset has ever reached in its trading history.asynchronous – when actions or processes happen at different times instead of all at once.atomic swap – a way to trade one type of cryptocurrency for another directly between users, without needing a middleman.attestation – confirming that something—like data or an identity—is real and trustworthy.Bbags – a slang term for someone's collection of crypto assets, often referring to poor-performing ones.base fee – the minimum cost a user must pay for a transaction to be processed on certain blockchains like Ethereum.based (slang): used to describe someone or something confidently expressing an unpopular or authentic opinion, often admired for staying true to their beliefs despite criticism.Beacon Chain – the part of Ethereum that introduced proof-of-stake to replace the older proof-of-work system.beta (release) – a public test version of software released to gather feedback before the final version is launched.block – a group of transactions bundled together and permanently recorded on a blockchain.block explorer – a searchable website where anyone can look up blockchain activity like transactions and wallet balances.block header – the summary information about a block, like its time, number, and link to the previous block.block height – the number that shows a block’s position in the blockchain, starting from the first (genesis) block.Block Proposer – the network participant who creates a new block and submits it for validation.block reward – the new coins given to someone (miner or validator) as a reward for adding a block to the blockchain.block time – how long it usually takes for a blockchain to create one new block.blockchain – a digital ledger made of linked blocks that stores transaction data securely and publicly.blockchain trilemma – the idea that a blockchain can only be really good at two out of three: security, decentralization, and scalability.blue-chip token – a well-known crypto asset that is widely trusted and considered to have lasting value.bot – a program that performs automated tasks on the blockchain, like trading or claiming rewards, without human help.bounty – a reward given to people who complete useful tasks for a project, like fixing bugs or spreading the word.bridge – a tool that lets users or assets move from one blockchain to another.buidl – crypto slang that encourages focusing on building technology instead of just watching prices.burner wallet – a temporary crypto wallet used for quick or risky actions, then discarded.bytecode – a basic computer language that the blockchain’s virtual machine can understand and run.Byzantine fault tolerance – a system’s ability to keep working even when some participants are unreliable or intentionally dishonest.Ccandidate block – a temporary block created by a miner that is waiting to be accepted into the blockchain.censorship resistance – the ability of a blockchain to make sure no one can block or alter specific transactions.CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) – a digital version of a country’s official currency, issued and controlled by its central bank.CEX (centralized exchange) – a crypto exchange run by a company that manages users’ funds and handles trades for them.chain ID – a unique number that helps identify and separate blockchain networks to avoid mix-ups in transactions.centralized – a system where one authority or a small group has most of the control or decision-making power.cipher – a method used to turn information into code to keep it secret and secure.circulating supply – the total number of crypto coins or tokens that are currently available to the public.claim – an action allowing a user to take ownership of crypto assets that have been allocated to them.client – a software program that lets computers connect and interact with a blockchain.coin – the main cryptocurrency of a blockchain, used for paying fees and transferring value.cold wallet – a highly secure crypto wallet that stays offline to protect assets from online threats.collectible: a digital item or NFT with value based on uniqueness or rarity, often sought after by collectors in the crypto space.compile – the process of turning readable code into machine code a blockchain can understand and run.composability – the ability of blockchain apps to work together, build on each other, and share functionality.confirmation – when a network verifies and accepts a transaction, locking it into the blockchain.confirmation time – the time it takes for a transaction to be considered final and secure on the blockchain.consensus – the process of getting many computers to agree on a single, shared version of the blockchain.consensus algorithm – a specific method, like Proof-of-Work or Proof-of-Stake, used to help blockchains agree on records.consensus client – software that follows blockchain rules and helps verify blocks in the consensus process.consensus layer – the part of the blockchain that ensures everyone agrees on which transactions are valid.content coin: a type of token used to monetize or