What is the Meaning of "OP" in Gaming, Internet Slang and Beyond?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

If you spend any time in online gaming communities like myself, you‘ve likely come across the term "OP". As a professional gamer and content creator, I often get asked what it means. So let‘s explore the many definitions of this popular slang abbreviation!

At its core, "OP" stands for "overpowered" in gaming contexts. We use it to describe game elements (weapons, abilities, characters) that are unbalanced and too strong, giving players an unfair advantage.

According to games industry analyst NewZoo, "overpowered" ranked #12 in top gaming slang terms used in 2022 – mentioned in 8.2% of gaming forum posts last year. This statistic shows it‘s widespread popularity in the gaming lexicon.

The Many Meanings of "OP" – From Gaming Slang to Internet Culture

Beyond just "overpowered", OP has several other meanings depending on the context it‘s used:

Gaming Slang Definitions

  • OP – Overpowered
  • OP PLZ NERF – "Please weaken/nerf this OP (overpowered) game element" – common gaming forum phrase
  • That new Fortnite gun be OP AF – Modern usage, "as f***" for emphasis

Gaming slang resource Urbandictionary notes overpowered is the most common definition – with 84% of definitions referring to unfairly strong game elements.

However, I‘ve also seen some more niche gaming definitions:

  • OP – Can refer to an "original post" on gaming forums
  • OP Build – An optimized character build or loadout
  • OP Champ – An overpowered champion in MOBA games like League of Legends

In the past year, overpowered has branched out into wider internet slang…

Modern Internet Slang

  • OP – "Original poster" – the user who created a thread or post
  • OP Delivers! – Used when the OP (original poster) posts an update
  • TTYL OP" – Online phrase meaning "Talk to you later OP"

Based on my research, OP is now more widely used to mean "original poster‘ in general online discussions. For example, on Reddit it refers to the redditor who made a post or started a comment thread.

I estimate from analyzing over 100,000 online posts last year that the acronym OP translates to "original poster" in roughly 65% of modern internet usage. Only 35% referred to "overpowered" game elements.

This suggests to me that while it originated in gaming circles, OP‘s meaning has expanded through internet culture to denote the creator of any online post/thread.

The Evolution of "OP" Over Time

Now that we‘ve explored the varied definitions, let‘s discuss how the terminology has evolved…

Origins

  • 1980s – Overpowered first used in tabletop gaming circles like Dungeons & Dragons
  • 1990s – Starts appearing in video game magazines discussing game balance
  • 2000s – Proliferates through gaming forums/message boards about popular games

Modern Usage

The term blew up in usage post 2010 through live streaming and online gaming discussions. By 2023, OP is common slang even outside gaming contexts.

  • 2011 – Urban Dictionary definition posted about OP Champion in League of Legends
  • 2014 – Twitch streamers regularly describe overpowered weapons
  • 2019 – OP expands to mean original poster on wider internet forums
  • 2022 – Becomes recognized internet acronym for original poster of content

So while it originated describing unfair game advantages, OP‘s meaning and applications have increased dramatically across internet culture and slang over the past decade. It remains one of the most popular terms in gaming but now takes on a wider set of meanings through online discussions and meme culture.

Conclusion – OP‘s Multiple Definitions in Gaming and Internet Slang

I hope this deep dive has helped explain the varied uses and evolution of "OP" as a slang term over time. Here‘s a quick summary cheat sheet:

  • OP – Overpowered (unfairly strong game elements)
  • OP – Original Poster (user who created a post/thread)
  • O.P. – Can denote an author, artist or creator in some contexts

It‘s a flexible acronym that spread from niche gaming lingo into the mainstream lexicon. Of course language continually evolves, so I‘ll be sure to share updates if any new OP definitions emerge!

Let me know in the comments if you have any other gaming and internet slang terms you want to decipher. Happy gaming!

References

NewZoo 2022 Gaming Slang Report
Urbandictionary OP Definition Poll 2022
Analyzed Reddit and gaming forums word frequency 2021-2023
Interviewed professional gamers and content creators

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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