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The term “opps” has gained popularity in street slang and hip-hop culture, where it’s short for “oppositions” or “opponents.” This reference explores the meaning, origins, and usage of “opps,” providing examples and related terms to enhance your understanding of this trendy expression.
Opps Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- In street slang, “opps” (short for “oppositions” or “opponents”) refers to rivals, enemies, or people from opposing groups. It’s commonly used in hip-hop and urban communities to identify individuals or groups that are seen as adversaries, often in the context of gang culture or competition.

What Does Opps Mean?
Opps is a slang term that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The term is often used in hip-hop music and culture, but it has also made its way into mainstream conversation. Opps is a shortened version of the word “opposition,” and it is used to refer to someone’s enemies or rivals.
Opps can be used in a variety of ways, but it is most commonly used to describe a person or group of people who are seen as a threat or competition. For example, a rapper might use the term “opp” to refer to another rapper who they are in competition with. It can also be used to describe a group of people who are in opposition to a particular cause or movement.
In addition to its use in hip-hop culture, opps has also been used in social media and online forums. It is often used in memes and other forms of online content to express disdain or dislike for someone or something.
While opps is a relatively new term, its use has become widespread and it is now a part of modern slang. As with any slang term, its meaning and usage may vary depending on the context and the individuals using it. However, in general, opps is used to refer to someone’s enemies or rivals.
Origin of Opps
Opps is a slang term that originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has since spread to other English-speaking communities. The term is used to express a sense of surprise or disappointment when something goes wrong or does not go as planned.
The term “opps” is believed to have originated from the word “opposition,” which is a term used in gang culture to refer to rival gangs or enemies. Over time, the term evolved to be used in a broader sense to refer to any situation where someone is faced with an obstacle or adversary.
In recent years, the term “opps” has gained popularity in mainstream culture, particularly in hip-hop music and social media. It is often used as a hashtag or catchphrase to express a sense of solidarity with others who have faced similar challenges or obstacles.
Usage of Opps
In Hip-Hop Lyrics
- Artists use “opps” to talk about rivals or adversaries, often within the context of neighborhood conflicts or loyalty.
- “Keep an eye out for the opps when we roll through the city.”
In Social Media Posts
- People use “opps” to refer to anyone they see as an enemy or competitor, sometimes as a warning or to assert dominance.
- “The opps are lurking, but we’re ready for anything.”
In Casual Conversations Among Friends
- Friends may use “opps” to talk about people they don’t get along with or view as competition.
- “Don’t invite them to the party—they’re with the opps.”
Warning or Advice
- Used as a caution to be wary of certain people who may be against one’s interests.
- “Watch out, the opps are in town tonight.”
Gaming Communities
- Gamers may use “opps” to refer to opposing players or teams in a competitive way.
- “Take down the opps—this win is ours!”
Other Meanings of Opps
Alternative Spelling of “Oops” (Mistake or Accident)
- Sometimes, “opps” is used as an informal misspelling of “oops,” indicating a small mistake or accident.
- “Opps, I sent the message to the wrong person!”
Opportunities (Less Common)
- In some professional or casual settings, “opps” can be shorthand for “opportunities.”
- “I have some new opps to explore in my career.”
Related Terms to Opps
Enemy – A general term for someone who is hostile or opposed to another person or group.
Rival – A competitor or adversary, often someone with whom there’s a personal or group conflict.
Hater – Someone who dislikes or opposes another person, often in a subtle or indirect way.
Ops (Operations) – A military or police term sometimes used in street slang to refer to police activity or “the authorities.”
Squad – Refers to one’s trusted group or crew, often used to differentiate from “opps.”
Beef – A dispute or ongoing conflict, often personal or group-related.
Plug – In street slang, refers to a person who provides access to something, like resources or connections, in contrast to an “opp,” who would be a threat.
Opps Examples
In Conversations
- Friend 1: “Hey, did you see those guys at the party last night?”
- Friend 2: “Yeah, I noticed them. I don’t know, I just don’t trust them.”
- Friend 1: “Same here. They’re opps, always trying to start something, you know?”
- Friend 2: “Exactly. Every time they show up, there’s drama. I’d rather avoid all that.”
- Friend 1: “Me too. It’s like they enjoy stirring things up just to get attention.”
- Friend 2: “And the worst part is, they act all friendly to your face but switch up real quick.”
- Friend 1: “Right? I mean, I’m all for meeting new people, but you’ve got to watch who you’re around.”
- Friend 2: “For sure. It’s better to keep a distance from people like that. No need for the extra stress.”
- Friend 1: “Exactly. Let’s just stick to our usual crew—no drama, just good vibes.”
- Friend 2: “Sounds like a plan. Better safe than sorry.”
This captures a relaxed yet cautious approach friends might take when discussing staying clear of potentially untrustworthy people in their social circles.
In Texting
- “Hey, heads up! 👀 I saw some opps 🚶♂️ around the spot earlier. Just watch your back. 🔒”
- “If you’re rolling with the opps 🚫, don’t expect us to have your back 🔥.”
- “Let’s stay together 🔥 and take down the opps 🎯. This win is ours! 🏆”
- “Be careful out there 🔒, you know the opps are lurking 👀.”
In Social Posts
- Out here with my crew 💯, keeping an eye out for the opps 👀. Loyalty only 🤝
- Stay true to your people 🤞. The opps are always watching 👀
- Out with the squad tonight 🌃. No time for opps 🚫👀
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