Bitcoin, the pioneer of cryptocurrencies, is known by many names around the world. While its official name carries technical significance—“bit” as in digital data and “coin” as currency—it’s the informal, community-driven nickname that has captured the imagination of Chinese crypto enthusiasts: “Big Pie” (大饼). But why is a digital asset worth billions referred to as a humble pie? The answer lies in one of the most legendary moments in cryptocurrency history.
The Birth of a Legend: Bitcoin Pizza Day
On May 18, 2010, a seemingly ordinary day in internet history, something extraordinary happened. A Florida-based programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz posted on the BitcoinTalk forum with an unusual request: he wanted to trade 10,000 BTC for two large pizzas.
At the time, Bitcoin had no real-world value. Mining was done casually on home computers, and the idea of using it for everyday purchases was more experimental than practical. Laszlo, eager to test this new digital currency, offered up 10,000 bitcoins—mined from his personal computer—for something tangible: two Papa John’s-style pizzas.
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A fellow forum user accepted the offer, bought the pizzas with traditional money, and Laszlo received his meal. He shared a photo of the delivery with a caption that read: “I love Bitcoin!” Little did he know, this simple transaction would become a cornerstone of crypto folklore.
Today, that single meal is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on Bitcoin’s current market price. At its peak, those two pizzas were worth over $600 million USD—a staggering testament to how far digital assets have come.
Why “Big Pie”? Connecting Food and Finance
So how did “Bitcoin” become “Big Pie” in Chinese crypto slang?
The term “大饼” (dà bǐng), literally meaning “big pancake” or “large flatbread,” was initially used humorously by Chinese-speaking communities to reference Laszlo’s infamous pizza purchase. Over time, the phrase evolved beyond just a joke—it became a cultural metaphor.
In Chinese internet culture, playful nicknames are common, especially when discussing complex or abstract topics. Calling Bitcoin “大饼” made it more relatable, less intimidating, and full of irony. After all, something now worth billions started with someone trading thousands of coins for dinner.
The nickname stuck. Traders on WeChat groups, forums, and social media began referring to their Bitcoin holdings as “my pie” or “growing my pie.” Even price rallies were described as “the pie getting bigger.”
This blend of humor and historical reverence turned “Big Pie” into more than just a meme—it became a symbol of Bitcoin’s journey from obscurity to global prominence.
From Joke to Cultural Phenomenon
What makes the “Big Pie” story so powerful isn’t just the absurdity of spending millions on pizza—it’s what it represents.
- It marks the first real-world use of Bitcoin as currency.
- It highlights the unpredictable nature of innovation—no one could foresee Bitcoin’s rise in 2010.
- And it reminds us that value is subjective—to Laszlo, those 10,000 BTC were worth two meals; today, they’d make him a billionaire many times over.
Yet, contrary to popular myth, Laszlo doesn’t regret his decision. In interviews, he’s stated that he viewed it as an experiment and was happy to see Bitcoin being used as intended: as money.
Moreover, he continued mining Bitcoin during its early years and still holds a significant amount. So while he may have spent a small fortune on dinner, he also laid the foundation for long-term wealth.
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Core Keywords in Context
To better understand the lasting impact of this story, consider these core keywords that define its relevance:
- Bitcoin: The original cryptocurrency, decentralized and revolutionary.
- Big Pie (大饼): A colloquial Chinese nickname rooted in community culture.
- Bitcoin Pizza Day: Celebrated annually on May 18th by crypto enthusiasts.
- Laszlo Hanyecz: The programmer behind the first real-world Bitcoin transaction.
- Cryptocurrency adoption: How experimental uses led to mainstream interest.
- Digital asset value: The dramatic appreciation of early-held Bitcoin.
- Blockchain history: Key milestones that shaped today’s decentralized economy.
These terms naturally emerge when discussing Bitcoin’s evolution—and they reflect what users are actively searching for online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is “Big Pie” an official name for Bitcoin?
A: No, “Big Pie” is an informal nickname used primarily in Chinese-speaking crypto communities. It’s not an official term but widely recognized in forums and social media.
Q: When is Bitcoin Pizza Day celebrated?
A: May 18th marks the anniversary of Laszlo’s pizza purchase in 2010. It’s unofficially celebrated by crypto fans worldwide with memes, giveaways, and pizza-themed events.
Q: Did Laszlo Hanyecz lose money on the pizza deal?
A: By today’s standards, yes—he spent what would now be hundreds of millions of dollars on two pizzas. However, he has stated he doesn’t regret it, as it proved Bitcoin could be used for real transactions.
Q: Can I still buy things with Bitcoin like Laszlo did?
A: Absolutely. While most people don’t spend large amounts directly anymore, thousands of merchants—from online retailers to coffee shops—accept Bitcoin through payment processors.
Q: Why do Chinese crypto users call Bitcoin “Big Pie”?
A: The term originated as a humorous reference to the 2010 pizza purchase. Over time, it evolved into a cultural shorthand symbolizing both the asset and its community roots.
Q: How much was 10,000 BTC worth when Laszlo bought the pizzas?
A: At the time, Bitcoin had no established market value. Most considered it nearly worthless. The transaction effectively set one of the first real-world exchange rates for BTC.
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A Legacy Written in Crust and Code
The story of the “Big Pie” is more than a cautionary tale about spending crypto too early—it’s a celebration of innovation, community, and unexpected outcomes.
It shows how a single act of curiosity can ripple through history. That photo of two delivered pizzas isn’t just a meme; it’s a monument to the birth of a financial revolution.
And every time someone refers to Bitcoin as “大饼,” they’re not just using slang—they’re honoring a moment when digital money stepped into the real world for the very first time.
So next time you hear someone talk about their “pie,” remember: behind that simple word is a story of vision, humor, and one of the most expensive meals in human history.
May we all have our own piece of the pie—and may it keep growing.