A simple two-letter phrase—OG—has turned out to be very confusing for many people, both online and in real life. When this slang term comes up in conversation, you may be left scratching your head and Googling “OG meaning.” Fear not. In this article, we’ll explain how OG is an abbreviation of “original gangster” and when people most commonly use it. Read on to learn more about the versatile use of OG.
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What Does OG Mean?

OG is short for the term “original gangster.” As you can see, the abbreviation “OG” simply takes the first letter from each of these words.
People use the slang phrase “OG” to describe people or things that are considered to be 100% original or authentic. The OG slang word can also mean “old-school.”
For example, someone might say that DJ Kool Herc, one of the originators of hip-hop music, was an OG DJ.
Alternatively, if you first started wearing a certain fashion style and then your friends began copying your outfits, you might point out that you were the “OG.”
There are different variations of this slang. Some say real OG, while others use triple OG for extra emphasis.
Fun Fact: The term OG has gang origins, dating back to the early 1970s. By the 1980s, it entered rap music. As a matter of fact, rapper Ice-T had a song and album aptly called O.G. Original Gangster, which he released in the early 1990s.
OG Meaning in Social Media
Although this internet slang might technically stand for “Original Gangster,” most people who use it on a social media post and comment are actually just trying to say that something is original.
When you see someone use this term, they are probably trying to indicate that whoever or whatever they are calling “OG” is the real deal or has some higher credibility.
Examples of OG in social media:
- Singers nowadays are all copying Taylor Swift’s formula, but she was the real OG.
- Smosh was one of the OG comedy YouTube channels.
- He’s been in the game longer than anyone else, so show some respect to the OG.
- iPhones now are okay, but I miss the OG smartphones of the 2000s.
- My little cousin wanted me to play the new Pokemon game with him, but I told him the OG games are way better.
OG Meaning in Text
When texting, someone might use OG to mean “original gangster” as we’ve already gone over. But, they also might use this abbreviation to mean a few other things. OG can mean OG kush or OG kush seeds in text messages. Alternatively, the slang word OG can also mean “Own goal” or “officer of the guard.”
Examples:
- I got high after smoking some OG kush.
- When he accidentally “scored” an OG, he actually caused the other team to gain a point!
- The OG was in charge of making sure the ceremonial guard went off without a hitch.
OG Meaning in Gaming
If you see OG used in the gaming community, you can assume that it means someone who is original. In this case, somebody is properly referring to a veteran gamer who is highly skilled because they have been playing for a long time.
Examples:
- Don’t try to give him advice on World of Warcraft. He’s the OG here.
- If you’re new to this server, be sure to show some respect to us OGs.
- The OG players of League of Legends filled us in on how the community has changed over time.
- I can’t believe we ran into her in public. She’s a total Overwatch OG!
- Everyone wants me on their team because I’m one of the main OGs of this game.
How to Use OG?
Many people use the slang word “OG” in online forums like social media, text messaging, gaming, digital chats, and more.
If you want to fit in by using this term confidently, there are different ways. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, here are some tips that will help you sound natural when saying “OG.”
Use OG when you are talking about someone or something that has been around in a particular community for a long time. For instance, if you were talking in an online chat with other Disney fans, you might say that Snow White is one of the OG Disney princesses.
If you are talking about business, you might say that your favorite innovative entrepreneur was the OG of their industry because they started a new trend.
Keep in mind that OG is a slang term, so you should only use it in casual conversations and avoid using it in more formal situations, like at work.
Final Thoughts
OG is a fun slang term often used online that means “original gangster.” While this is the most common meaning of the term, OG can also mean “OG kush,” “Own goal,” or “officer of the guard.” Moreover, there are various ways to use it.
Now that you know more about the OG meaning and usage rules, you can start using this slang term to talk about people or things that have been around for a long time and have gained some credibility.





