Contents
“OO” is widely used online and in text conversations. Most people are left wondering what it means. If you are one of those people, then look no further than this article to become enlightened. Here you will find the meaning of this slang term and the information regarding its origin if there is any available.
You will also find other meanings of the term and see it used in some examples of text messaging and online communication so you can better understand the term by seeing it used properly in the correct context. Furthermore, you will find some suggestions of words or phrases that you can use in place of “OO” to convey the same meaning.
OO Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- OO is often used as a text-based shocked or surprised expression. It represents wide, open eyes, conveying astonishment, surprise, or even disbelief, similar to how an emoji would be used.
What Does OO Mean?
The most widely accepted meaning of the term “OO” is a representation of a person’s eyes to show a shocked expression. It was used as a means to express someone was shocked before the invention of the emoticons that are widely used in current texting and online communication.
Variants:
-
or :0: Other text-based versions of a surprised face.
- O_O or o.o: These also indicate a look of shock, often used to express bewilderment or disbelief.
Origin of OO
The “OO” shocked expression originated from ASCII art and early internet chat culture, where people used basic text characters to convey facial expressions and emotions before the widespread use of emojis. “OO” resembles two wide-open eyes, symbolizing shock, surprise, or disbelief. This style was especially common in the early days of instant messaging and internet forums when character-based expressions were the primary way to show emotion in text.
Usage of OO
Casual Text Conversations
Expressing surprise at unexpected news from a friend.
- “Guess what? I won the lottery!”
- “OO! Are you serious?! That’s amazing!”
Social Media Reactions
Responding to surprising posts, photos, or updates.
- “Just got engaged!”
- “OO, congrats! So happy for you!”
Gaming Chats
Reacting to an unexpected twist or turn in the game.
- “I just lost all my points!”
- “OO, how did that happen? That’s rough.”
In Online Communities and Forums
Showing shock or disbelief at a story or comment.
- “I had to pay $100 just to fix my phone screen!”
- “OO, that’s way too much!”
Replying to Surprising Information in Group Chats
When someone shares surprising information.
- “Did you hear? They’re making a sequel to our favorite movie!”
- “OO, no way! I can’t wait!”
Reacting to Shocking News or Events
Responding to breaking news or unexpected events.
- “The concert just got canceled last minute.”
- “OO, I was so excited to go!”
Other Meanings of OO
A few of the alternate meanings include the term “OO” used as an acronym in the field of computer science to mean the phrase “object-oriented.”
Another user stated that “OO” is the representation of the sound someone makes when they are in awe of something. Yet another user contributed that “OO” was used as an acronym to represent the phrase “owner-operator.” The list goes on and on but the most widely accepted is the meaning of “OO” being a text emoticon for shock.
Related Terms to OO
O_O / o.o: A similar text-based expression for wide eyes, conveying shock or surprise.
OMG (Oh My God): Used to express shock, excitement, or disbelief.
WTF (What the F***): A more intense expression of shock, often used in response to surprising or unexpected situations.
Whoa: Used to show amazement or surprise, sometimes also used to signal slowing down.
No Way: Indicates disbelief or amazement.
Mind-Blown (or 🤯): Used to express amazement or shock, often at something unbelievable or impressive.
Gasp: Indicates a shocked or surprised reaction, as if physically gasping.
Shook: Slang for feeling deeply surprised, disturbed, or impressed.
Jaw Drop: Used to describe a reaction of surprise or amazement as if one’s jaw literally dropped.
Alternatives to “OO”
There are many options available to substitute for this representation of shock and awe. Some of the words you can use instead of the term “OO” include:
- Amazing
- Totally shocked right now
- NO WAY!
Examples of OO
A text message conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: So I did something today.
- Friend 2: Well, we all do things every day. What did you do?
- Friend 1: Not everyone does what I did.
- Friend 2: Okay, I’ll bite. What did you do?
- Friend 1: I mooned the teacher and got sent to detention for the next three days.
- Friend 2: OO
An online conversation between two Instagram users.
- User 1: This is a great picture! You have those selfie angles down to a science.
- User 2: Aww! Thank you! This picture took great effort. I looked like a human pretzel by the time it was perfect.
- User 1: OO
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