“Ops” Meaning, Origin and Examples

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The slang term “ops” is most often used as a standalone term even though it can be used as an acronym as well. This informative article will focus on providing you with the most common meaning and information about its origin. It will also give you information regarding other meanings, including what this term represents when it is used as an acronym.

Conversation examples are provided as well so you can see how this standalone term is used properly in a conversation and to help you better understand its meaning. Finally, you will see some other words and phrases that you can use as a substitution for this term that will still allow you to convey the same meaning.

“Ops” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The slang term “ops” is commonly used online in chat, social media, and in text messaging as another way to express the term “oops.” It is said in response to doing something wrong, making a mistake, or having a mishap.
Ops Meaning
Ops Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Ops” Meaning

In slang, “ops” most commonly refers to “opposition” or “opponents. It’s often used in street or urban slang to describe rivals, enemies, or those who are on the opposing side, particularly in gang culture or competitive contexts.

Common Uses in Slang:

Rivals/Enemies: Referring to those who are against you or your group.

  • Example: “Watch out, the ops are in the area.”

Police/Authorities: Sometimes, “ops” is used to refer to law enforcement or authorities perceived as adversaries.

  • Example: “Stay low; the ops are watching.”

Origin of Ops

There is no specific origin information available regarding this slang term. However, this term is often considered a typo of the term “oops” which has been used as a common response in all the situations mentioned above in the meaning for hundreds of years.

Usage of Ops

1. Referring to enemies or rivals:

  • “We gotta keep an eye out for the ops. They’re always lurking around the corner.”

    (Used to describe people who are considered enemies or rivals, often in a competitive or hostile situation.)

2. In street or gang culture:

  • “The ops tried to pull up on us last night, but we were ready.”

    (Used to refer to opposing gang members or individuals from rival groups.)

3. In the context of competition:

  • “Those guys are the ops, but we’re going to beat them in the tournament!”

    (Used in a competitive context to describe the opposing team or group.)

4. When discussing a betrayal or disloyalty:

  • “She’s been acting all friendly, but I think she’s working with the ops.”

    (Referring to someone who might be secretly working against you or betraying your trust.)

5. In social media or casual conversations:

  • “Did you see what the ops posted about us online? That’s messed up.”

    (Used to refer to people who are causing trouble or speaking negatively about someone on social platforms.)

6. In a joking or playful way:

  • “I’m not even worried about the ops; they’re all talk.”

    (Used jokingly to downplay the threat or significance of opponents, suggesting they are not a real danger.)

7. When discussing confrontation or conflict:

  • “We were ready for the ops when they tried to come at us.”

    (Used in the context of preparing for a confrontation or battle with rivals or enemies.)

8. In a humorous or sarcastic tone:

  • “Yeah, right, I trust the ops more than I trust you!”

    (Used sarcastically to suggest that someone is untrustworthy or that the “ops” are actually more reliable in a specific situation.)

9. In a context of loyalty or alliances:

  • “I don’t deal with the ops. I’m loyal to my crew.”

    (Used to highlight loyalty to a particular group or team, implying that others are considered adversaries or outsiders.)

10. In a playful or casual conversation:

  • “You know the ops are always trying to mess things up, but they can’t touch us.”

    (Used informally to refer to those who try to disrupt or oppose your plans, but in a casual, non-serious tone.)

Other Meanings

Other than being used as a standalone term, this slang can also be used as an acronym to represent many phrases, titles, etc. Some things that this acronym is used to stand for are “Office of Public Safety,” “Operating Performance Standards,” “Operating System,” “Opposition,” “Opponents,” “Optional Pension Scheme,” and “Options.” These are just some examples of what this acronym can represent and is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of these things.

Related Terms to “Ops”

  • Opps: An alternative spelling of “ops,” often used interchangeably.
  • Enemies: A general term for rivals or adversaries.
  • Foes: A more formal word for enemies.
  • Rivals: Refers to competitors or opponents in a conflict or competition.
  • Haters: People who criticize or dislike someone, often considered opposition.
  • Snakes: Slang for disloyal people or enemies who pretend to be allies.
  • Cops/12: Slang terms for law enforcement, sometimes referred to as “ops” in adversarial contexts.
  • The Other Side: A term used to describe rivals or opposition groups.
  • Squad: Often used to refer to one’s own group, contrasting with “ops.”
  • Opposition: The full form of “ops,” used in formal and informal contexts.

Synonyms for Ops

There are some words and phrases that you could use in place of this term that share the same or similar meaning. Some other things you could say instead include:

  • oops
  • my bad
  • uh-oh

“Ops” Examples

Sentence Examples

  • “Stay alert; the ops might show up tonight.”
  • “We saw the ops hanging around the corner, so we took a different route.”
  • “They’re always talking trash, but the ops can’t touch us.”
  • “The ops tried to pull something, but we handled it.”
  • “Watch your back; the ops are always looking for a chance to mess things up.”
  • “The ops have been quiet lately, but I don’t trust it.”
  • “The squad has been training hard to stay ahead of the ops.”
  • “The ops keep spreading rumors, but we don’t pay them any attention.”
  • “It’s crazy how the ops are always watching what we do.”
  • “We had to move quickly because the ops were closing in.”

Conversation Examples

A conversation between father and son via text message.

  • Father: Did you forget to do something before you left the house?
  • Son: I don’t think so?
  • Father: You forgot to take the trash out on your way out to your car.
  • Son: Ops! I am sorry, dad. I will get it when I get home.
  • Father: It’s okay. Just make sure you take it out when you get back.

An online discussion between two users on Facebook.

  • User 1: I can’t believe I went to the store today and bumped into a family member that I do not remember at all. They knew me because they knew my name and a lot about me as a child. I just stood there and acted like I remembered them too, but I still have no idea who it was.
  • User 2: Ops! I hate it when that happens to me!
  • User 1: Me too! And it rarely ever does because I am pretty good with names and faces!
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