What Does NGMI Mean?

Key Takeaways

• The crypto world is rich in slang, and understanding it is essential to engaging with its fast-paced, community-driven culture.
• NGMI and WAGMI are popular terms used in crypto discussions to convey community opinions about success or failure.
• These terms originated outside crypto, but the community adopted them to describe different emotional reactions and attitudes.
• Crypto slang reflects the digital-native culture, blending influences from online gaming, finance, and meme subcultures.

The world of cryptocurrency is more than just digital coins and decentralized finance. With over 500 million users globally, the blockchain community is a veritable live organism; constantly evolving, developing its own language and norms, and defying traditional media’s steady drumbeat of “is crypto dead?“.

From Bitcoin maximalists to NFT enthusiasts, each crypto sub-community has its own unique slang and jargon. This unique language is essential in crypto, where users often interact across social media platforms without ever meeting in person. These terms can strengthen a sense of belonging but can also create barriers for those who are not familiar with them.

Crypto discussions usually feature expressions like HODL, Rekt, GM, Mooning, and LFG. If you’re new to the space, it’s easy to feel lost.

In this article, we’ll help you break through that barrier by explaining two frequently used terms: NGMI and WAGMI. These expressions can provide insight into the emotional and social aspects of the crypto world and help you engage more confidently in crypto conversations.

NGMI Meaning

NGMI is an acronym that stands for Not Gonna Make It. The phrase is often used to describe someone or something on the wrong path or has little chance of success, especially in crypto.

For example, when someone invests in a failing decentralized finance (DeFi) project, or holds a token from a struggling non-fungible token (NFT) collection, the community might declare them NGMI. It’s a shorthand way of saying, “That person is making a bad choice and won’t succeed.”

The term is widespread in forums and social media, where people debate the future of specific crypto projects or technologies. If you make a move that the community perceives as ill-advised or shortsighted, you might hear someone say, NGMI.

What Does NGMI Mean?

The phrase “Not Gonna Make It” didn’t originate in crypto.

Online fitness communities first popularized it, where people used it to comment on individuals perceived as lacking the discipline or mindset needed to achieve their fitness goals. Often used sarcastically or humorously, it carried an undertone of judgment.

Over time, the phrase spread to other online subcultures, like Reddit, particularly those where competition or achieving success is a core theme. In gaming, finance, and crypto, NGMI became a way to label those who made poor decisions or failed to recognize opportunities.

Within the crypto community, NGMI typically reflects frustration or disappointment with individuals who reject emerging trends or make decisions that seem illogical. The community uses it to mock people who refuse to ape in – another slang term meaning to invest heavily and without much thought – on profitable opportunities. Essentially, it’s a way for the community to separate the savvy from those bound to fail.

How To Use Ngmi in Crypto

If a person invests in an NFT project that the broader community believes will fail, they may receive the NGMI label. Similarly, if a crypto investor hesitates to embrace new technologies or trends like Layer 2 solutions or smart contracts, they could be tagged as NGMI by more forward-thinking investors.

For instance, if a project in the DeFi space announces an update that the community deems unwise, you might see reactions like, “This project is NGMI.” It’s a shorthand for signaling that someone is on the wrong track and unlikely to succeed.

You can also use NGMI to describe behavior. If someone sells their crypto assets during a dip, thinking the market will crash, but then prices rebound significantly, people might say, “Anyone who sold at the bottom is NGMI.”

WAGMI Meaning

WAGMI is an acronym for We Are Going to Make It. Its origins can be traced back to the bodybuilding community, specifically to the late internet personality Zyzz.

Zyzz was a popular figure in the bodybuilding world, known for his physique and online presence. After his tragic passing in 2011, his followers began using the phrase “WAGMI” to honor his memory and motivate each other. The phrase resonated with many, especially those who were struggling with self-esteem or facing challenges in their lives.

The phrase embodies optimism and shared success within the crypto community. It’s often used to encourage unity and perseverance, especially during market downturns. While NGMI is a term for people making poor choices, WAGMI rallies the community and expresses belief in the space’s future success.

Why Does Crypto Have So Much Slang Anyway?

The crypto community, having grown up digitally alongside the internet and social media platforms, is rich with slang. Closely intertwined with online culture, including gaming and meme subcultures, the slang and jargon of these communities influence crypto. Many crypto users, active in these other communities, contribute to this language blending.

Another reason for the abundance of crypto slang is the community’s reliance on fast, efficient communication. In online spaces, particularly where people seek alpha or insider knowledge, users often rely on abbreviations and shorthand to convey complex ideas quickly. This practice helps maintain a sense of community and exclusivity among insiders.

Slang helps crypto communities bond. Many groups within the space focus on specific technologies or projects. These communities create their own language to signal belonging and identity. Using terms like NGMI or WAGMI shows you’re knowledgeable and part of the culture.

Other Crypto Slang Examples

Here are some other examples of crypto slang you might encounter:

• HODL – A misspelling of “hold,” this term encourages people to keep their crypto investments rather than sell, even during market downturns.
• Rekt – Short for “wrecked,” this term describes someone who has suffered significant financial losses, often due to poor trading decisions.
• Safu – Short for “Safe Asset Fund for Users,” this term originated from Binance and indicates that funds are secure.
• Ape In – This term means to invest in a project without doing much research, often out of FOMO (fear of missing out).
• LFG – Short for “Let’s F***ing Go,” this is an expression of excitement or anticipation for a project or market movement.
• Mooning – Refers to the rapid increase in the value of a cryptocurrency, as in “It’s going to the moon.”
• DYOR – Do Your Own Research; a reminder to conduct personal research before investing.
• Dump – Selling a cryptocurrency, often quickly and in large amounts.
• Pump – Buying a cryptocurrency to inflate its price.
• Whale – An individual or entity that holds a large amount of cryptocurrency.

Stay on Top in Crypto and Web3

Blockchain communities are fast-moving and dynamic, with new slang terms constantly emerging. Staying informed about the language used within these spaces can help you navigate the community more effectively and keep up with the latest trends. Whether you’re trying to avoid being labeled NGMI or striving to be part of the WAGMI crowd, understanding these terms can improve your engagement and success in crypto.

FAQs

What Does NGMI Stand For?

NGMI in crypto slang stands for Not Gonna Make It. It’s a phrase expressing skepticism or pessimism about a particular cryptocurrency or project’s potential for success.

For example, someone might say “NGMI” in response to a post about a new coin promising huge returns, indicating they don’t believe it’s a viable investment.

What Does WAGMI Stand For?

WAGMI stands for We’re All Gonna Make It. It’s a famous crypto community slogan expressing optimism about cryptocurrencies’ future.

For example, during a Token Generation Event (TGE) launching a new cryptocurrency, the community might use WAGMI to convey their belief that the token will be successful and increase in value.