The abbreviation OC can have different meanings depending on the context. However, the most popular OC meaning online is “original content.” Read on to discover its correct usage, as well as alternative meanings of OC.
Related:
What Does OC Mean?
OC is shorthand for original content. It mostly appears on social media platforms (like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) and internet forums, where more people share content on a daily basis. So, why do they use it? They use this popular acronym to indicate that the content is an original creation, as opposed to a repost, share, copy, or version of somebody else’s post.
Example sentences:
- This video is an OC that took me two full days of work.
- OP added OC in his character designs and portraits.
- This particular fanwork is OC!
- The assignment was writing two pages of OC about climate change.
- Participants were asked to submit their OC in the photograph contest.
- The OC of my story would be epic!
- The creators finally released the OC.
- Check his profile. He has a fascinating OC!
- Their OC was so stunning that people soon started reposting, and it went viral.
- Sometimes, it is hard for teachers to make sure students only submit OC.
When and How to Use OC?
You can use OC whenever you want to clearly state that an image, video, or text you post to the web is original. For example, if you shot and edited a video, you can add OC in the caption so that everyone knows it’s not a repost and you are the original creator. But how about the capitalization? OC is usually written in uppercase.
Tip: You can use OC for different types of art or creative works. But make sure that you created the content yourself.
Other OC Meanings
There are alternative definitions for the abbreviation OC. Here are some of them:
Orange County
OC is often used to refer to the California district of Orange County. You may have also seen a popular TV show named The O.C.
Original Character
In gaming and anime fan communities, OC stands for original character. In this context, an OC refers to a new character who is not part of the original story, game, or series. Fans and fanfiction writers create an OC to build a backstory or another narrative. For instance, you can create your original character in Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars Universe, or the Harry Potter universe.
Obsessive Compulsive
OC can also be short for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is a mental health condition wherein a person suffers and obsesses over unwanted thoughts and fears.
Out of Control
This definition of OC is not so common these days, but it means something or someone that has become too crazy, unmanageable, or out of hand.
On Campus
In a university setting, OC stands for on campus. For instance, your friend texted, “The event is OC.” This means the gathering will be on campus.
Occupancy Certificate
In a housing context, OC stands for occupancy certificate. It is a document that certifies that the building was constructed according to regulations and safety standards.
Opportunity Classes
In Australia, OC is short for opportunity class. It is a public primary school class aimed at gifted students in years 5 and 6.
Final Thoughts
The most popular OC meaning is short for “original content.” When somebody uses it, it just means that the content (video, photo, written material, or artwork) that they’ve shared is original and not a reshare. As with many internet acronyms, OC can have multiple meanings depending on the context.
