OP

What Does OP Mean in a Text?

Gaming Slang for Newbies

If you're new to gaming, then there is more to learn than just a game's moves and strategy. Gamers should also be familiar with gaming slang, which has around 200 terms in common usage, many of which are difficult for new players to guess. But, you should persevere. Understanding gaming jargon improves collaboration by helping gamers to convey complex strategies, emotions, and actions quickly. Here is the term you care about:

OP means "Original Poster," "Over Powered," "Opposition," and "Observation Post."

Original Poster

The abbreviation OP is widely used in online forums and message boards with the meaning "Original Poster." In this context, it refers to the user who started a discussion. For example:

Jack: What do you mean, I'm off topic?
Karl: Your comment had nothing to do with what the OP was talking about.

Over Powered

OP is used in gaming with the meaning "Over Powered" to refer to items or characters that are too strong compared to other things in the game. Features that are OP cause a game to be imbalanced. For example:

Harry: I am completely stuck at level 5. There is no way to get past this boss.
Gill: Me too. She is totally OP.

Check out our full list of gaming terms.

Opposition

OP is also used with the meaning "Opposition" to refer to anyone not in the SQUAD or POSSE (i.e., not in the gang).

Observation Post

In the military, OP means "Observation Post." A military OP is an advanced position from which movements of the enemy can be observed. Many OPs also serve to direct artillery or air strikes. OPs are often temporary covert (i.e., concealed) structures. Permanent OPs constructed in the open are also known as "watchtowers."

Video Summarizing OP

Here's a short video explaining how to use the abbreviation OP:

Image for OP

When I write OP, I mean this:

OP also means "Original Poster," "Over Powered," and "Opposition."

Summary of Key Points

First definition of OP

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

OP
Definition:	Original Poster
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second definition of OP

"Over Powered" is another common definition for OP, mainly used on gaming related apps, such as Discord, Telegram and TeamSpeak.

OP
Definition:	Over Powered
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Third definition of OP

"Opposition" is another common definition for OP.

OP
Definition:	Opposition
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Fourth definition of OP

"Observation Post" is a common definition for OP in military circles.

OP
Definition:	Observation Post
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at OP

When used with the meanings "Original Poster," "Over Powered," and "Observation Post," OP is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.