unlock digital content within blockchain ecosystems.Core Devs (Core Developers): Developers contributing significant, protocol-level code and improvements to Ethereum, including client software and consensus logic; they help steward Ethereum’s technical evolution.counterparty risk – the chance that someone you’re doing business with won’t follow through, causing a potential loss.creator coin: a token uniquely associated with a specific individual or creator, allowing fans to invest in or support their personal brand.crosschain bridge – a tool that lets you move assets or data between different blockchain networks.crypto – a broad term for blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, and the tools that use them.crypto asset – a general name for anything of value built on a blockchain, such as coins, tokens, or NFTs.CT (crypto twitter): The subset of the Twitter (now X) platform where cryptocurrency community members share news, opinions, and discussions about crypto and blockchain.crypto wallet – a software or device used to safely store the keys that give access to your crypto.crypto winter – a long period of low prices and poor investor mood in the cryptocurrency market.cryptocurrency – a digital currency that uses secure coding (cryptography) and usually runs without a central authority.cryptography – the science of using math to protect information, proving identity, and keeping data safe.CPU (Central Processing Unit) – the main chip in a computer that carries out commands and runs programs.custody – the responsibility of safely storing and managing someone else’s digital or financial assets.DDanksharding – a future Ethereum upgrade that combines different techniques to make the network faster and more scalable by handling large chunks of data more efficiently.DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) – a blockchain-based group where rules are set by code and decisions are made by community votes instead of a boss or central authority.dapp (Decentralized Application) – an app that runs on a blockchain instead of traditional servers, making it more open and uncensorable.Data availability – a key idea that ensures all the data needed to use or check the blockchain is easy for everyone to access.Data Availability Committee (DAC) – a group of trusted members that helps keep blockchain data available, especially in systems with limited data storage.DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging) – an investing strategy where you buy the same dollar amount of crypto regularly, no matter the price, to reduce risk from market ups and downs.DDoS attack – a type of cyberattack where bad actors overwhelm a network with traffic to shut it down or slow it down.decentralization – when control and decision-making are spread out, rather than being held by one central group or person.DeFi (Decentralized Finance) – financial services like trading, lending, and borrowing that run on blockchains without banks or companies in control.degen - short for "degenerate", a risk-taking crypto trader who speculates on new tokens or NFTs with little research, often chasing high rewards.deposit contract – a smart contract that safely holds users' crypto until certain conditions are met.developer – a person who creates or maintains blockchain software and smart contracts.dev – short and casual term for “developer,” commonly used in crypto communities.Devcon – a major yearly meetup where Ethereum developers and fans gather to share ideas and build.DEX (decentralized exchange) – a platform that lets people trade crypto directly with each other using blockchain code instead of going through a company or middleman.DPoS (Delegated Proof-of-Stake) – a voting system where coin holders pick other users to validate transactions and keep the network running.depeg – when a crypto asset such as a stablecoin loses its fixed value compared to the asset it’s supposed to match.derivative – a financial product that gets its value from the price of something else, like a cryptocurrency or stock.deterministic wallet – a crypto wallet made from one seed phrase that can consistently recreate the same wallet addresses if needed.diamond hands – slang for someone who holds onto their crypto investments no matter what, even during crashes.digital signature – a cryptographic tool used to prove that a digital message or transaction is really from the claimed sender.distributed ledger – a shared, synchronized digital record of transactions that is stored on multiple devices at once.double spend – a fraud attempt where someone tries to use the same crypto coins more than once.DYOR (Do Your Own Research) – a reminder to learn about crypto projects yourself before putting your money in.dust – a tiny leftover amount of cryptocurrency that’s often too small to trade or use efficiently.Dutch auction – a type of auction that starts at a high price and keeps dropping until someone agrees to buy.EEIP (Ethereum Improvement Proposal) – a document that suggests changes or upgrades to the Ethereum network for the community