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Glossary Term

Paper Hands

"Paper hands" is a crypto slang used to describe someone who quickly sells their assets at the first sign of price drops or volatility, often missing out on potential long-term gains. In the Solana community, the term is mostly used to highlight the lack of resolve to hold onto positions during market swings.

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Crypto Terminology

Paper Hands: what is it?

Paper hands refers to a trader or investor who lacks the willingness or emotional fortitude to hold onto their crypto assets during times of volatility or downward price movements. Instead of waiting out the fluctuations or believing in the long-term potential, a person with "paper hands" tends to panic-sell, often at a loss or before a significant price rebound.

In trading culture, especially on Solana, the term is typically used jokingly or critically in social media channels, trading discords, or forums. It’s the opposite of “diamond hands,” which describes those who steadfastly hold their investments regardless of market turmoil. Paper hands behavior is seen as a sign of impatience or fear, and while it can prevent deeper losses during downturns, it often leads to regrets if prices recover soon after selling.

How It Works

  • An investor buys SOL, a meme coin, or NFTs but sells quickly if prices start to dip, fearing further losses.

  • Rather than holding through volatility (HODL), they convert assets to stablecoins or fiat at each dip.

  • The community may refer to such a trader as having "paper hands," implying a lack of strong conviction or risk tolerance.

🔑 Key points

  • “Paper hands” means selling quickly at the first sign of trouble.

  • Associated with impatience, fear, and missed "moon" opportunities.

  • Opposed to “diamond hands”—who endure volatility for potential big gains.

  • Common meme and social dynamic in Solana trading and NFT communities.

  • Can fuel sharp downturns if panic selling becomes widespread.

Examples

  • 1

    Selling SOL or a meme coin after a small dip, only to watch it recover and pump later.

  • 2

    Letting go of NFTs below mint price due to FUD or market swings.

Common Use Cases

Jokingly labeling friends who panic during portfolio downturns.
NFT community memes about holders vs. sellers during a bear market.
Emotional trading responses to FUD, news, or whale movements.

Pro Tips

💡

Communities often appreciate “diamond hands,” but everyone should assess their own risk tolerance honestly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “paper hands” just a meme?
While often used for humor, the phrase genuinely reflects a trader’s risk tolerance and response to market fear.
Is having paper hands always bad?
Not necessarily—saving capital before a big crash is sometimes smart, but emotional, panic-driven selling often leads to missed profits.
What’s the opposite of paper hands?
“Diamond hands”—someone who holds tightly through market peaks and dips, confident in long-term potential.