OG Meaning: What Does OG Mean, How to Use It, and Is It Safe for Kids?

Ever caught your kid calling their favorite sneaker brand “OG” or telling a friend “you’re such an OG” and wondered what on earth that meant? You’re not alone.

As a millennial parent, you’ve probably found yourself pausing mid-scroll, trying to piece together what these two little letters actually mean. Is it a compliment? An insult? Something you should be worried about? Good news: it’s nothing to stress over.

I’ve put together everything you need to know here, including how to use it correctly, how to respond when someone calls you (or your kid) an OG, and most importantly, whether this slang is safe for kids to use.

Let’s dive into this write-up for detailed guidance!

Quick Answer:

OG stands for “Original Gangster” and is often used to compliment someone and describe something authentic and original.

OG Meaning: What Does OG Mean?

OG stands for “Original Gangster.” It is commonly used to describe someone who is respected and experienced. You can also use it to refer to exceptional and original things.

Moreover, this slang term is gaining widespread popularity on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. It is frequently used in videos, captions, and comment sections when complimenting each other for their outstanding work.

I'm *OG stands for original gangsta, not OLD GUY* years old.

— Tony (@tsm560) March 29, 2016

Some examples of using the OG abbreviation:

• “These guys are really the OGs of the hip-hop band.”
• “Your last concert’s videos have proven an OG FYP.”
• “For me, my brother is an OG player of online games.”
• “There are a lot of books about ‘enemies turning into lovers’ — What do you consider an OG?”

Where Did OG Come From?

The OG slang term originated in Los Angeles in 1970. Crip members use the Original Gangster term as a gang name. They use the shorthand word OG to highlight which part of the gang they belonged to.

As the crip members expanded, it refers to persons who are highly devoted to the gang. In 1980, the term was used in music culture to describe a badass and impressive gang. Later, it was used for original and unique work.

Now, OG simply refers to an original, cool, and impressive person.

What Does OG Mean in Social Media?

Similar to texting, OG means “Original Gangster” in social media. You can use it on Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram to describe old-school and original vibes.

Here are some real-time examples.

1. On Snapchat

You can use OG meaning in chat to praise your friend or describe old-school memories.

Examples:

• “We have been OG friends since childhood.”
• “Your snaps remind me of my OG school days.”

2. On TikTok

On TikTok, the OG slang term is used in captions and comments to highlight originality.

Examples:

• “See my OG videos that remind you of nostalgia.”
• “Today, I practice my OG makeup. Let’s check out.”

3. On Instagram

It is used to compliment friends and other influencers in comments and chats.

Examples:

• “You are the OG fitness trainer. Your exercises really help me.”
• “Bro, you’re the OG trendsetter.”

Is It Safe for Kids to Use OG Meaning?

Yes, OG slang is generally safe for kids. As it only means “Original Gangster,” which is used for a respected or experienced person. It is often used in text messages and on social media to applaud someone’s work, which encourages social gathering. Hence, it is safe for kids to use the OG abbreviation among their friends to compliment them.

However, parents must be concerned about other harmful slang like KMS and KYS. These terms illustrate suicidal thoughts, which can be detrimental for children. That’s why you should watch over your kids’ cyberspace and who they can interact with.

Apart from that, you can install the Saferloop parental control app on your kids’ devices to restrict inappropriate content and limit screen usage. You should also teach them about safety measures to enhance their safety and privacy.

How to Use the OG Meaning in Online Conversations?

You can use the OG internet term to praise someone’s efforts or experience, call someone loyal and authentic, and admire playing skills.

Let’s look at the following real-time examples to understand how to use this term in texting slang.

1. Praising Someone’s Efforts or Experience

OG slang is used to praise someone who has mastered their work and is highly respected in their field. You can thank them directly for leading you by using this term.

Examples:

• “Bro, you are a true OG when it comes to teaching coding.”
• “Thanks for helping me with this project. You’re a real OG.” 
• “Shoutouts to our OG team who completed this sales target.”

2. Calling Someone Loyal or Authentic

It is perfect to call your friend an OG who stays with you in your ups and downs. This means that this internet term is also used to denote a loyal and deeply authentic person.

