In a recent talk, nostr:npub1s33sw6y2p8kpz2t8avz5feu2n6yvfr6swykrnm2frletd7spnt5qew252p makes the case correctly that we should stop using the term “custodial,” as this is the language that helps the legacy system define self-custody or their term “unhosted” to suggest that owing your own property is somehow not normal or acceptable.
He goes on to say that we should simply call anything where we don’t hold our own keys an account, the same as a bank. But what should we call a “wallet” (also an inaccurate word) where we directly own the asset? I still haven’t found the best way to say it.
I totally agree with this.
The lingo we use in the Bitcoin space was a lazy attempt to make things familiar. It worked so far, but we all know it’s not accurate.
Language is very very important, and it will define and shape how Bitcoin grows.
I really hope we as a community can find better language to explain things to the next billion bitcoiners.
I dislike the term “sovereign” because it’s become too politicized. It may work for a small number of people already versed in what it means to hold your own keys, but to outsiders, it sounds like a bunch of whack-job preppers who live in an off-the-grid compound. That’s not going to go over well in the normie world.
