Slang has always been the heartbeat of culture, especially in music, street life, and online communities. From the streets of Chicago drill rap to viral TikTok clips, one slang word that keeps popping up is “Opp.” But what does Opp mean in slang, why is it so popular, and how is it used differently across rap, texting, and memes?
If you’ve ever scrolled through rap lyrics, seen TikTok captions, or overheard conversations where someone says “He’s an opp” or “Watch out for the opps”, you may have wondered: is this just a trend or something deeper?
This article breaks down everything you need to know about Opp meaning slang — its origin, cultural significance, examples, misconceptions, and how it compares to similar slang words.
What Does Opp Mean in Slang?
In slang, Opp is short for opposition or opponent. It usually refers to a rival, enemy, or someone who goes against you or your crew.
- In street slang and rap, “Opp” means someone from a rival gang or a person you’re in conflict with.
- In everyday use, people might jokingly call someone an “opp” if they act against their interests.
- On social media, it’s often used humorously in memes, TikToks, or tweets to describe haters, rivals, or just someone ruining the vibe.
👉 Example: “Don’t hang with him, he’s an opp.”
At its core, “Opp” carries a negative meaning: someone who’s not on your side.
Origin of Opp in Rap and Drill Culture
The slang Opp comes from Chicago’s drill rap scene in the early 2010s. Drill rappers like Chief Keef, Lil Durk, and G Herbo popularized the term.
- Drill music, known for its raw and gritty lyrics, often described street conflicts.
- “Opps” were rivals, often gang enemies or people threatening the artist’s group.
- Over time, the word spread beyond Chicago, making its way into mainstream hip-hop, rap lyrics, and eventually everyday slang.
For example, in Chief Keef’s track “I Don’t Like” and later in Lil Durk’s songs, “Opp” is used frequently to describe opposition.
Today, even outside rap, the term has become widely understood — thanks to social media and TikTok virality.
How Opp Is Used in Social Media & Texting
Slang evolves quickly online, and Opp has taken on new flavors in memes and texting culture.
- On TikTok: Creators use “Opp” in captions or skits to call out rivals or make jokes about people acting shady.
- On Twitter/X: It’s often used to roast or expose someone.
- In texting: Friends might call each other “opp” in a playful, sarcastic way.
👉 Examples in texting:
- “Bro didn’t share the fries…he’s an opp.”
- “Why you telling the teacher? You an opp fr.”
This shows how the word has shifted from a serious, street-heavy meaning to also being used in lighthearted, everyday banter.
Opp vs Other Slang Words: Comparison Table
To understand “Opp” better, let’s compare it with similar slang terms:
| Slang Word | Meaning | Tone/Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opp | Enemy, rival, opponent | Street slang, rap, memes | “Don’t trust him, he’s an opp.” |
| Ops | Plural of Opp | Group of rivals | “We got beef with the ops.” |
| Hater | Someone jealous or negative | Social media, casual | “Ignore the haters.” |
| Snitch | Someone who tells authorities | Street culture, serious | “He told the cops, he’s a snitch.” |
| Rival | Competitor, opponent | Neutral/formal | “They’re our biggest rival in sports.” |
| Enemy | Someone opposed to you | General | “He’s my enemy, not my friend.” |
This table shows that while many words overlap, Opp has a unique cultural weight, especially tied to rap and drill music.
Examples of Opp in Everyday Life & Pop Culture
Here are some ways you might see or hear “Opp” used:
- Music lyrics: “Gotta watch out for the opps in the city.”
- Gaming slang: Calling rivals in online games “opps.”
- TikTok memes: Joking about your pet being an “opp” when it eats your food.
- School banter: Calling a classmate who told on you an “opp.”
Pop culture moments:
- NBA YoungBoy and Lil Durk both use “Opp” in their music, fueling the term’s popularity.
- Memes often exaggerate the idea of “opps lurking” as a funny, over-the-top joke.
Regional Differences in Usage
While “Opp” started in Chicago drill culture, its usage has spread globally:
- United States: Common in rap, hip-hop, and everyday slang.
- United Kingdom: Adopted into UK drill and grime music with similar meaning.
- Worldwide (via TikTok): Now used humorously across cultures, even by people with no ties to rap.
The internet has blurred slang boundaries, making “Opp” a universal slang term for “enemy” or “hater.”
Impact of Opp in Music, Gaming, and Gen Z Language
“Opp” isn’t just a word — it’s a cultural marker.
- In music: It reflects the struggles, rivalries, and realities of street life.
- In gaming: Players use “opps” to describe rival squads or enemies.
- For Gen Z: It’s part of digital slang, often used playfully.
This versatility is why the word has lasted and continues to grow in popularity.
Common Misconceptions About Opp
Like any slang, “Opp” is often misunderstood.
- ❌ Myth 1: “Opp only means a gang rival.”
✔️ Reality: While it started that way, it’s now used casually in many contexts. - ❌ Myth 2: “Opp and hater are the same.”
✔️ Reality: A hater criticizes; an opp actively opposes you. - ❌ Myth 3: “Opp is only for rap fans.”
✔️ Reality: Thanks to TikTok, anyone might use the word.
FAQs About Opp Meaning Slang
Q1: What does Opp mean in rap?
In rap, “Opp” means a rival or enemy, often from a rival gang or group.
Q2: What does Opp mean on TikTok?
On TikTok, “Opp” is used in captions or jokes to describe someone acting against you — from a rival friend to even a pet.
Q3: Is Opp the same as hater?
Not exactly. A hater just dislikes you, but an opp is someone who directly opposes you.
Q4: What’s the plural of Opp?
The plural form is “Opps.”
Q5: Can “Opp” be used playfully?
Yes, many people use it in a joking way, especially online.
Conclusion
The slang Opp may have started in the gritty world of Chicago drill rap, but it has grown into a global term understood by teens, gamers, and social media users alike. At its heart, it means opposition — someone who’s not on your side.
From rap lyrics to TikTok memes, calling someone an “Opp” reflects both conflict and comedy. Like many slang words, its meaning continues to evolve, but its cultural impact is undeniable.
If you hear someone say “Don’t mess with the opps”, now you know exactly what they mean.
