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If you’ve spent any time on online forums or social media, you’ve likely come across the abbreviation “OP.” But what does OP mean? What does this text abbreviation stand for? This term is commonly used in online discussions to refer to the person who started a thread or conversation. Learn the definition and when to use this internet slang word with ESL infographic and useful conversation examples in English.
OP Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- OP stands for Original Poster in online forums, social media platforms, and discussion threads. It refers to the person who started the conversation or created the original post.
OP Meaning
What Does OP Mean?
The most general use of “OP” is “original poster.”
This phrase has several uses on the internet. This is used on social media and internet forums to talk about the person who started the conversation thread or discussion. They were the person who originally made the post, so they are called the “OP.”
“OP” is said to have originated on Usenet in the 1970s. It was used as a way to refer to the person who originally started the conversation.
Origin and Context of OP
OP is a term that originated on online forums and message boards. It refers to the person who started a discussion thread or forum topic. The original poster is typically the one who initiates a conversation or asks a question, and other users respond to their post.
The term OP has since expanded to other online platforms, including social media sites like Twitter and Reddit. On these platforms, the original poster is the person who creates a post that others are now replying to, or that first post itself.
Usage of OP
1. Acknowledging the Creator of a Post
Used to refer to the person who originally started a thread or discussion in forums or social media.
- Context: Responding to a question in a thread.
- “OP asked about the best apps for learning English—here are some suggestions.”
2. Clarifying or Addressing Questions to the Original Poster
Used to direct a question or response specifically to the person who started the discussion.
- Context: Asking for more details in a thread.
- “OP, could you clarify what you mean by ‘advanced learners’?”
3. Discussing the Original Content of a Thread
Used when referring to the original question or statement in a thread that has many responses.
- Context: Reiterating the initial point in a long discussion.
- “Let’s not forget what OP said—this thread is about budget travel tips.”
4. Referring to the Original Poster’s Perspective
Used when highlighting the viewpoint or situation of the person who started the discussion.
- Context: Offering advice based on the OP’s problem.
- “Based on what OP described, it sounds like they’re dealing with a workplace conflict.”
5. Giving Credit for Shared Information or Ideas
Used to acknowledge the original contributor in a discussion.
- Context: Thanking the original poster for helpful information.
- “Great advice, OP! Your tips really helped me plan my trip.”
Other Meanings
Besides “original poster,” there are a few other meanings for this acronym. Especially in gaming, “OP” can mean “overpowered.” This means that a certain character, class of character, or ability is substantially more powerful than it should be. It also means that something is so strong that it has an unfair advantage. Another use in games can mean “operations.” This is commonly used in military games.
Other meanings include:
- Overpriced
- Original Post
- Operator
- Old Person
- Other People
- Opinion
- Ocean Pacific
- Opera
- Out of Print
- Output
- Office of the President
- Opportunity
- Optical
- Output
- Oak Park
- Oral Presentation
- Operating Procedure(s)
- Overpowered (gaming)
- Olympic Peninsula (Washington)
In order to guess the intended meaning, we must look at the context of its use.
Terms Related to OP
There are a few other terms related to OP that you might come across online:
- OC: This stands for “Original Content.” It refers to content that the user has created themselves, rather than sharing someone else’s content.
- OT: This stands for “Off Topic.” It’s used to indicate that a post or comment is not related to the original topic of the discussion.
- OPP: This stands for “Other People’s Posts.” It’s used to refer to content that someone else has posted, rather than content that the user has created themselves.
Examples of OP
Here are some examples in use:
Example 1:
Social media post: I’m going to a concert at tomorrow’s fair. I can’t wait to eat all of the fried food!
- Comment 1: Sounds like fun. Have a good time!
- Comment 2: Fairs are dumb. You’re dumb for going.
- Comment 3: Hey! Leave the OP alone you troll. Go get a life!
This example shows this online slang term being used in social media. Comment 2 was a negative post about the status of the “OP” or “original poster.” Comment 3 comes to his defense by trying to get the person who made comment 2 to back off.
Example 2:
- Gamer 1: OMG, we had a great session today. I got so many kills from the new Destroyer re-work. He is OP for sure. They’re going to have to nerf him some time.
- Gamer 2: I don’t know, he seemed like he was pretty weak before. Maybe now he’s just right? I don’t think he’s too OP.
- Gamer 1: We’ll see what happens when the pros start to use him. I’m thinking everyone will see how OP he is.
Here we have a conversation between two gamers. They tried out the new version of their favorite game. The character “Destroyer” recently got stronger as a result of a patch to the game. Gamer 1 thinks that the new version of the character is a lot stronger than it should be so he uses “OP” to mean “overpowered.” Gamer 2 has a different opinion and they discuss how “OP” the character is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OP stand for in online forums?
OP stands for “Original Poster” in online forums. It refers to the person who started a thread or discussion by making the first post.
What is the difference between OP and OOP?
OP stands for “Original Poster,” while OOP stands for “Object-Oriented Programming.” These terms are not related and have completely different meanings.
What is the meaning of OP in social media?
On social media sites, OP usually stands for “Original Poster” or “Original Post.” The person who creates a post that others are now replying to, or that first post itself, is the OP.
What is the definition of OP in internet slang?
In internet slang, OP can also stand for “Overpowered,” meaning that something is too strong or too good to be balanced. This usage is commonly seen in online gaming communities.
What does OG mean and how is it different from OP?
OG stands for “Original Gangster,” which is a term used to refer to someone who has been around for a long time and is respected in their community. This term is different from OP, which refers specifically to the person who started a discussion or made the first post.
What is the origin of the term OP?
The origin of the term OP is unclear, but it has been used in online forums and communities for many years. It is likely that it originated as a shorthand way to refer to the person who started a discussion or made the first post.
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