to review.EIP-1559 – a major Ethereum upgrade that made transaction fees more predictable by introducing a base fee and optional tip.EIP-4844 (Proto-Danksharding) – an Ethereum update that reduced rollup fees with temporary blob storage and helped prepare for future scaling upgrades.encryption – turning readable data into secret code so that only someone with the key can read it.ENS (Ethereum Name Service) – a tool that lets you use simple names (like alice.eth) instead of long wallet addresses.epoch – a set period of time during which the same group of validators operates on the blockchain without change.ERC (Ethereum Request for Comment) – a proposed standard used to define how tokens and other features behave on Ethereum.ERC‑20 – ethereum's common technical standard for creating interchangeable (fungible) tokens.ERC-721 – the standard used on Ethereum to create unique digital items, like NFTs (non-fungible tokens).ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) – a traditional investment product that tracks assets like crypto and can be bought and sold on a stock exchange.ETH – Ethereum's native currency used for paying fees, staking, and making transactions.ETH is Money (phrase): The belief that Ether (ETH) is a valuable, scarce digital currency and store of value.Ethereum – a blockchain platform that supports smart contracts and powers apps, tokens, and decentralized finance.Ethereum Foundation – a nonprofit group that supports Ethereum by funding development, research, and community projects.Etherscan – a website that lets anyone look up Ethereum transactions, wallet addresses, and smart contract activity.event – a way for Ethereum smart contracts to record data that outside apps can detect and use.execution client – software that handles Ethereum’s user transactions and communicates with the consensus layer.execution layer – the part of Ethereum that actually processes transactions and runs smart contracts.exit scam – when a project's team disappears with users’ money, usually after raising funds or selling tokens.Externally Owned Account (EOA) – a typical Ethereum wallet controlled by a private key, used to send funds and interact with contracts.external signer – a separate, usually offline, device like a hardware wallet that signs transactions for better security.EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) – the system that runs smart contracts and handles computations on the Ethereum network.Ffair launch – a token launch with no private allocations; all participants compete equally.Farcaster: A decentralized social networking protocol used in the crypto community, enabling users to own their social graph and data rather than relying on centralized platforms.faucet - a tool that gives out small amounts of free cryptocurrency (like testnet ETH) to users, typically for testing, learning, or onboarding purposes.fault-tolerant – fault-tolerant refers to the ability of a software system to remain functional even if parts of it fail or malfunction.fee market – the mechanism by which users outbid one another for block space.FHE (Fully Homomorphic Encryption) – encryption allowing computation on ciphertexts.fiat – government‑issued currency not backed by a physical commodity (i.e. US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), etc.)finality – the guarantee that a block cannot be reverted after a certain number of confirmations.Flashbots – an organization focused on mitigating the negative externalities of MEV.flash loan – an unsecured loan borrowed and repaid within a single blockchain transaction.fork – a change to a blockchain’s protocol creating two separate chains.front‑running – exploiting knowledge of pending transactions to profit.FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) – negative information spread to influence perception of a cryptocurrency.fungibility – the property of an asset whose individual units are interchangeable.floor price – the lowest price for an NFT in a collection.FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – anxiety that an exciting event is happening elsewhere.fork choice rule – the algorithm a client uses to select the canonical chain.fractional NFT – an NFT split into fungible shards representing partial ownership.fraud proof – a security model for certain layer 2 solutions where, to increase speed, transactions are rolled up.fungible token – a token interchangeable with any other token of the same type.GGameFi – a blend of gaming and blockchain where players can earn cryptocurrency or tokens by playing.gas – a unit that measures how much computing power a transaction needs to run on Ethereum.gas fee – the fee users pay to get their transactions processed on the Ethereum network.gas limit – the highest amount of gas a user is willing to spend to run a transaction.gas price – the amount someone pays for each unit of gas, which helps determine how quickly their transaction will be processed.genesis block – the very first block ever created in a blockchain.GitHub – a website where developers store, update, and