Can you short without buying?

I'm curious, can one engage in short selling without actually purchasing the asset first? In traditional finance, short selling typically involves borrowing shares and then selling them with the intention of buying them back at a lower price. But in the world of cryptocurrency and digital assets, does this same principle apply? Are there any unique mechanisms or platforms that allow for shorting without an initial purchase? And if so, what are the risks and considerations one should keep in mind when pursuing this strategy?