OG means original. In slang, it describes someone or something that was there first and is respected for it. Merriam-Webster defines OG as someone or something that is an original or originator, especially one that is highly respected. It comes from 'original gangster', but today it's mostly used as praise, as in 'my dad's the real OG'.
OG is one of those words that's travelled a long way from where it started. You'll hear it about rappers, grandparents, early fans, first versions of video games and even old social media usernames. Here's what it means now, where it came from and how to use it without sounding out of place.
The meaning of OG today
Merriam-Webster labels OG as slang and defines it as someone or something that is an original or originator, and especially one that is highly respected or regarded. Dictionary.com says it's now a general term to praise someone who's an expert at something, or who's authentic and old-school.
Wiktionary shows the adjective use too, meaning original. Its examples talk about 'the OG version' of a song and a 'semi-OG handle', meaning an early username snapped up when a platform was new.
OG examples
- 'If you've never seen my dad, he's the real OG.' A tribute, quoted by Dictionary.com.
- 'Guy next to me at the gym has his CD player with him. He's the real OG.' Old-school, quoted by Dictionary.com.
- 'The OG version is still better.' The original release of a song, game or film.
- 'She's an OG fan, she's been here since the first album.' Someone who was there early.
Notice that most of these are affectionate. Calling someone OG usually means you respect them for having been around longer, or for doing things their own way.
Where OG comes from
OG stands for original gangster, sometimes written original gangsta. Merriam-Webster's note cites an essay written in 2006 by Steve Champion and Anthony Ross, both former members of the Crips in Los Angeles, which says the term began in gang culture in the early 1970s. Dictionary.com says it described respected older members before its meaning shifted.
Merriam-Webster says the 1991 album O.G. Original Gangster by the rapper Ice-T likely helped move the word from gang culture into general use, and it dates the first known use of OG in its current meaning to around 1991. Dictionary.com adds that the single peaked at number 7 on the Billboard rap chart in 1991, and that OG began to enter the mainstream through rap music during the 1980s.
Real OG and triple OG
Dictionary.com records two intensified versions. Real OG and triple OG describe someone who's made a success of themselves while staying connected to where they came from. They're bigger compliments than plain OG, and you'll hear them most in hip-hop culture.
It also notes an ironic use. People sometimes call someone OG precisely because they're the opposite of a gangster, such as the friend who still uses a paper diary, or a gran who's very good at video games.
OG in gaming and online
In games, OG usually means original. The 'OG map' is the first version before an update. 'OG players' were there at launch. On social platforms, an 'OG username' is a short, early handle that's hard to get now. Wiktionary records this use, noting how prized early, simple usernames can be.
OG compared with similar slang
| Word | What it praises | Example |
|---|---|---|
| OG | Being original or first | 'She's the OG of this group chat' |
| Goated | Being the greatest | 'That goal was goated' |
| Slay | Doing something brilliantly | 'You slayed that presentation' |
| Legend | Being admired over time | 'My nan's a legend' |
| Old-school | Doing things the classic way | 'Paper maps, very old-school' |
If you want more praise words, try goated and slay.
How to use OG in a sentence
OG can be a noun or an adjective, which makes it flexible.
- As a noun about a person: 'Respect to the OGs who started this club.'
- As a noun about a thing: 'This recipe is the OG, the others are copies.'
- As an adjective: 'I still prefer the OG trailer.'
- With real for emphasis: 'Your grandma's the real OG.'
It's especially common when something gets a sequel, a remake or an update. Fans will talk about the OG film, the OG cast or the OG logo to make clear they mean the first one. If you're writing for a brand, 'OG' can be a playful way of thanking early customers, as long as it fits your voice.
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A quick guide for parents and older readers
If your teenager calls you an OG, it's very likely a compliment. They're saying you've been around, you know things, or you do something in a classic way they admire. If they call a song or a game 'OG', they mean the original version. The word's origins are a good conversation starter, but in most modern chats it's simply a badge of respect, a bit like calling someone a legend or an original.
Other meanings of OG and Og
Merriam-Webster also lists Og, with a lower-case g, as the chemical symbol for oganesson, a very heavy element. That one's for science class only. In texts and posts, OG means original.
People also ask about messaging terms such as this, so see what a DM is on Instagram.
Is it OK to call someone OG?
In most casual settings, yes. It's a compliment. Because of its roots in gang culture, though, Dictionary.com notes it's still often linked to gangs and hip-hop, so I'd avoid it in formal writing or in a context where it might be misread. If someone calls you OG, take it as respect. And if you're not sure how a friend meant a slang word, sus is a fun one to learn next.
Frequently asked questions
What does OG stand for?
OG stands for original gangster, but in modern slang it simply means original or respected for being first.
What does it mean to call someone OG?
It's a compliment meaning they were there first or are authentic and respected.
When did OG become popular?
Merriam-Webster dates its current meaning to around 1991, linked to Ice-T's album O.G. Original Gangster.
What does real OG mean?
Real OG is a stronger compliment for someone who's succeeded while staying true to their roots, according to Dictionary.com.
What does OG mean in gaming?
Usually original, as in the OG map or OG players who were there at launch.
What does Og mean in science?
Og is the chemical symbol for oganesson, as listed by Merriam-Webster.