collaborate on code for software projects.Gnosis Safe – a secure Ethereum wallet that requires multiple people to approve transactions before they happen.Gm: short for "good morning," a common greeting in crypto communities to foster positivity and engagement.governance token – a token that gives its holder the right to vote on how a blockchain project or protocol is run.GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) – a type of computer chip commonly used for mining cryptocurrencies or processing complex graphics.Grow The Pie – a free tool that shows live data on how Ethereum projects work together to grow the overall ecosystem.Gwei – a small unit of ETH used to measure gas prices; 1 billion Gwei equals 1 ETH.Hhackathon – a timed competition where developers build blockchain-based apps or tools, often to win prizes or showcase innovation.halving – a scheduled event in some cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin) that cuts the amount of new coins created in half, usually every few years.hard cap – the total maximum amount of money a project plans to raise, often during a token sale or fundraiser.hard fork – a major change to a blockchain that splits it into two versions, requiring nodes to update to stay in sync.hardware wallet – a physical device that safely stores crypto keys offline and is used to sign transactions securely.hash – a unique mix of letters and numbers created by a formula that represents data, often used for security and verification.hash rate – a measure of how many cryptographic calculations are being done per second by the network or a miner.hedge: An investment or strategy designed to offset or reduce the risk of adverse price movements in an asset, often used to protect portfolios in volatile crypto markets.hex data – information shown using a counting system with numbers 0–9 and letters A–F, often used in Ethereum addresses.HODL – a playful misspelling of “hold” that now means to keep your crypto through ups and downs without selling.Hoodi – an Ethereum test network where developers can safely test apps using free faucet ETH before going live.hot wallet – a crypto wallet that stays connected to the internet, making it convenient but more vulnerable to hacks.human-readable address – a short, easy-to-remember name (like “alice.eth”) that links to a long crypto wallet address.IICO (Initial Coin Offering) – a way for crypto projects to raise money by selling tokens to early backers before officially launching.immutable – a characteristic of blockchain data that means once something is recorded, it cannot be changed or deleted.impermanent loss – a potential decrease in value that can happen when you provide tokens to a liquidity pool instead of just holding them.interoperability – the ability for different blockchains to work together and share data or assets smoothly.JJSON file (JSON-RPC) – a common format used to share data between programs, especially in blockchain apps that connect to networks or wallets.Kkeypair – a matched set of a public key (shared openly) and a private key (kept secret) used to access and control a crypto account.KYC (Know Your Customer) – rules that require crypto platforms to verify a user's identity to prevent fraud and comply with regulations.Llatency – the time it takes for data to travel across a network from one computer to another.layer 0 – the human and social layer of a blockchain ecosystem, where communities, developers, and users collaborate and organize.layer 1 (L1) – the base layer of a blockchain like Ethereum, where transactions are recorded and validated directly on the network.layer 2 (L2) – a separate system built on top of Layer 1 to handle transactions more efficiently and reduce congestion on the main chain.layer 3 (L3) - a protocol or blockchain built on top of Layer 2 networks, aiming to further enhance scalability and specialized functions.leader – the validator currently chosen to process and include transactions in a block on the blockchain.leader schedule – a preset list that assigns which validator is the leader for each time slot or round on a blockchain.LFG (Let's F***ing Go) - an enthusiastic phrase used in crypto communities to express excitement or motivation to act.light client – a simplified program that accesses blockchain data by checking only block headers, making it faster and less resource-intensive.liquidity – how easily you can buy or sell an asset without changing its price much.liquidity mining – earning tokens as a reward for depositing your crypto into a liquidity pool on a decentralized exchange.liquid staking – staking your crypto to earn rewards while still being able to use or trade a special token that represents your staked funds.liquid staking token (LST) – a token you receive when staking that represents your staked funds and can be used in DeFi applications.Liquidity Provider (LP) – a person or company that supplies crypto to help facilitate trades on exchanges and improve market flow.liquidation – when a user's leveraged position is automatically closed because their