If you’ve come across the abbreviation OG on the internet, you might wonder what it means.
There are several definitions of OG that people apply to the abbreviation, but it’s mostly known as a slang term which stands for “original gangster.”
In this article, we’ll explore the definition of OG, what it means in different contexts, and share some examples of how you can use OG in your writing.
OG Definition
The most popular definition of OG is “original gangster,” which has gang origins. It refers to someone who had been in a gang for a long time. While most people using OG today are not referring to actual gangsters, the OG abbreviation meaning has stuck.
Some people claim OG became popular in the 1970s when it was used by the Crips street gang in gang culture. In the 1990s, rapper Ice-T released a song called O.G. Original Gangster, which further solidified the definition of OG in commercialized rap music.
Sometimes OG appears as “triple OG” or “real OG” and these typically reference someone who has become very successful in life but remains connected to their background or roots.
Merriam-Webster offers a slightly different OG meaning, which is that it refers to something that is the “original” or someone who originated something. For example, Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the surface of the moon, so we could refer to him as the original moonwalker or OG moonwalker.
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What Does OG Mean?
Now you know the main definitions of OG, it’s important to look at context because context plays a big part in figuring out what OG means.
OG Meaning in Text
When you see the OG abbreviation in text, there are several meanings the writer could refer to. You’ll need to check the context to determine if it’s a complimentary, positive comment about someone or something original. If so, it’s likely to mean “original” or “original gangster.”
Here are some alternative meanings for OG:
Officer of the guard: A British military phrase for an officer who oversees the guards in a post or station while acting under the officer of the day.
Own goal: If a soccer player scores a goal in their team’s net, it’s called an own goal, and the point is awarded to the opposing team.
OG kush/OG kush seeds: a strain of marijuana that originated in southern California.
OG Meaning on Social Media
On social media, such as TikTok or Instagram, you might see OG in videos and captions or even in the comments section. The abbreviation has become very popular with social media users when complimenting each other for their skills and originality.
What Does OG Mean in Gaming?
In gaming chats, players might call each other the OG of the game or match. For the context of gaming, you’ll find it’s a similar situation as social media—they’re most likely calling the other player an “original gangster.”
As it’s a complimentary slang word, players use it to show respect and to suggest they’re impressed by the person they’re calling an OG. If you’re called an OG in a game, it’s probably a good thing.
Examples of How to Use the OG Abbreviation
Now you know the definitions and meanings of OG, you can use it in your own writing and interactions with people. However, if you’re still not sure about how to use OG in a sentence, we’ve got a few examples for you.
John’s an OG violinist. You should hear him play!
We still see Michael Jackson as the OG king of pop.
Hey man, that was an amazing game. You’re a real OG sniper.
In most cases, you can use OG to show respect to a person who is innovative or to commend someone for working on something so extensively that they are seen as the originator.
