1. What is NGMI?

NGMI stands for Not Gonna Make It. It’s often used as a shorthand expression to describe individuals or projects that are perceived to be on the wrong track or have little chance of success, particularly in the crypto market.
For instance, if someone invests in a DeFi project that the community views as doomed, or holds an NFT from a collection struggling to gain traction, the community might label them as NGMI. Essentially, it’s a way of saying, “That person is making a bad decision and is unlikely to succeed.”
This term is frequently used in forums, social media discussions, and within crypto communities where users voice their opinions on whether a certain project or investment has potential.
2. The Origin of NGMI

The term Not Gonna Make It didn’t originate in the crypto world. It was first popularized in online fitness communities as a way to criticize people who were seen as lacking the discipline or mindset needed to achieve their fitness goals. The phrase was often used sarcastically or humorously, and it carried an underlying tone of judgment.
Over time, NGMI spread to various online subcultures, including gaming, finance, and crypto communities, where competition, success, and achievement were central themes. In these spaces, NGMI became a way of labeling individuals who made poor choices or failed to recognize emerging opportunities.
Within the crypto community, NGMI is used to express frustration or disappointment toward individuals who refuse to embrace new technologies or opportunities. If someone hesitates to invest in profitable trends, like Layer 2 solutions or smart contracts, they may be labeled NGMI by more forward-thinking investors.
For example, if an NFT collection sees a surge in popularity and value, and someone refuses to invest or dismisses the trend, others might say, “They’re NGMI.” Similarly, if someone exits the market in fear during a dip, but prices then rebound, the crypto community might say, “Anyone who sold at the bottom is NGMI.”
3. How to Use NGMI in Crypto
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The NGMI acronym can be used to describe both individuals and behavior:
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Individuals: If someone continues investing in a struggling project or refuses to adapt to changing market conditions, they might be referred to as NGMI.
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Behavior: If someone makes a decision that’s seen as foolish or shortsighted, such as selling assets at the wrong time or missing a promising opportunity, they could also be labeled NGMI.
For example, during a downturn in the crypto market, if someone hastily sells their holdings thinking the market will never recover, but then the market surges, you might hear: “Anyone who sold at the bottom is NGMI.”
4. WAGMI: The Opposite of NGMI

For every NGMI, there is a WAGMI. This stands for We Are Going to Make It and is used to express optimism, community, and belief in future success.
WAGMI originated from the bodybuilding community, particularly associated with the late internet personality Zyzz, who became a motivational figure for many. After his passing, his followers adopted the phrase to honor him and inspire each other to keep going, no matter the challenges they faced.
In the crypto community, WAGMI conveys the belief that everyone is in it together and that, despite the ups and downs, the crypto space will ultimately succeed. It’s a rallying cry that unites those who believe in the potential of cryptocurrencies.
5. Other crypto Slang terms You Should Know

Crypto is a unique community with its own culture and communication style. Many crypto users are also part of other online subcultures like gaming, meme communities, and internet culture, where slang is a prominent feature. This overlapping culture has contributed to the rise of specific jargon in the crypto world.
In addition, slang like NGMI allows for fast and efficient communication. Crypto users often need to make quick decisions, exchange information, and stay updated on new trends. Slang, abbreviations, and acronyms help facilitate this kind of communication while also fostering a sense of exclusivity within the community.
Aside from NGMI and WAGMI, here are some other common crypto terms and slang:
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HODL: Originally a misspelling of “hold,” it encourages users to keep their crypto instead of selling, even during downturns.
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Rekt: Short for “wrecked,” it refers to significant losses in the market, often due to poor trading decisions.
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Ape In: To invest heavily in a project without much research, often out of FOMO (fear of missing out).
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LFG: Short for “Let’s F***ing Go,” an expression of excitement or anticipation.
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Mooning: Refers to the rapid rise in the price of a cryptocurrency.
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DYOR: Do Your Own Research; a reminder to conduct personal research before making an investment.
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Whale: An individual or entity that holds a large amount of cryptocurrency, often influencing market movements.
6. Conclusion
In the fast-paced, jargon-filled world of crypto, understanding terms like NGMI and WAGMI can significantly improve your ability to engage with the community. NGMI, while typically used to express skepticism, helps emphasize the importance of making informed and strategic decisions. In contrast, WAGMI embodies optimism and hope, offering support and encouragement to those who believe in the future of crypto.
By getting familiar with these terms, you’ll not only keep up with the latest trends in crypto but also gain a better understanding of the emotional and social aspects that drive this vibrant community.
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