collateral is too low to cover losses.long: A trading position where an investor buys an asset expecting its price to rise, aiming to profit from upward price movements.L2BEAT – a website that tracks and compares Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solutions with detailed data and analytics.Mmainnet – the live version of a blockchain where real assets are used, as opposed to test environments.MEV (Maximum Extractable Value) – extra profit earned by validators or block producers by reordering, including, or excluding certain transactions within a block.Merkle root – a special hash that summarizes all the transaction data in a block and proves nothing was changed.Merkle tree – a data structure that allows efficient and secure verification of blockchain data, like transactions in a block.metadata – descriptive information about other data; for example, NFTs use metadata to describe the asset (e.g., image, name, traits).microtransactions – very small payments, often used in apps or games, made practical with low-fee blockchains.mint – to create new tokens or NFTs and permanently add them to the blockchain.miner – someone who uses computing power to validate transactions and add new blocks, typically on Proof-of-Work networks like Bitcoin.mining pool – a group of miners who combine their resources and share rewards to increase their chances of earning from mining."money printer go brrrrr" – a satirical meme about inflation and central banks printing large amounts of fiat money, often used in crypto to promote scarce digital assets.moon (slang): to describe a crypto asset experiencing a rapid and significant price surge.multisig – a type of crypto wallet that needs approval from multiple people (signatures) before a transaction can go through.Nnative token – the main cryptocurrency of a blockchain, used to pay fees, send transactions, and reward participants (e.g., ETH on Ethereum).network – all the computers (called nodes) currently working together to run, secure, and maintain a blockchain.network effect – when a product becomes more useful and valuable as more people start using it.NFT (Non-Fungible Token) – a special digital token that proves ownership of something unique, like digital art or collectibles, on the blockchain.NFT floor price – the lowest price at which you can buy an NFT from a specific collection.NGMI (Not Gonna Make It) - a dismissive term used to describe someone who is unlikely to succeed in crypto investing or trading.node – a computer that joins and helps run a blockchain network by sharing data, verifying transactions, or producing blocks.node count – the total number of nodes currently helping secure and maintain a blockchain network.non-custodial wallet – a crypto wallet where only you hold the private keys, meaning full control and responsibility for your funds.nonce – a number used to keep track of transactions from a specific account to ensure they are processed in the correct order."Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins." – a reminder that if you don’t control your private wallet keys, someone else (like an exchange) controls your crypto.Ooffchain – refers to data or activities that happen outside the blockchain, often to save time or reduce costs.off-ramp – a service that lets users exchange cryptocurrency for traditional fiat money like USD or EUR.onchain – describes anything recorded directly on the blockchain, such as transactions, contracts, or data.on-ramp – a service that converts traditional money (like USD) into cryptocurrency, helping users enter the crypto ecosystem.open source – software that anyone can see, use, or improve because the code is publicly available.optimistic rollup – a scaling method for blockchains where transactions are assumed valid unless proven otherwise, allowing faster and cheaper activity.oracle – a tool that sends real-world information (like stock prices or weather) to smart contracts so they can use it to trigger actions.order book – a list of all current buy and sell offers for an asset on an exchange, used to match traders.Pparallelization – a method that allows multiple blockchain transactions to be processed at the same time to increase speed and efficiency.PBS (proposer-builder separation) – an Ethereum upgrade idea that splits responsibilities between creating and proposing blocks to reduce centralization risks and improve scalability.permissioned blockchain – a private blockchain where only approved users can view data, join, or add to the network.permissionless blockchain – a public blockchain that anyone in the world can access, use, and help run without asking permission.phishing – a scam where someone tricks you into giving up private information, like passwords or crypto keys.POAP (Proof of Attendance Protocol) – a system that gives out digital badges to prove you attended an event.PoS (Proof-of-Stake) – a blockchain system that selects validators based on how much cryptocurrency they’ve staked or locked up, like Ethereum does now.post-quantum system – a type of cryptographic security