Ethereum Glossary

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

• account – 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.

• bags – 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.

• candidate 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.

• Danksharding – 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.

• EIP (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.

• fair 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.

• GameFi – 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.

• hackathon – 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.

• ICO (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.

• JSON file (JSON-RPC) – a common format used to share data between programs, especially in blockchain apps that connect to networks or wallets.

• keypair – 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.

• latency – 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.

• mainnet – 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.

• native 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.

• offchain – 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.

• parallelization – 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.

• quantum computing – a cutting-edge technology that uses the strange behavior of atoms and particles to solve complex problems much faster than regular computers can.

• RaaS (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.

• sandwich 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.

• TA (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.

• UI (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.

• validator – 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.

• WAGMI ("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.

• yield – 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.

• zero 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.

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