What Does "OG" Mean, and How Do You Use it? (2024)

Quick Links

  • Original Gangster

  • The History of OG and Original Gangsters

  • What Is an OG?

  • How to Use OG

Has someone done you the honor of calling you an OG? It's a sign of respect. We'll explain what an OG is and how to use this slang term to refer to someone you admire.

Original Gangster

Taken literally, OG stands for "original gangster." If that doesn't seem to line up with the places you've seen this acronym in, don't worry. While the literal definition might appear different, the abbreviation "OG" has taken on a life of its own in the past few decades -- from its origins in the 70s to the present-day on the internet. You can write it in both the uppercase "OG" and the lowercase "og."

While its definition has changed slightly through the years, at its core, calling someone an OG is an expression of deep respect or admiration for someone. It can refer to someone trailblazing or innovative, such as an artist who popularized a musical trend or a fashion style. This is the closest to the term's initial definition of being "original" or "first" at something.

OG can also mean "exceptional" or the best in a particular field. In this use case, OG is synonymous with GOAT, or "greatest of all time." You might say "Tiger Woods is an OG" to refer to his excellence in the field of golf, for example. You can also use OG to refer to friends or personal relationships, particularly people who have stayed authentic with you over a long period. For example, you would call friends who've been by your side since childhood to be OGs.

Related: What Does "GOAT" Mean, and How Do You Use It?

The History of OG and Original Gangsters

OG and "original gangster" come from African-American Vernacular Englishor AAVE. The phrase was coined in the 1970s by the Los Angeles-based Crips gang whose members self-identified as the OGs, or the first gangsters to emerge. Later on, they would use this term to refer to people who have been deeply committed to the gang for a long time. Younger members would often call older members OGs.

The term entered mainstream consciousness through hip-hop, which incorporated a lot of words and ideas from gang culture. You can find it in rap lyrics throughout the 80s and 90s, most notably an Ice-T song named "O.G. Original Gangster," which made its way onto the Billboard charts.

Related: Why Is TikTok So Popular? Why the Social Network Is Unique

Eventually, it arrived on the internet. While the first Urban Dictionary entry is from 2004, OG has exploded in popularity in the late 2010s with the rise of platforms like Twitter and TikTok. As a result, you'll often find memes saying things like, "Only OGs will know this," referring to an inside joke that only people with a specific set of experiences will understand.

What Is an OG?

Like many terms, the exact meaning of OG can vary drastically based on the context, especially since it's had so many definitions throughout the years.

The most basic way to use OG is a shorthand for "original." For example, you might say, "Adam West is the OG Batman," in reference to the fact that he's the first one to play a live-action Batman in a filmed show. This usage is widespread, so much so that you'll find many people who use it without actually knowing what it stands for.

As stated earlier, an OG is also authentic, exceptional, or admirable. Young people often call older people, like their grandparents, OGs. You'll also see this for historical figures, artists, sports legends, and anyone who deserves admiration. So if someone refers to you as an OG, you should take it as a huge compliment.

Related: How to Disable Auto-Correct on iPhone and iPad

You should also take note that the letter "G" is right next to "H" and "F," which is why OG is commonly autocorrected to "oh" and "of." So if you see an "OG" that doesn't seem to make any sense at all, it might be one of those other words. Alternatively, some keyboards autocorrect the lowercase "og" into "of" or "oh," so make sure to check your message before sending it out.

How to Use OG

Using OG is pretty simple. Use it to refer to people who you feel are original, authentic, or exceptional. Depending on the context, you can also call someone "my OG," which means you have a special relationship with them.

Here are a few examples of OG in action:

  • "Prince was the og performer."
  • "My grandpa has been through some crazy stuff. He's an OG."
  • "You're my OG. Through thick and thin, you've been there for me."
  • "Christopher Reeve is the OG Superman to me."

Do you want to learn about other internet acronyms? Check our explanations on TBF, IRL, and WBK to expand your online slang vocabulary even further.

Related: What Does "WBK" Mean, and How Do You Use It?