designed to stay safe even if powerful quantum computers become capable of breaking today’s encryption.PoW (Proof-of-Work) – a security system where miners solve tough math problems to validate transactions and earn rewards, used by Bitcoin.Priority Fee – an optional tip added to a blockchain transaction to encourage faster processing by validators.private key – a secret code that proves you own a crypto wallet and lets you sign transactions.protocol – the specific rules and procedures that make sure everyone on a blockchain network can communicate, agree, and behave in a trusted way.proto-danksharding – an Ethereum upgrade that cuts transaction costs by adding temporary "blob" storage for rollups, setting the stage for future full sharding.public address – the shareable “account” number on a blockchain you give to others so they can send you crypto.public goods – free, open resources in crypto (like code or tools) that benefit the whole community and are often publicly funded.public key – a code that pairs with your private key and is safe to share so others can send you crypto.pump (slang): a sharp upward movement in a coin's price, often driven by hype or coordinated buying.pump and dump (slang) – a dishonest tactic where a group rapidly buys a token to raise its price, then sells it all to make profit, crashing the price for others.P2P (peer-to-peer) – a system where two people interact directly, like sending crypto from one wallet to another, without going through a company or platform.Qquantum computing – a cutting-edge technology that uses the strange behavior of atoms and particles to solve complex problems much faster than regular computers can.RRaaS (Rollups-as-a-Service) – ready-made tools and infrastructure that make it easy for developers to launch their own blockchain rollups with minimal setup.re-entrancy attack – a dangerous smart contract vulnerability where a hacker repeatedly triggers a function before it finishes, potentially draining funds.rekt (slang) – suffering a major financial loss in crypto, often from bad trades, exploits, or scams.relayer – a person or system that forwards transactions or data across different blockchains or between users and smart contracts.reorg – a blockchain event where previously confirmed blocks are replaced due to a new chain taking over, often temporarily.restaking – the act of earning extra rewards by reusing tokens that are already staked, without having to unstake them.RISC-V – a free and open computer chip design that anyone can use or modify, often used in secure or blockchain-related projects.roadmap – a public plan outlining a blockchain project's upcoming features, development goals, and timeline.rollup – a Layer 2 solution that batches and compresses transactions before posting them to a Layer 1 blockchain like Ethereum to save costs and boost speed.router – a smart contract that chooses the best path for your tokens when swapping between liquidity pools to get the best rate.RPC (Remote Procedure Call) – a method that lets apps and wallets talk to a blockchain by sending and receiving information from a node over the internet.RPC provider – a service that runs blockchain nodes so wallets and apps can connect to a blockchain without needing their own infrastructure.rug pull (slang) – a scam where a crypto project's developers take users' funds and disappear, leaving the project worthless.RWA's (Real World Assets) – physical or financial items like real estate, stocks, or gold that have been turned into blockchain-based digital tokens.Ssandwich attack – a manipulation where a trader (often a bot) sees your transaction, buys before you to raise the price, lets your trade go through at a worse price, then sells for a profit—leaving you with a bad deal.Satoshi Nakamoto – the anonymous person or group who created Bitcoin and solved the digital double-spending problem.scalability – how well a blockchain can grow to handle more users and transactions without slowing down or raising fees.scalability trilemma – the idea that a blockchain usually can only maximize two of three properties—scalability, security, and decentralization—at the same time.SDK (Software Development Kit) – a set of tools that developers use to build apps on a specific platform or blockchain.security audit – a thorough check of a blockchain project’s code to find and fix any weaknesses or bugs.seed phrase – a list of words that gives you full access to your crypto wallet and funds; if you lose it, you lose access.self-custody – managing your own crypto wallet and private keys without relying on a third party like an exchange.sequencer – a special role in Layer 2 rollups that sorts and orders transactions before posting them to the main blockchain.send it (slang): a phrase used to signal moving forward aggressively on a trade or action, regardless of risk.sharding – a way to split blockchain data into smaller sections, or “shards,” to boost speed and scalability.short: A trading position where an investor sells an asset they do not own, expecting to buy it back