Many of us probably have faced a few issues understanding the language used on social media platforms. You feel like these platforms generated whole new terms that suit them only.
TikTok, for instance, is the real Gen Z social media platform, and we may confidently say that it reflects their minds, interest and even their language. It is hard and difficult to get the meaning for this young generation, isn’t it?
Many terms have recently emerged and they form essentials for many conversations and descriptions. For this reason, we have this article today.
We will talk about a popular word, OPP, that has been used heavily in TikTok and it may cause confusion to many. Actually, this term may refer to different meanings and in order to understand it, you need to get the whole picture. Its meaning is determined within the context.
So, let’s start exploring the different meanings this term has, how, when and where it originated and how to use it.
Understanding the Term “Opp”
What does Opp mean, one may wonder. Is it a real word, or an abbreviation? But what does OPP stand for? or is Opp slang? What does OPPs mean in slang?
Is it exclusively used in TikTok or various social media platforms? What does OPP mean on TikTok?
Well, let’s hold on to all these questions for now, and start our brief explanation of the term.
OPP is widely used on TikTok to refer to someone who opposed you. We can say competitor, enemy or rival. In this sense, OPP is the short-term or abbreviation of Opponent or Opposition. In short, this term simply means hater or someone who does not wish you good. So, it is an abbreviation that
However, it refers to something else as well, and it originated way back before all these social media platforms became available.
We will discuss this in-depth in the following section of this article.
The Origins of the Word “Opp”
As we mentioned above, its main meaning that is widely used in TikTok means opposition or opponent. It is believed that it originated from the street culture where gangs reside. Mostly, Chichago’s street life and gang lifestyle.
Since it is a gang-culture originated, gives its meaning its reliability in reality. It refers to anyone who opposes you either in everything or just one part.
Hip-hop, rap and Chicago drill music have featured this term a lot and helped in the expansion and wide usage of it. OPP occupied a great portion of drill and rap music lyrics a long time ago.
Right now, it is the language of the young generation that they use in social media, especially TikTok. It is more like a signature for them on TikTok.
OPP has gained popularity on TikTok via using it as trends, memes and videos and it may be used for humorous purposes as well.
Hip-Hop and Rap’s Impact on the Word “Opp”
The evolution of terms and the creation of slang with no doubt have been done or shaped through culture music and art such as Hip-Hop and rap. As for our term, OPP, it is live proof of the great influence of Hip-Hop and Rap music great impact on slang.
This term originated from the streets of Chicago and was popularized by its music and artists. For example, Chief Keef used this term a lot in his lyrics and he played a great role in making it popular.
It started as a shorthand for Opponent or Opposition and it was heavily used to serve this meaning in the gang culture. However, this term has evolved and expanded over time, and social media, especially TikTok has its influence on the term and its usage as well.
However, before we move further with this article, I would like to point out a very interesting meaning associated with this term.
In 1991, the term O.P.P which refers to other people’s property was featured on a popular song held the same name by Naughty by Night. Here, this term means cheater, and it becomes popular to refer to someone who cheats whether in a relationship or friendship.
If we are going to think about it, if someone cheats on you, then this someone opposes, hates and does not wish you good. Isn’t it?
How the Term “Opp” Has Evolved Over Time
From the gang culture of Chicago street Opp originated and it was used purely to express gang slang, quarrels and conflicts.
Later on, it was represented in Drill music, hip-hop and rap which took a different and wider meaning to cover opposing to someone who is not necessarily involved in gangster or an enemy.
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This widespread of OPP in hip-hop music led to this term being popular in mainstream society, especially in the 2010s. this term was shifted completely from its origin as gang-culture slang to refer to a simple difference or opponent such as someone who disagrees with you.
Right now, it is widely used in TikTok and social media as one of the social media slangs. Again, TikTok its usage differs and its meaning as well.
The Use of “Opp” on TikTok
TikTok users use Opp in different ways and for different reasons. It does not necessarily mean its origin meaning that was derived from the gang culture, but it is important to point out there that we should be careful while using it online.
It may include or indicate an insult or harsh language to other people, so it is better to understand when, how and with who to use it.
We can classify the usage of OPP in TikTok in three different ways.
- Direct Usage: Some TikTok users may mention their OPP directly on their content [videos] to challenge them.
- Indirect Usage: Some TikTok users prefer using hints and clues to refer to their rivals “OPPs” without directly mentioning their names.
- Humor Usage: Some TikTok users use OPP just for fun and for humorous purposes not more.
Final Thoughts
Social Media is so powerful that actually has an effect on almost every aspect of our lives including the way to talk. There are many new terms were invented and used to communicate in the social media that have been there before.
Some terms have been long before social media platforms became available, but it gets recognized and evolved in Social media, such as OPP a popular term in TikTok.
This term has come through different changes but we can say that as of today TikTok users use it to show that this person is an opponent or competing with them. It may also refer to someone who disagrees with you. Whatever it means, we need to be careful how and when to use it.
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After you learn what “opp” means, if you want to learn how to post on TikTok too, you can also check our article!
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