WAGMI & NGMI: The Rallying Cries of Web3
A guide to 'WAGMI' and 'NGMI,' two of the most powerful acronyms in the crypto lexicon that represent the community's belief in the future of Web3.
In the world of Web3, acronyms are everywhere, but few are as emotionally charged or as central to the culture as WAGMI and NGMI. These are not just slang terms; they are declarations of belief and identity within the crypto community.
WAGMI: "We're All Gonna Make It"
WAGMI is the ultimate expression of collective optimism in the crypto space. It's a rallying cry that embodies the belief that Web3 is a revolutionary technology that will bring success and financial prosperity to all of its early adopters and builders.
- When it's used: You'll see "WAGMI" tweeted during bull markets, in the Discord of a promising new project, or as a message of encouragement when the market is down.
- What it means: It's a statement of faith in the long-term success of the decentralized future. It suggests that by participating in this technological wave, everyone in the community is on a shared journey towards a better future.
NGMI: "Not Gonna Make It"
NGMI is the opposite of WAGMI. It's a term of judgment, often used dismissively to describe someone who doesn't understand the fundamental principles of Web3, makes a poor decision, or exhibits a "Web2" mindset.
- When it's used:
- When someone sells their crypto at the bottom of a market crash out of panic ("Paper-handed and sold all their ETH. NGMI.").
- When a company tries to enter the space with a project that is overly centralized or doesn't understand the culture.
- When someone dismisses crypto as a fad without doing their research.
- What it means: It's a blunt way of saying, "You don't get it." It implies that the person or entity is on the wrong side of history and will miss out on the opportunities that Web3 presents.
Together, WAGMI and NGMI form a cultural binary, separating the "in-group" of believers from the "out-group" of skeptics. While they can sometimes be used in a gatekeeping way, at their core, they represent the powerful sense of shared belief and conviction that drives the Web3 community forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does WAGMI mean in crypto?
WAGMI stands for "We're All Gonna Make It." It's an optimistic rallying cry used to express a shared belief in the long-term success of Web3 and its community.
2. What does NGMI mean?
NGMI stands for "Not Gonna Make It." It's a term used to dismiss someone who makes a poor decision, shows a lack of understanding of crypto principles, or is overly skeptical about the space.
3. Where did these terms come from?
These terms originated in the online fitness and self-improvement communities, particularly on forums like 4chan, and were later adopted by the crypto community.
4. How are WAGMI and NGMI used?
They are used to quickly express a sense of community solidarity (WAGMI) or to pass judgment (NGMI). For example, "That project has a great team and a real use case, WAGMI." Or, "He sold all his Bitcoin because of a small dip? NGMI." You can learn more in our guide to Web3 slang.
5. What does it mean to have "paper hands"?
Having "paper hands" is a classic NGMI behavior. It refers to someone who panics and sells their assets at the first sign of a price drop, lacking the conviction to HODL for the long term.