  • Web
  • Features

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Manage Your List

Follow

Followed

Follow with Notifications

Follow

Unfollow

Readers like you help support How-To Geek. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

What Does "OG" Mean, and How Do You Use it? (2024)

FAQs

What Does "OG" Mean, and How Do You Use it? ›

Meaning and use

What does og mean in texting? ›

What does OG mean? OG, short for “original gangster” or “original gangsta,” is a slang term for someone who's incredibly exceptional, authentic, or “old-school.” OG was originally used in gang culture, but it is now used as a general term to praise someone who is an expert at something.

How do you use the word OG? ›

The most basic way to use OG is a shorthand for "original." For example, you might say, "Adam West is the OG Batman," in reference to the fact that he's the first one to play a live-action Batman in a filmed show.

What is an example of OG? ›

This term can also be used to describe the original or originator of a thing. For example, someone could say that they prefer the “OG” animated Lion King film to the live-action 2019 adaptation.

What is an example sentence for OG? ›

-Macy is the OG of braids at our school. -This goth kid in my English class is trying to write in the OG style of Edgar Allan Poe. -My family gave me a new fantasy series on my birthday, but nothing compares with the OG Game of Thrones. -Justin Bieber's manager had the nerve to compare Justin to the OG Bob Dylan.

What is the best meaning of OG? ›

Today, some people consider "OG" to mean "original," according to Merriam-Webster. In both cases, the term is used to describe someone or something that is the original or originator, particularly if said person or thing is very respected or highly regarded. An "OG" is extremely talented and authentic in what they do.

What does double OG mean? ›

noun. Updated March 28, 2024. a veteran, someone with knowledge and years of experience.

What are examples of OG words? ›

Includes the "-og" words: dog, clog, bog, log, frog, blog, jog, and hog.

What's the opposite of OG? ›

The opposite of "OG" is often referred to as "new" or "contemporary." "OG" stands for "original gangster" and is used to describe someone who is a pioneer or a veteran in a particular field, often with a sense of authenticity and experience.

What makes someone an OG? ›

OG, in American slang, means "original gangster". Although the term originated in gang culture, it has become a more widespread slang term used by a lot of people to mean something like "classic". So, the "gangster" part is not necessarily implied every time someone uses the term OG.

Do people still say OG? ›

An OG is an Original Gangster. The term is used to respect the heir arch status of gang members and what they have accomplished with their dirty work. Today we often use this term in a more joking way to refer to something or someone who is the original or 1st.

What is the new term OG? ›

OG in Pop Culture

The term has its roots in the hip-hop community, but its use has expanded far beyond that. Today, 'OG' is used to describe someone who is a pioneer or an archetype in their field. It's a way of acknowledging someone's originality and influence.

How do you use OG in text? ›

OG Meaning in Text

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.”

What does OG mean in social media? ›

Originating from urban communities, "OG" stands for "Original Gangster" or "Original," depending on the context. Its roots trace back to hip-hop culture, where it was initially used to honor or show respect to someone who had been around for a long time and had earned their stripes, so to speak.

What does OG content mean? ›

OG stands for Original Gangster and OP stands for Original Poster. They are terms used mainly on Twitter and other social media platforms to refer to the first person who posted about a particular topic or conversation. OG is used to refer to the original author, while OP is used to refer to the original poster.

What is OG in drug slang? ›

The term "OG" in the weed world stands for "Original Gangster." In the early 1990s, the term OG was used to describe the original phenotype of a popular strain of weed called OG Kush. This particular strain of weed was known for its high THC content and unique aroma.

What is OG status in jail? ›

Used at Moberly Correctional Center in Missouri. Usage example: “Johnny got missiled out yesterday.” OG: Short for “Old Gangster.” A term of endearment and respect for older individuals.

What age is OG status? ›

Anyone with fifteen to twenty-five years of experience in any field of study, practice, or service should be considered an “O.G.” — an “Original Gangsta”; a master of their craft with a ton of invaluable insight that others could greatly benefit from by having them on a given team.

What is an OG player? ›

OG Meaning in Gaming

If you see OG used in the gaming community, you can assume that it means someone who is original. In this case, somebody is properly referring to a veteran gamer who is highly skilled because they have been playing for a long time.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 5353

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.