OP

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
/ˌoʊ ˈpiː/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A versatile abbreviation that began as a label for the original poster on internet forums and now also denotes an overpowered game element, a numbered musical composition, and other specialized uses.

Examples

  • Streamers love the OP weapon for its high damage.
  • Thanks to the OP, we know the source of the image.
  • The recording of OP 45 received critical acclaim.
  • In the thread, OP clarified the rules after the first few replies.
  • The new tank is OP, destroying opponents in seconds.

Similar words

movement
too strong
originator
catalogue number
forum starter
work
song
composition
score
original author

Meanings

Original Poster

online
neutral
The person who started a discussion thread or posted the original content on a forum or social media platform.

Usage

Use OP to refer to the creator of the initial post in a discussion thread.

Examples

  • In the thread, OP clarified the rules after the first few replies.
  • Thanks to the OP, we know the source of the image.
  • The OP deleted the original post before anyone could respond.
  • When the discussion got heated, the OP stepped in to calm things down.
  • Can the OP share the link again? It seems to have disappeared.

Common mistakes

Confusing OP with the author of later comments
IncorrectCorrect
The OP replied to his own comment. The OP replied to a comment.
I asked the OP for clarification, but the moderator answered. I asked the original poster for clarification, but the moderator answered.
OPs often edit their posts. Original posters often edit their posts.

Similar words

Overpowered

gaming
informal
A game element such as a character, weapon, or ability that is excessively strong compared to others.

Usage

Use OP for a game element that is too strong or unbalanced.

Examples

  • The new tank is OP, destroying opponents in seconds.
  • Players complained that the OP character made the game unfair.
  • After the patch, the OP spell was nerfed.
  • Streamers love the OP weapon for its high damage.
  • The community labeled the OP boss as too easy to defeat.

Common mistakes

Using OP for a strong but balanced element
IncorrectCorrect
That sniper rifle is OP, but it's perfectly balanced. That sniper rifle is strong, but it's balanced.
The hero is OP, yet the meta considers him average. The hero is strong, yet the meta considers him average.
OP items are always banned. Overpowered items may be banned, but not all are.

Similar words

Opus

music
technical
A numbered musical composition or work by a composer, often identified by an OP number.

Usage

Use OP when referring to a specific numbered composition in classical music.

Examples

  • Mozart's OP 525 is known as the 'Haydn' Quartet.
  • The concert program listed OP 27 by Shostakovich.
  • She performed OP 1 by Stravinsky at the recital.
  • Collectors often seek original manuscripts of OP 9.
  • The recording of OP 45 received critical acclaim.

Common mistakes

Mixing OP with original poster in music discussions
IncorrectCorrect
The OP of Beethoven's Fifth is famous. Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is famous.
I love the OP of this track, but I meant the original poster. I love the track, but I meant the original poster.
The OP was posted on the forum. The composition was posted on the forum.

Similar words

Usage

Choose the sense that matches the context – refer to the thread starter in forums, an excessively strong game element, or a numbered musical work.

Common mistakes

The most frequent error is using OP for the wrong sense, such as calling a balanced character overpowered or mistaking it for the original poster.

Etymology

First recorded in the early 2000s on online forums as a short form of ‘original poster’, later adopted in gaming, music, and other fields.

FAQ

What does OP stand for in internet forums?

It stands for Original Poster, the person who started the thread.

How is OP used in gaming slang?

It describes a character, weapon or ability that is excessively strong.

Can OP refer to a musical work?

Yes, OP is short for opus, a numbered composition by a composer.

Is OP ever used for something else like opening?

In some contexts such as salon schedules, OP can mean opening, the first appointment slot.

How should I pronounce the abbreviation OP?

It is spoken as the letters O and P, /ˌoʊ ˈpiː/.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...