Representation of cryptocurrencies are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on … [+]
In the rapidly evolving world of digital assets, the words we choose to use matter—often far more than we might realize. For those new to the space, it might seem that “crypto” and “bitcoin” are interchangeable terms, but they are not. This seemingly minor distinction carries significant weight and implications for understanding the broader ecosystem of cryptographically secured assets.
What’s in a Name? In the World of Crypto Assets—A Lot
The term “crypto” has become a catch-all phrase that refers to a wide array of digital assets leveraging cryptography. As defined by Techopedia, cryptography is “the practice of developing and using techniques that prevent data from being read or tampered with by unauthorized parties.”
While bitcoin
Bitcoin
- Altcoins: Alternative cryptocurrencies launched after Bitcoin, such as Ethereum
Ethereum
Litecoin
XRP
- Stablecoins: Digital currencies pegged to a stable asset, like the US dollar, to minimize price volatility. Examples include Tether
Tether
USDC
- Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Unlike bitcoin, which is a decentralized peer-to-peer means of exchanging value and operates without central authority, CBDCs are digital versions of a country’s fiat currency issued and regulated by the central bank.
- Utility Tokens: Tokens providing access to a product or service within a blockchain ecosystem. Ethereum’s ETH, for instance, powers transactions on the Ethereum network.
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Unique digital assets representing ownership of a specific item or piece of content, often used in digital art, collectibles, and gaming.
Each of these categories of crypto assets plays a distinct role in the digital economy. Lumping them all together under the crypto umbrella without understanding their differences can lead to confusion and misinformation. And a careless slip of the tongue can really tick off bitcoin maximalists.
The Frustration of Bitcoin Maximalists
The distinction between bitcoin and other forms of crypto is not just semantic—it’s ideological. Bitcoin maximalists, or “maxis,” are staunch supporters of the original crypto asset who believe that Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that truly matters. To them, bitcoin’s decentralized nature, its capped supply of 21 million coins, and its role as “digital gold” set it apart from all other cryptocurrencies, which they often deride as protocol forks, inferior alternatives, or even fraudulent. Prominent Bitcoin maxi Jimmy Song, for example, does not mince words in making this point in his tweets.
This unwavering belief in bitcoin’s superiority can lead to frustration when newcomers or industry participants conflate bitcoin with other cryptos, or when other digital assets are discussed as if they are in the same league. For bitcoin maxis, this blurring of lines dilutes bitcoin’s distinct value proposition and can mislead those new to the space.
Speaking of Bitcoin, Or Is It bitcoin?
Bitcoin, the native cryptographically secured asset, refers to the digital currency that exists on the Bitcoin blockchain—a decentralized network. This asset, symbolized by the ticker BTC, is finite in supply, with only 21 million coins ever to be minted, making it a form of “digital gold.” It serves as a store of value, a medium of exchange, and a unit of account, with transactions recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain (notice the capitalization of the blockchain, in contrast to the lowercase “bitcoin” when referring to the currency).
On the other hand, Bitcoin, the protocol, is the underlying technology (the software code) that enables this network to function. It is a peer-to-peer network that facilitates secure, transparent, and immutable transactions without intermediaries like banks or governments. The Bitcoin protocol is open-source, meaning anyone can review, use, and contribute to its code, fostering a global ecosystem that supports financial sovereignty and decentralized innovation.
Bridging the Divide: Beyond Coin and Token Tribalism
Despite the fierce loyalty that bitcoin inspires, there is a growing recognition within the broader industry that tribalism—where different factions of the crypto community vehemently support one coin or token over others—can be counterproductive. Industry insiders and leaders increasingly advocate for a more inclusive approach, one that acknowledges bitcoin’s foundational role while also embracing the innovation and diversity of the wider crypto ecosystem.
This push for a “bigger tent” is driven by the realization that the future of digital assets depends on broad-based adoption. By focusing on what unites the community—such as the shared belief in decentralization, financial sovereignty, and the potential to disrupt traditional systems—rather than what divides it, industry leaders hope to attract “newbie-come-latelys” who may be interested in the technology but are put off by the infighting and jargon.
As the digital assets industry evolves, the “bitcoin, not crypto” debate serves as a reminder of the importance of precise language, especially for those deeply invested in bitcoin’s unique value, properties and origin story. However, as the space attracts more non-native users, professionals, and policymakers, it’s equally important to foster an environment that encourages understanding and collaboration. Striking a balance between respecting the nuances within the community and engaging a broader audience will be key to navigating the industry’s future challenges and opportunities.