Holding hard: The meaning of ‘diamond hands’ in crypto explained

Reddit may not be the most reliable source for financial advice, but its influence in the internet age is undeniable, especially through subreddits like r/WallStreetBets. These forums are hotspots for digital-native traders to share strategies, techniques, and snapshots of their gains and losses. They’ve also popularized unique terms that reflect their trading styles and community identity.

One such term is "diamond hands," which emerged in Reddit’s trading circles during the late 2010s or early 2020s. Initially used by stock traders, it quickly gained traction in the crypto community and became a social media buzzword. 

But what exactly is the meaning of diamond hands, and is it a smart approach for navigating the markets?

What is the meaning of diamond hands?

When investors claim to have "diamond hands," they're referring to their dedication to holding onto their assets, regardless of market volatility. The "diamond" metaphor represents both their firm grip and belief in long-term gains that shine like glittering riches. The phrase reflects a mindset of patience and confidence, and much like the formation of a diamond, this commitment solidifies under intense market pressure.

Diamond-handed investors often focus on highly volatile assets like meme stocks or cryptocurrencies with substantial risk-to-reward potential. Even in the face of severe downturns, they remain undeterred. In extreme cases, some refuse to sell their holdings, even as the value of their portfolios dwindles toward zero.

Paper hands vs. diamond hands

In contrast to the steadfast approach of diamond hands, the term "paper hands" emerged to describe a more risk-averse and reactive trading mindset. Sometimes humorously referred to as "lettuce hands," paper-hands traders are often seen as the emotional counterpart to diamond hands crypto traders. 

Unlike those with diamond hands, paper-hands traders lack long-term conviction in the assets they purchase. Instead, they focus on chasing short-term momentum, frequently entering and exiting the market based on the latest trends. At the first sign of bad news or a sudden price drop, a paper-hands trader is likely to sell quickly, driven by the fear of deeper losses. Rather than weathering market volatility and waiting for potential recovery, these traders prioritize cutting their losses to minimize risk.

Is diamond hands the same as HODL in crypto?

The HODL strategy and diamond hands investing share notable similarities in the cryptocurrency world. The term "HODL" traces its origins to a 2013 Bitcointalk post where a user accidentally typed "HODL" instead of "hold" while advocating for a simple "buy-and-hold" Bitcoin (BTC) strategy. Over time, the typo became a rallying cry among crypto enthusiasts, evolving into an acronym for "Hold on for Dear Life." Although HODL and diamond hands emerged from different online communities, both reflect a commitment to long-term investing, high risk tolerance, and unwavering confidence in digital assets.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, HODL emphasizes the buy-and-hold technique, whereas diamond hands highlight an unyielding mindset toward holding assets under any circumstances. For instance, a HODLer without strong diamond hands might consider selling after a few years to secure profits or avoid prolonged exposure in a bear market. On the other hand, a diamond hands HODLer takes an even more steadfast approach, refusing to sell even during downturns and often buying more cryptocurrencies they believe in when prices dip.

Pros and cons of diamond hands in crypto 

While the diamond hands strategy has its strengths, it's not without its drawbacks. The unwavering commitment that defines this mindset can sometimes obscure extreme risks, even as it promotes mental resilience and patience.

Pros of diamond hands investing

• Mental fortitude: Diamond hands help investors navigate extreme price volatility with a long-term perspective. By focusing on their conviction in chosen cryptocurrencies, investors are less likely to make emotion-driven decisions during downturns.
• Potential for high returns: Early investments in promising crypto projects, coupled with patience, can lead to substantial gains. The diamond hands approach encourages holding assets through market turbulence to avoid selling prematurely at unfavorable prices.
• Simple to implement: The diamond hands strategy is straightforward, even for those new to crypto. Like the HODL approach, it requires buying cryptocurrencies with strong conviction and waiting for long-term growth. 
• Tax efficiency: In many countries, long-term holders benefit from lower tax rates than short-term traders. Holding cryptocurrencies for over a year can often qualify for reduced long-term capital gains taxes, potentially minimizing tax obligations for diamond hands investors. 

Cons of diamond hands investing 

• Lack of risk management: Diamond hands can lead to ignoring significant losses, particularly in speculative coins. Without safeguards like stop-loss orders or hedging strategies, investors may face irrecoverable losses or miss opportunities to exit profitably.  
• Opportunity cost: Clinging to underperforming tokens ties up capital that could be reinvested elsewhere. Missing out on better-performing projects or market opportunities can limit overall profitability.
• Emotional toll: Despite its focus on resilience, the diamond hands mindset can be emotionally draining. Watching investments decline in value can create significant psychological stress, especially when real money is at stake.   
• Misses tax-loss harvesting opportunities: Selling underperforming assets strategically can offset taxable gains and reduce a trader’s tax burden. Diamond hands investors forgo this advantage by holding onto losing positions indefinitely.

Who should use the diamond hands strategy? 

The diamond hands mentality has gained popularity among traders, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. This strategy can be particularly risky when applied to newer or smaller cryptocurrency projects that lack transparency around key factors like utility or developer credibility.

By contrast, diamond hands investing is more viable with established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). These assets have significant market influence, larger followings, and comparatively lower volatility, making long-term holding a more favorable strategy. While no investment is guaranteed to succeed, BTC-focused diamond hands have a stronger foundation due to the prominent role of these cryptocurrencies in the digital asset ecosystem.

Identifying with the diamond hands movement can help investors resist panic selling during short-term market downturns. However, it’s important to tailor investment strategies to individual goals and risk tolerance. Rather than fully committing to the diamond hands approach, investors should consider incorporating risk management techniques and thoughtful portfolio allocation. A more nuanced trading strategy allows for greater flexibility and confidence, no matter how the market evolves.

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Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.