Examples:

• “You have been my best friend since childhood. You’re an OG.”
• “I count you as my OG because you always stay loyal to me.”
• “When you clap for me, it’s an OG moment. I really appreciate you.”

3. Admiring Playing Skills

You can use the OG shorthand term for admiring someone’s playing skills. It helps you to compliment a person while highlighting their flawless moves.

Examples: 

• “The crossover you did in the match, it’s just the OG move I’ve ever seen.”
• “He’s an OG footballer. So, don’t try to challenge him.”
• “The way you handle your team makes you an OG captain.”

Also Read: Who are Helicopter Parents? Explore How Helicopter Parenting Tends to Micromanage

Now, you understand both what OG means and how to use it. Let’s skim through the next section to acknowledge how to respond to this abbreviation when someone sends you the OG phrase.

How Can You Respond to OG Slang?

Wondering how to respond to OG slang? You can reply to show agreement, ask for clarification, with positive affirmation, and in a sarcastic way. It helps you showcase interest, authenticity, and a playful vibe in online chatting.

Here, I’ve jotted down some common examples of how you can respond to the OG meaning in great detail. 

1. To Show Agreement

When someone sends you the OG slang in text messages, you should acknowledge it first before replying to them. If you agree with their statement, positively respond to them. 

Example 1:

Neighbor: “My friend is an OG in planning an international trip.”

You: “So, plan a trip with him. I also want to be AFK.”

Example 2:

Someone: “That guy is really an expert in doing OG dance moves.”

You: “STG, that’s an OG style.”

2. Ask for Clarification

If you are unsure about the sender’s OG in their statement, you can ask for clarification. It encourages other individuals to express what they desire during chit-chats.

Example 1:

Friend: “It’s MBN to make an OG and romantic song that hits blockbuster.”

You: “Are you referring to the original gangster or original in general?”

Example 2:

Someone: “I have been playing since the beta — call me OG.”

You: “What does OG mean in this situation?”

3. Positive Affirmation

You can respond with positive affirmation when someone uses the OG abbreviation to compliment your skills or work. It shows respect and appreciation in a conversation.

Example 1:

Someone: “You are the OG DJ on this station.”

You: “Thanks! LMK what you want to hear next.”

Example 2:

Friend: “You are an OG chef. I have tasted this delicious sweet for the first time.”

You: “Thanks! I am glad you like it.”

4. Sarcastic or Humorous Response

Additionally, you can respond to someone in a sarcastic or playful manner. However, it is important to analyze the relationship with the sender or the current situation before answering humorously.

Example 1:

Best Friend: “You are an OG player who invented playing with ghosts.”

You: “I am an OG-ghost.”

Friend: “My old coffee mug is the OG. It saw my struggle days.”

You: “Now, it is your true companion, not me.”

Most importantly, you should understand the context, relationship, and situation before replying to the OG abbreviation.

Also Read: What Does Sigma Mean Slang and How to Use it Correctly?

Other Meanings of OG Slang

Other meanings of OG slang are “officer of the guard,” “own goal,” and “OG kush/kush seeds.

Let’s take a look at these alternate meanings of OG. 

• Officer of the Guard

  It is the British military phrase used to describe a person who oversees the guard in a post or station.

• Own Goal

  When a soccer player scores a goal in their team’s net, it is called an own goal. For this reason, the point is awarded to the opposing party.

• OG Kush/ OG Kush Seeds

  OG Kush seeds are a strain of marijuana that originated in Southern California.

Also Read: Why SaferLoop is the Smartest Parental Control App for Today’s Tech-Savvy Kids?

Wrapping Up!

“What does OG mean?” OG meaning “Original Gangster,” is popularly used for the original creator or experienced person. It is related to the authenticity of the content and being old school.

Since it is safe for kids to use in online conversations, parents need to monitor their online activities. In order to make their digital world safe, you can also install parental controls on their devices.

Author’s Note:

As a parental control expert, I discovered that children widely use the OG slang on social media or in chats. But I feel relaxed that its meaning is totally safe for kids.

Still, I advise you to install the Saferloop parental control software to keep your children protected from online risks. It offers screen time limits, an app blocker, a location tracker, and emergency alerts.

Believe me, it really gives you peace of mind about digital parenting.

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