zsebbl

Zsebbl is a fictional unit of currency and a social concept used in speculative fiction, science fiction, and tabletop role-playing games. In these works, the zsebbl functions as a common medium of exchange in urban economies that blend digital ledger technology with tangible scarcity.

Origin and name: The term appears in multiple late-21st-century narratives, with the exact origin varying by work. Most authors describe zsebbls as arising in megacities where automation increased the cost of living and trust in centralized banks eroded. The name itself is typically presented as belonging to a synthetic or hybrid language created for world-building.

Specification and form: A zsebbl is subdivided into 100 subzebbs. Standard denominations include coins and digital credits, with physical coins described as containing holographic emblems. In many settings, the currency is primarily digital, traded via smartphone wallets or neural interfaces, and prices are presented in decimal notation.

Economy and use: Zsebbls are used in everyday transactions—from street markets to intercity commerce. Exchange rates are often depicted as volatile, influenced by governance rules, local currencies, and energy or commodity links. Some economies implement local variants tied to a particular resource, while others rely on fully decentralized, trustless ledgers.

Social and cultural aspects: The zsebbl frequently serves to illustrate themes of inequality, decentralization, and the social effects of digital money. Authors and game designers use it to explore trust, surveillance, and the way currency shapes everyday life in speculative environments.

Reception and influence: In scholarship and hobbyist circles, zsebbl is cited as an example of how fictional currencies can reflect real-world economic concerns and inform world-building in games and fiction.