later at a lower price to profit from its decline.sidechain – a separate blockchain that runs alongside a main blockchain and connects to it for added functionality or scalability.signing – the secure process of using your private key to confirm and authorize a transaction or message on the blockchain.slashing – a penalty given to validators who act dishonestly or go offline in Proof-of-Stake blockchains.slippage – the difference between the price you expected to trade at and the price it actually went through—usually caused by market movement.slot – a short, fixed amount of time on a blockchain when a specific validator is allowed to propose a block.smart contract – a program that runs on a blockchain and automatically performs actions when certain conditions are met.smart contract wallet – a type of wallet built with blockchain code that adds advanced features and automation beyond typical crypto wallets.SNARK (Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) – a cryptographic proof that proves something is true without showing the actual data.soft fork – a blockchain upgrade that stays compatible with older versions of the software.Solidity – the most common programming language for writing smart contracts on Ethereum.stablecoin – a cryptocurrency designed to stay at a fixed value, often pegged to assets like the U.S. dollar.stake – the act of locking up your crypto to help secure a network and earn rewards in a proof-of-stake system.staking – locking your tokens in a PoS blockchain to help run the network and earn rewards.state – the current status of data on a blockchain, like account balances and contract information at a specific moment.store of value – an asset that maintains its worth over time, making it suitable for saving and future use.snapshot – a saved record of a blockchain’s balances and state at a specific moment, often used for airdrops or governance.soulbound token (SBT) – a special kind of NFT that cannot be transferred and represents personal traits, achievements, or memberships.supermajority – a voting rule that requires more than a simple majority—often two-thirds or more—to approve a decision.supply shock – a sudden drop in the available amount of a token or asset, which can cause sharp price changes.swap – exchanging one cryptocurrency directly for another.Sybil attack – when someone creates many fake identities or accounts to influence a blockchain network unfairly.TTA (Technical Analysis) – A method of analyzing price charts and trading patterns to predict future movements of cryptocurrencies or assets.testnet – A practice version of a blockchain where developers can test apps and smart contracts using free tokens, without risking real funds.The Burn: A process where a portion of Ethereum transaction fees (the base fee) is permanently destroyed to reduce supply, increase scarcity, and help stabilize network fees.The Merge: Ethereum’s upgrade switching from proof-of-work to energy-efficient proof-of-stake consensus.throughput – The number of transactions a blockchain can process in a given amount of time, often measured in TPS (transactions per second).ticker – A short symbol or code (like BTC for Bitcoin or ETH for Ethereum) used to represent a cryptocurrency or token.timestamp – The exact time when a new block is created and added to a blockchain.TLDR (Too Long; Didn’t Read): A brief summary of a longer text, often used to quickly convey key crypto updates or explanations.token – A digital asset built on a blockchain that can represent value, voting power, access rights, or virtually anything.token burn – The process of permanently removing tokens from circulation, usually to reduce supply and potentially boost value.token buybacks: When a project buys back its tokens from the market to reduce supply and boost value.token lockup – A rule that prevents tokens from being traded or transferred for a certain period, often to stabilize markets after a launch.token sale – A fundraising event where projects sell new tokens to early supporters, often in exchange for crypto or fiat.token standard – A set of technical rules developers follow to ensure tokens work properly on a blockchain (e.g., ERC-20 for Ethereum).tokenization – Turning real-world assets like real estate or art into digital tokens that can be traded or stored on a blockchain.tokenomics – The economic design and properties of a blockchain token, including how it's created, distributed, and used.TPS (Transactions Per Second) – A measurement of how many transactions a blockchain network can process every second.transfer – The process of sending tokens or crypto from one wallet to another, recorded directly on the blockchain.trust assumptions – Expectations about which parts of a system or network can be trusted, and how honest or reliable the participants need to be.trustless – A system where users don’t need to trust each other because the technology ensures fairness and transparency.Turing complete – Describes a system, like Ethereum, that can run any computer program or calculation if given enough