How to Explain Bitcoin (BTC) to a know-it-all in 5 Steps (and Not Fail Miserably)

Surely you’ve been at a lunch or dinner when, just as you’re leaving, your brother-in-law says: “Hey! Explain this Bitcoin thing to me, maybe I’ll throw in a few bucks.” At that moment, you wish you’d stayed home sick, but now you’re stuck. You have to explain it, and today we’ll show you how to do it without losing your mind.

We’ll follow 5 simple, entertaining, and educational steps that will save your life—especially when facing skeptical uncles who say, “Banks are better because money is real!” Today, we’ll skip the technical jargon we crypto nerds love and stick to the basics.

Why Is It So Hard to Explain Bitcoin?

For those born after 2000, talking about the internet, blockchain, or cryptography is normal (with some exceptions). But for the generation of uncles, parents, or grandparents—those from the last century—it’s like discussing quantum physics over a barbecue.

The topic is complicated enough, but add technical jargon, and it’s more than enough for your brother-in-law to stick with his traditional bank. These folks need to understand the basics. Most are torn between thinking “Bitcoin is a pyramid scam” or “Bitcoin is real money that could change your life.”

Distrust of “the new”

This isn’t just about older generations—it’s human nature to fear the unknown. It’s easier (from ignorance) to trust the crumpled bill your uncle got at Bingo than something you can’t see or touch. Skepticism is normal, don’t hold it against him. We all went through a phase where digital money seemed like science fiction—until you use it, and there’s no going back.

The key: translate complex ideas into everyday language

The best way to convince your brother-in-law is with examples, humor, and analogies. If you can relate Bitcoin to something he already knows, like gold or his own money, you’ve won half the battle. Tell him it’s like a Spanish omelet: you can have the basic, bland one (FIAT), or you can add onion and make it perfect. If he prefers it without onion, he needs lessons too. Let’s get to those steps that will pull him out of ignorance.

Step 1 – Bitcoin Is Digital Money, but Without Banks

Why did Bitcoin emerge?

Start at the beginning. He’ll surely remember the 2008 crisis. Tell him how, after that, people wondered: what if there was money that didn’t depend on banks or governments? What if you didn’t have to hide bills in grandma’s mattress? That’s how Bitcoin was born—as a solution for everyone, not just for online games.

The idea of Satoshi Nakamoto

Talk about Satoshi Nakamoto. Explain that no one knows who he is, but he proposed a system where anyone can send money online, without permission and without absurd bank fees.

Comparison with traditional money

As mentioned, it’s easier to understand something if you relate it to what you already know. Show him this comparison table:

Step 2 – It Works Thanks to a Network of People, Not a Company

One of the main questions from people who don’t get Bitcoin is how a system works with no boss, company, or off switch. Make it clear that it all works thanks to a network of thousands of computers worldwide, all equal.

Why can’t it be turned off?

Answer the common blockchain questions, like why Bitcoin can’t be turned off. Explain that to “turn off” Bitcoin, you’d have to disconnect the internet worldwide. As long as one computer is connected, Bitcoin keeps running.

Each network participant keeps a copy of the transaction history, so if one fails, the rest still have all the info needed to continue. But you can just say there will always be someone keeping the network running—he’ll get it.

The power of decentralization

If you’re explaining how Bitcoin works, you can’t skip decentralization. A great example is Wikipedia: it’s not a central office; anyone can contribute info from anywhere, and it’s public for all. Obviously, Wikipedia isn’t Bitcoin, but it’s enough for your brother-in-law to grasp the concept.

Step 3 – There Will Only Ever Be 21 Million Bitcoins

We all know Bitcoin is limited to 21 million units and there will never be more—everyone except your brother-in-law. It’s a key feature, so you have to explain it.

What does scarcity mean?

Traditional money can be printed endlessly; that’s what banks and governments do, hence inflation. But Bitcoin is as scarce as an honest politician.

There’s a cap: 21 million, and that’s it, which reduces inflation and ensures there will never be more. (Actually, there could be less if people lose their private keys, but let’s keep it simple.)

Comparison with gold and inflation

Back to comparisons with things older generations know—what’s older than gold? It’s the perfect example. Compare gold, fiat, and Bitcoin:

• Gold: Scarce, valuable, and hard to get.

• FIAT: Can be printed as much as the central bank wants—pure inflation.

• Bitcoin: Digital, but scarce like gold, and can’t be manufactured.

Why does this make it valuable?

What’s scarce is worth more—simple as that. Money loses value every day, which is why prices go up, people buy gold, and smart folks buy Bitcoin. That’s why many call Bitcoin “digital gold.”

Step 4 – You Can Own It Without Depending on Anyone

Another key aspect: custody. Know anyone whose paycheck got seized by the bank or for taxes? Your brother-in-law surely does. Use that example.

Self-custody and wallets: having your keys = having your money

With Bitcoin, BBVA goes out the window and wonders like the Bitnovo wallet appear, where you hold your private keys and become your own bank. If you have your private key, only you can access your wallet. Goodbye banks, goodbye seizures.

What if you lose your phone? (reassuring answers)

If your brother-in-law gets Bitcoin and opens a wallet, it’s crucial he saves a backup of his private key—a 12-word phrase to restore his wallet on any device. If he loses his phone, that backup saves his bitcoins.

How Bitnovo makes it easy to own your BTC

What kind of brother-in-law would you be if you didn’t recommend a safe, user-friendly place to store bitcoins? Tell him about apps and services like Bitnovo that make buying and selling crypto as easy as sending a WhatsApp. Bitnovo stands out for offering a non-custodial service, so your brother-in-law will feel his money is in good hands (his own).

Step 5 – You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Use It

Real use cases today

We’re close to seeing Pepe at the bar charging for coffee in BTC. It’s becoming the new normal because you can use it like euros or dollars in stores or online. Your brother-in-law could send money to family in Zaragoza or Italy in minutes, without paying the bank’s €4 instant transfer fee.

It also serves as a long-term store of value, like gold or olive oil last year. It helps protect against inflation, though it’s a bit volatile (wink), but in the long run, it protects you.

How to buy, send, and store Bitcoin easily

You don’t need a master’s degree to buy and store Bitcoin—it’ll take less time than today’s crossword. If he’s understood everything so far, this is a piece of cake. Grab a phone, wifi, and the Bitnovo app. Here’s the easiest step-by-step guide he’ll find.

The Future: More People Using It Without Knowing It’s Bitcoin

No one knows how wifi works, no one sees or touches it, but everyone uses it daily. That’s what’s coming with Bitcoin. It’s becoming part of daily life, without needing to be a tech nerd.

What if your brother-in-law still doesn’t get it?

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your brother-in-law still thinks Bitcoin doesn’t exist or tunes out, you have two options: tell him to ask Iker Jiménez and forget about it, or take a deep breath and use some key phrases. Say something that sticks, like:

“The important thing about Bitcoin is that, for the first time, you can own your money, without banks or governments. They can’t steal it like we stole gold in America.” (He’ll remember.)

Or use analogies like:

• “Bitcoin is like gold, but digital.”

• “Sending BTC is like sending a money email.”

• “Having BTC is like owning one of those unique €2 coins no one can copy.”

Bonus

If he still doesn’t get it, send him this article on WhatsApp, or try a short video—max two minutes, or he’ll get bored and stop watching.

Have you survived this family gathering? Clear as day. We hope this article helps with your brother-in-law or any relative who swears Bitcoin is a myth. Good luck!