Fud Definition & Meaning in Crypto

By Nicholas Rossolillo – Updated Apr 9, 2025 at 12:39 PM

Key Points

FUD stands for fear, uncertainty, and doubt, often affecting crypto investment sentiment.
Crypto investments face significant volatility and can lead to steep value downturns.
Despite FUD, diversifying in blockchain and crypto-related stocks is recommended.

In the wake of the cryptocurrency industry’s early success at gaining traction among investors and traders, new terminology has popped up among its fan base. “FUD” is one of them. Here’s what it means, why it’s used, and how it relates to investing in the world of crypto.

Person looking stressed while using a laptop. — Source: Getty images

FUD definition and meaning

FUD is an acronym for “fear, uncertainty, and doubt.” It is used to describe the pessimism some market participants have about cryptocurrencies and their long-term viability.

Some crypto investors will use the term FUD when a vocal investor is particularly negative about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. For example, the best-known U.S. investor, Warren Buffett, is on record saying he has no interest in owning Bitcoin (BTC -0.94%) because it isn’t tangible and “doesn’t produce anything.” Some investors also point out the massive amounts of electricity that Bitcoin uses as a reason for steering clear.

A crypto investor might describe such comments as “FUD” and instead urge fellow crypto owners to maintain a positive mindset. Instead of FUD, long-term crypto investors are encouraged to “HODL” -- originally a misspelling of “hold” but another acronym that now means “hold on for dear life.”

Related Fintech Topics

9 Blockchain Stocks to Invest In

Here's a brief overview of blockchain technology, followed by some blockchain stocks -- and one important principle blockchain investors should keep in mind.

Investing in Cryptocurrency Stocks

Cryptocurrencies have quickly become a hot investment that is gaining mainstream adoption.

What Are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)?

Cryptocurrencies have been skyrocketing in recent years, but these digital assets have more to them than just rampant speculation.

Loading paragraph...

About the Author

Nicholas’ investing experience began when he opened up a retirement account shortly after finishing high school. His work experience in financial services began in 2007 in an internship position with a national brokerage firm in Arizona. While his career path led him into civil engineering and related fields, he stayed personally involved and active in the investment realm. He eventually returned to a career in investments and financial services in 2012, running a branch office for the same national brokerage firm, this time just outside of Spokane, WA. During the Great Recession, he began developing a flexible and global investing approach that could evolve with a tumultuous and ever-changing world. Wanting to offer that approach to investment management to his clients paired with a financial planning and consulting business, he founded Concinnus Financial in 2014. Nicholas grew up in a small town on the Northern California coast just a few minutes from the Oregon border. Growing up in a rainy, quiet little town, he developed a love of music and can play several instruments. He now lives with his wife Kasey and their two Humane Society-rescued dogs. Together they enjoy the outdoors all four seasons of the year, cooking, and craft beer and wine.

TMFnrossolillo

@nrossolillo

Nicholas Rossolillo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.