resources.TVL (Total Value Locked) – The total amount of crypto assets that users have deposited into a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol.TVS (Total Value Secured): The total economic value protected by a blockchain’s key security elements, reflecting network trust.two-factor authentication (2FA) – A safety measure that requires two forms of verification (like a password and a phone code) to log in securely.UUI (User Interface) – The visual elements of a crypto app or website, like buttons and menus, that users see and interact with.unbonding period – The waiting time after unstaking during which your tokens are locked and can’t be used or traded.unstake – To unlock or withdraw your tokens from staking, so you can use or transfer them again.upgrade – An improvement or planned change to a blockchain’s rules or software to add features or fix issues.upgradeability – The ability to update or change a smart contract’s logic after it’s been deployed, often by using a proxy structure.user experience (UX) – How smooth, easy, and enjoyable it feels for someone to use a product like a crypto wallet or exchange.Vvalidator – A blockchain participant who checks and confirms transactions and blocks to help secure the network, often earning rewards in return.validity proof – A cryptographic technique that shows a transaction or computation is correct without revealing the actual data, often used in ZK-rollups.validium – A Layer 2 blockchain solution using validity proofs like ZK-rollups, but storing data off-chain to improve scalability.VC (venture capitalist): An investor or investment firm providing capital to startups or projects in exchange for equity, often playing a key role in funding crypto ventures.vesting – A system that releases tokens to team members or investors gradually over time to prevent instant selling.vesting schedule – A timeline that outlines when and how much of someone’s tokens become available for use or transfer.virtual machine (VM) – Software that creates a controlled environment for running smart contracts and decentralized apps on a blockchain.Vitalik Buterin: co-founder of Ethereum and a leading figure in blockchain development, known for his influential role in shaping the future of decentralized technologies.volatility – How much and how quickly a cryptocurrency’s price can change over time.volume – The total amount of a token or cryptocurrency traded during a specific time period, such as 24 hours.WWAGMI ("We’re All Gonna Make It") – A popular phrase in crypto communities used to express optimism and unity in the face of market ups and downs.wallet – A tool, either software or hardware, that stores the private and public keys used to access and manage your cryptocurrency.Web 1 – The early version of the internet (1990s–early 2000s), made up mostly of static, read-only websites where users couldn’t interact much.Web 2 – The current phase of the internet, featuring interactive platforms like social media, where users create, share, and comment on content.Web 3 – The next evolution of the web built on blockchain technology, where users have ownership and control over their data, identities, and online assets.WebAssembly (Wasm) – A fast, efficient format that lets modern apps run in web browsers and virtual machines—often used in blockchain environments for executing smart contracts.whale – A person or organization that holds a very large amount of cryptocurrency and can influence the market with big trades.whitepaper – A detailed document that outlines what a crypto or blockchain project is, how it works, and what it aims to achieve.wrapped token – A version of a cryptocurrency that exists on a different blockchain, usually to enable cross-chain compatibility and functionality.Yyield – The profit or returns you earn from staking, lending, or providing liquidity with your crypto assets.yield farming – A strategy in DeFi where users lend or stake their crypto across platforms to earn the highest possible return or rewards.Zzero address – A special blockchain address made up of all zeros, often used as a placeholder or to signal that no real address is present.zero-knowledge proofs (ZK) – A powerful cryptographic technique where someone can prove they know or did something without revealing the actual data or details.ZK-rollup – A Layer 2 blockchain solution that uses zero-knowledge proofs to bundle and verify many transactions efficiently and securely on the main chain.#51% attack – A blockchain attack in which one group or entity controls more than half of the network’s computational power, allowing them to manipulate the ledger, double-spend coins, or block transactions.

## Publication Information

- [Ethereum Daily](https://paragraph.com/@ethereumdaily/): Publication homepage
- [All Posts](https://paragraph.com/@ethereumdaily/): More posts from this publication
- [RSS Feed](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@ethereumdaily): Subscribe to updates
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/https://x.com/rue1776): Follow on Twitter