What does 'real world' mean in the context of cryptocurrency?

In cryptocurrency, 'real world' or 'real-world adoption' refers to crypto being used for actual transactions and purposes outside of speculation or trading. Examples include paying for goods at merchants who accept Bitcoin, using stablecoins for international remittances, or DeFi protocols lending real assets. It contrasts with purely speculative trading where people buy crypto hoping the price increases. Real-world adoption is considered important for cryptocurrency's long-term viability because it creates genuine demand and utility. When projects focus on real-world use cases, they're targeting practical applications rather than just financial gains, which many believe provides more sustainable value than hype-driven price movements.