Bitcoin Is Dead

Bitcoin Glossary

Definitions of common terms related to Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and Bitcoin obituaries. Understanding these terms helps contextualize Bitcoin death predictions and critic arguments.

A

All-Time High (ATH)

The highest price Bitcoin has ever reached. Despite 467 death predictions, Bitcoin has repeatedly reached new all-time highs, invalidating previous obituaries.

B

Bear Market

A period of declining prices, typically 20% or more from recent highs. Bitcoin has experienced multiple bear markets with 50-80% drawdowns. Most Bitcoin obituaries are published during bear markets.

Bitcoin (BTC)

A decentralized digital currency created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network without central authority. It uses blockchain technology to record transactions and has a fixed supply of 21 million coins.

Bitcoin Critic

An individual who publicly predicts Bitcoin's failure or declares it worthless. Notable Bitcoin critics include Peter Schiff, Warren Buffett, and Paul Krugman. Critics are ranked by number of obituaries in our database.

Bitcoin Death

An instance where a critic, economist, journalist, or public figure declares Bitcoin has died, will die, or will become worthless. Despite 467 Bitcoin deaths since 2010, Bitcoin continues to operate.

Bitcoin Death Counter

A running tally of how many times Bitcoin has been declared dead. The Bitcoin Is Dead database tracks every obituary with sources, dates, authors, and Bitcoin prices at the time of each prediction.

Bitcoin ETF

An exchange-traded fund that tracks Bitcoin's price, allowing traditional investors to gain Bitcoin exposure through stock exchanges. Bitcoin ETFs were approved in the US in 2024, a development many critics said would never happen.

Bitcoin Maximalist

A person who believes Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that matters and will ultimately dominate. Bitcoin maximalists often dismiss altcoins and believe Bitcoin is the superior store of value.

Bitcoin Obituary

A public statement, article, or prediction declaring Bitcoin dead, failed, or worthless. Bitcoin obituaries are typically published during market downturns when critics predict Bitcoin will not recover.

Blockchain

A distributed digital ledger that records all Bitcoin transactions. The blockchain is maintained by thousands of nodes worldwide and is immutable, meaning past transactions cannot be altered.

Bubble

A situation where asset prices rise far above intrinsic value. Critics frequently call Bitcoin a bubble, predicting imminent collapse. Bitcoin has been called a bubble at prices ranging from $1 to $60,000+.

C

Cold Storage

Keeping Bitcoin in a wallet not connected to the internet, protecting it from hacks. Cold storage is considered the most secure way to hold Bitcoin long-term.

D

Digital Gold

A term used to describe Bitcoin as a store of value similar to gold. Critics like Peter Schiff argue this comparison is invalid, while supporters believe Bitcoin improves on gold's properties.

F

FUD

Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. FUD refers to negative information spread about Bitcoin, often by critics predicting its demise. Bitcoin obituaries are a form of FUD that has repeatedly failed to materialize.

H

Halving

An event occurring approximately every four years where the Bitcoin mining reward is cut in half. Halvings reduce the rate of new Bitcoin creation, contributing to its scarcity.

HODL

A term originating from a misspelling of "hold," now used to describe the strategy of holding Bitcoin long-term despite price volatility. HODLers believe Bitcoin's long-term value will increase despite short-term crashes.

M

Mining

The process of validating Bitcoin transactions and adding them to the blockchain. Miners use computing power to solve cryptographic puzzles and are rewarded with newly created Bitcoin.

N

Network Effect

The phenomenon where Bitcoin becomes more valuable as more people use it. Network effects help explain why Bitcoin has survived 467 death predictions. Each new user adds value to the network.

R

Rat Poison Squared

A phrase used by Warren Buffett to describe Bitcoin in 2018, calling it "probably rat poison squared." This became one of the most famous Bitcoin criticisms from a traditional investor.

S

Satoshi

The smallest unit of Bitcoin, equal to 0.00000001 BTC. Named after Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. There are 100 million satoshis in one Bitcoin.