WAGMI and NGMI: what do these crypto terms mean?

The crypto world has its own language. Anyone who visits a Discord server, Telegram group or crypto forum for the first time quickly comes across abbreviations such as WAGMI, NGMI, HODL and DYOR. To outsiders it looks like a secret code, but behind each of these terms lies a clear meaning that says something about the unique culture and sentiment of the crypto community in 2026.

In this article we explain what WAGMI and NGMI mean, where they come from and how they are used. We also discuss other commonly used slang terms so that you feel at home in every crypto conversation from now on and better understand market psychology.

In short

• WAGMI stands for We're All Gonna Make It: an expression of collective optimism.

• NGMI stands for Not Gonna Make It: criticism of bad decisions or a lack of vision.

• Both terms are used to interpret market sentiment and human behaviour.

• They became popular around 2020-2021, partly due to the rise of NFT communities.

• Related terms such as HODL, FOMO and DYOR form the basis of crypto jargon.

• Slang helps the community to communicate complex emotions and market situations concisely.

What is WAGMI?

WAGMI is one of the most optimistic terms in the crypto vocabulary. It functions as a battle cry that is used to show solidarity, to express belief in the future of blockchain and to encourage others during volatile periods.

WAGMI meaning: We're All Gonna Make It

WAGMI is an acronym for We're All Gonna Make It. It expresses a rock-solid collective optimism. If someone shouts WAGMI in a community, that person actually means: hold on, the fundamentals of our investment are strong, we are in this together and ultimately we will be financially successful.

Where does WAGMI come from?

The term has its roots outside the financial world. It was originally used in the bodybuilding community and was popularised by the Australian-Russian fitness legend Aziz Shavershian, better known as Zyzz. He used the phrase to encourage his followers to persevere in the gym. The crypto community adopted the term en masse during the bull run of 2021, after which it became an indispensable part of NFT culture on X (formerly Twitter).

When do you use WAGMI?

WAGMI is used especially when the market is rising and sentiment is positive, but also as encouragement during price corrections. If a project announces a major collaboration or if Bitcoin reaches a new record, WAGMI messages rain down. It is a way to celebrate that the group was right in their conviction.

What is NGMI?

NGMI is the sharp counterpart of WAGMI. Where WAGMI celebrates solidarity, NGMI is often a mocking or warning reaction to behaviour that is seen as unwise.

NGMI meaning: Not Gonna Make It

NGMI stands for Not Gonna Make It: someone who is not going to reach the finish line. The term is often used as a reaction to a decision that the community considers short-sighted. Think of someone who panic-sells at the very lowest point (bottom), or someone who refuses to believe in the potential of a new technology.

When do you use NGMI?

NGMI is used with:

• Panic selling: Selling a strong asset at the smallest price drop.

• Scepticism: Someone who claims that crypto is a bubble while adoption increases worldwide.

• Self-mockery: Investors who admit they made a stupid mistake sometimes ironically call themselves NGMI.

WAGMI vs. NGMI: two sides of crypto sentiment

These terms are inextricably linked to market psychology. They represent the extreme emotions that play out in every market cycle: greed versus fear, and belief versus disbelief.

How do these terms reflect market psychology?

The crypto market is driven by emotion. If the term WAGMI dominates, there is often euphoria. As an investor, you should then be extra alert to a possible overheating of the market. When NGMI is heard more often, there may be extreme fear (FUD). For experienced investors, these terms are a gauge for the prevailing mood in the community.

WAGMI and NGMI in bull and bear markets

In a bull market (rising market), everyone feels invincible and WAGMI is the standard. In a bear market (falling market), NGMI is often used to ridicule people who see their portfolio evaporate because they refused to take profit at the top. In 2026 we see that these terms are also used to filter projects: a project with a lot of utility is WAGMI, while a project without a plan is NGMI.

Other commonly used crypto slang besides WAGMI and NGMI

To make yourself fully understood in the crypto world, these terms are also essential:

HODL

HODL stands for Hold On for Dear Life. It is the strategy of holding on to your cryptocurrency for the long term, regardless of how hard the price fluctuates in the short term. Anyone who 'HODLs' believes in the fundamental value of their holdings.

FOMO

FOMO stands for Fear Of Missing Out. This is the irrational fear of missing out on a profitable rise. FOMO often causes people to buy at the highest point because they are afraid of missing the boat.

DYOR

DYOR stands for Do Your Own Research. In a market full of rumours and influencers, this is the most important advice: always do your own research before you put money into anything. Do not blindly trust what others shout.

Frequently asked questions

What are other important terms in crypto?

In addition to the mentioned terms, you often hear: REKT (when someone has lost a lot of money), Diamond Hands (someone who never sells under pressure), and Whale (someone with such a large position that they can move the market).

Is WAGMI a guarantee of profit?

Absolutely not. WAGMI is an expression of sentiment and hope, not financial advice. Even in communities where everyone shouts WAGMI, projects can fail. Therefore, always continue to look critically at the hard figures and facts.

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