The Problem With the Word ‘Bitcoiner'

This might be controversial. I’m not a big fan of the term 'Bitcoiner'.

Ask multiple people and you'll likely get a different answer. Someone who uses bitcoin?

Someone who values privacy or self-sovereignty? Appreciates scarce assets? Likes things that aren't easily inflated? The response will vary based on the individual's experience and journey with bitcoin.

My issue arises when it alienates outsiders. As a group, we need to be approachable and easy to talk to. Given how passionate 'bitcoiners' are, we can come off extremely strong, myself included. Go to a meetup and you're likely to hear....

• Not your coins, not your keys
• Stay humble and stack sats
• Number go up technology
• Run a node

For a newcomer, this is just as good as Latin! The jargon and new information can feel quite overwhelming. I remember an instance at a meetup where a 'boating accident' was mentioned. It's a phrase suggesting you've lost your bitcoin private keys during a boating accident.

A newcomer reacted with "Holy crap, is your boat okay? Anyone hurt!?"

Everyone laughed, except this newcomer, who was extremely confused by the group's reaction. We explained what it meant, which put him at ease. Now imagine how many interactions could turn sour if the newcomer does not ask a question or feels offended? From the outside, 'bitcoiners' can seem like a cult. A group of people discussing something the majority of the world does not understand.

That said, there are two sides to a coin. The term 'bitcoiner' has given people a community and a sense of belonging. It has been life-changing for many to build, share, and grow. It has its merits. I've personally benefited greatly from this. My issue stems from the context in which it is used. I am all for using it to capture the community, but not when it pushes others away, alienates them, or leaves them with a sour taste in their mouth.

Someone from the industry may see it as a group of people progressing adoption, while a newbie could see a community with rigid views.

Next time you use the term 'bitcoiner,' ask yourself under what context? Does the word unite us, or does it risk shutting others out?

PS. I'd argue someone can be a 'bitcoiner' without ever knowing about bitcoin's existence (an article for another day).