OG Meaning in Chat: Deciphering the Origins and Use of ‘OG’ Slang

Ever since the explosion of the internet and text messaging, people have been using abbreviations and acronyms in their chats. For parents, this seems like a never-ending chore to catch up on the latest words, so they know exactly what their kids are talking about.

“OG” is one of these trendy abbreviations that you come across whenever you are online. The problem with OG is that it can be used in a variety of ways depending on the situation and context. Read on as we unravel the mystery of OG.

Unveiling OG: What Does it Mean in Chat?

“OG” is a chat lingo abbreviation that stands for “original gangster”. It is commonly used to praise individuals and describe them as leaders or experts in their fields.

So generally, it has a positive meaning and expresses admiration and respect for a specific individual. However, it is crucial to note that some may perceive it as a negative term. Let’s look at the various ways it can be used.

Praising a true and authentic friend – It’s quite common to use “OG” to refer to a long-time and loyal friend. It expresses the nature and strength of that friendship.

Referring to a music or fashion icon – In the pop culture realm, “OG” refers to significant icons who contributed to popularizing certain trends. In other contexts, the slang may refer to a timeless classic movie or an iconic song.

Describing a well-regarded elder – When someone contributes to establishing and developing a local community, they may be referred to as the “OG”. In this case, the use of this slang is only out of respect and appreciation for their contribution.

Respecting a street-life survivor – In some places, OG is associated with street culture, but in a positive way. It is used to commend a person who has survived a tough street life without committing crimes.

Describing a real-life gangster – Yes, this is how the term originated in the first place. It describes someone with real connections to the world of organized crime.

Cracking the Code: Origins of ‘OG’ Slang

Tracking the historic origin of “OG” leads us to the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, the slang was only tied to African-American gangsters. The slang was specifically linked to an L.A gang known as the Crips.

The main purpose of the term was to set the first gangsters of the Crips apart from new members or fresh recruits. However, over the course of time, the term found its way into pop culture through rap and hip-hop music.

In the early 1990s, the slang term “OG” was adopted in different rap songs. This adoption into the rap scene got the phrase out of the traditional gangster world and gave it wider prominence.

With the widespread use of social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, this slang has become a hit in teenage posts, comments, and chats.

Gradually, the “OG” acronym has shed its ties to the criminal world to become a symbol of respect and appreciation for pioneering or iconic individuals.

The Many Faces of ‘OG’: Unearthing its Versatile Interpretations

As you can see “OG” isn’t a simple term. It came from the street to indicate a gang member’s authority and dominance in their territory. However, it is currently a way to commend significant individuals in different fields.

In some places, for instance, OG is used interchangeably with another popular chat slang “GOAT”, which stands for Greatest of All Time. So, it can refer to iconic musicians, sports players, fashion designers, and movie stars.

Beyond the Acronym: Understanding the Full Form of OG

In the streets of L.A., the slang original gangster was primarily used to label an experienced gangster. However, the widespread of rap culture with the beginning of the 1990s, has taken this word elsewhere.

In fact, there was a hit song named “O.G. Original Gangster” by the famous rapper ICE T which was released in the early 90s. The slang remained within the hip-hop and rap scenes for a while, and it was not until the end of 2010 that the slang became mainstream all over social media.

OG in Subcultures: From Hip-Hop to Gaming

The credit goes to hip-hop lyrics for making the term OG familiar, but social media is the reason why the term is now used everywhere. It is especially prevalent for famous gamers, particularly battle royale games such as Fortnite and PUBG.

Internet slang was often used among players to refer to experienced and highly skilled players who are making continuous victories. In this context, an OG gamer is someone who was one of the first to become a world-class player.

Chat Language Evolution: OG’s Role in Communication

As one of the most popular chat slang, OG and similar terms contributed to facilitating communication between teenagers.

For the young, mastering slang increases their sense of belonging to a group. The use of OG can almost certainly be seen in a positive light and is usually meant as a form of praise.

The Urban Dictionary Influence: OG’s Impact on Language

As with any new slang words or terms, OG is recognized in the urban dictionary. Looking up “OG” there will provide you with the full definition along with a few examples of usage in context. Aside from being an abbreviation for original gangster, OG is also used as a shorter form of the adjective “original”.

The Appeal of OG Slang: Nostalgia, Authenticity, and Status

What makes slang like “OG” so appealing is its connection to the 1980s and the early 1990s. You probably remember how iconic this era was in terms of music, fashion, and even retro arcade games.

So, typically, this decade will hold a nostalgic impact on different generations. Therefore, when your kids and their peers frequently use this nostalgic slang in their conversations, they may be trying to relate and connect to that cool era.

Navigating Modern Vernacular: Connecting with the Digital Generation

Modern vernacular and chat slang can sometimes be challenging for most parents to navigate, let alone master.

It is important for you to understand the meaning of chat terms like “OG, GOAT, on fleek, and Moot” and try to incorporate them into conversation with your kids. It leads to better communication and understanding.

It is worth noting that the modern language is ever-evolving and continuously changing. So, staying updated is essential to avoid misuse of outdated acronyms. Aside from turning to a search engine, you can follow prominent influencers on TikTok or Instagram.

Strengthening Communication with Family Orbit

As a concerned parent, you are typically on the lookout for useful apps that can increase the online safety of your kids. This is where Family Orbit steps in. It is a parent control application that allows you to monitor the online activity of your children.

The app comes with multiple features that help you track their whereabouts and filter the web content they access. Family Orbit gives you access to their text messages, WhatsApp chats, and recorded videos.

With Family Orbit installed on your family devices, you can have some peace of mind knowing their locations and ensuring their well-being.

Conclusion: Embracing the OG Experience of Language Evolution

If you see your child type OG, there is nothing to worry about. While its origins are in the criminal world, it’s never used in that context anymore.

It’s simply used as a term of respect in many situations for someone who has been a pioneer in their field, whether that is music, art, gaming, or anything else.

As a parent, it’s a good idea to embrace terms like OG for a closer connection with your kids. However, there are plenty of abbreviations out there that aren’t harmless, and using a tool such as Family Orbit can help to keep your family safe.