All terms
All termsAddressBlockBlock timeBlockchainConfirmationGasGweiHashMempoolNodePrivate keyPublic keySeed phraseTransactionWalletAll time high (ATH)Bear marketBull marketCandlestickCapitulationChart patternsDollar cost averaging (DCA)Funding rateLeverageLimit orderLiquidationLiquidityMarket capMarket orderOrder bookPosition sizingRisk managementSlippageSpreadSupport and resistanceTrendVolatilityVolumeWhaleAMMBridgeCEXDAODeFiDepegDEXFlash loanGovernance tokenImpermanent lossLiquidity poolLP tokenOraclePerpetual (perp)RestakingRWAStablecoinTVLWrapped tokenYield farmingAirdropAlphaApe inBagholderDegenDiamond handsFloor priceFOMOFUDGMHODLMaxiMeme coinMoonNFTNGMINormiePaper handsPFPRektShillSnapshotWAGMIAddress poisoningCold storageCustodyDue diligence (DYOR)Dusting attackExit scamFront runningHardware walletHoneypotHot walletMEVMultisigPhishingPump and dumpRug pullSandwich attackSelf custodySIM swapToken approvalTwo factor authenticationWallet drainerWash tradingAccount abstractionAppchainBlock explorerCirculating and total supplyConsensusData availabilityEVMFaucetFinalityForkFully diluted valuation (FDV)Gas warHalvingLayer 1Layer 2Layer 3MainnetMiningName serviceOptimistic rollupProof of stakeProof of workRollupShardingSidechainSlashingSmart contractStakingTestnetToken standardTokenomicsValidatorZero knowledge proofZK rollupArweave and the permawebComposabilityCross chain messagingdAppDecentralized identity (DID)DePINGameFi and play to earnIndexerInteroperabilityIPFSOnchain and offchainSession keysSmart accountSocialFiSoulbound tokenSybil resistanceToken gatingWeb2 vs Web3Web3
Definition
Who actually controls the keys to an asset.
Custodial means someone else holds your keys, usually an exchange. Non custodial or self custody means you hold them.
The distinction decides what happens when the platform fails, freezes withdrawals, or is compelled by a court. If you do not hold the keys, you hold a claim rather than the asset.
In practice
Funds on an exchange are an IOU. Funds in your own wallet are yours in a way an IOU never is.
Where to go next
Self custodyHolding your own keys, with everything that follows from that.CEXA centralized exchange, where a company holds your funds and matches trades.Cold storageKeys kept on a device that never connects to the internet.Exit scamOperating normally to build trust, then disappearing with everything.
More security terms
Address poisoningCold storageDue diligence (DYOR)Dusting attackExit scamFront runningHardware walletHoneypotHot walletMEVMultisigPhishing
Want this explained out loud?
Some of these land faster in conversation than in writing. Sessions are one to one and you can ask anything, including the things that feel too obvious to ask.