OAN

What Does OAN Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

OAN means "One America News" and "On Another Note." The abbreviation OAN has a number of meanings including "One America News" and "On Another Note."

One America News

The abbreviation OAN is widely used to refer to the "One America News Network" (formally abbreviated as OANN.)

On Another Note

OAN introduces a change of subject. OAN is often employed as part of the normal flow of conversation, but can also be used when the sender feels uncomfortable with where the conversation is going or doesn't want to answer a question. In public speaking, the use of phrases such as "On Another Note," or "On a different note," is known as "signposting." It helps to avoid confusion in the audience, by clearly indicating a change in topic. The phrase "On Another Note" probably originated in music, where a different key may completely change the sound of a piece of music.

Image for OAN

When I write OAN, I mean this:

OAN also means "One America News."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition of GC

"One America News" is, by far, the most common meaning for OAN when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

OAN
Definition:	One America News
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults

Second Definition for GC

"On Another Note" is another common definition for OAN.

OAN
Definition:	On Another Note
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of OAN in Sentences

Here are examples of OAN in conversations:

• Alice: Did you actually believe what OAN said about the coronavirus vaccine?!
• Ginny: Err, I'm not sure. OAN, what's the weather forecast for the weekend?

(Here, OAN is being used to mean both "One America News" and "On Another Note.")

• Ray: When are you going to pay me back?
• Alan: Soon. OAN, how's your Mum?

(Here, OAN is being used to mean "On Another Note.")

An Academic Look at OAN

Whether used with the meaning "One America News" or "On Another Note," OAN is classified as an initialism abbreviation, because it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Oh Ay Enn"). "On Another Note" is an idiom; i.e., a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. Here are some other common idioms:

• He's been pushing up daisies for a year.
(He's been dead for a year.)
• Let's paint the town red.
(Let's have a good time in town.)

Example of OAN Used in a Text

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