What does Opp mean?

Slang. Also written opps.

Where it comes from

Shortened from "opposition" or "opponent", "opp" originated in street slang and African American Vernacular English to describe rival gangs or adversaries. The term gained widespread prominence through Chicago drill music in the early 2010s before crossing into mainstream hip-hop. As social media adopted the word, its heavy real-world weight softened into casual internet slang for minor competitors or mild inconveniences.

How it is actually used

In online culture, "opp" is used hyper-dramatically to describe trivial conflicts, such as someone preferring a rival sports team or disliking a favourite food. The plural form "opps" is equally common when referring to a collective group of rivals. Despite its lighthearted internet usage, the term retains serious street connotations in street rap and drill music contexts. When posted by a brand, using "opp" to describe commercial competitors can easily sound forced or trivialise serious street vernacular. Brands should exercise restraint and avoid deploying it in corporate rivalry posts.

Examples

• "whoever set my morning alarm is an opp"
• "spilled my tea right before the meeting, the opps are working overtime"
• "cat won't let me type on my keyboard, she is secretly an opp"

Can a brand use it? Depends on context

Exercise caution. While playful on social media, the term originates from serious gang culture and drill rap, making corporate usage risky if it comes across as insensitive or trying too hard.

Related terms

• What does Crash Out mean?
• What does Ratio mean?
• What does Sus mean?

Frequently Asked Questions