If you spend any time on TikTok, in rap lyrics, or in gaming chats, you’ve probably seen someone called an “opp.” It’s one of the most common pieces of slang to cross over from hip-hop into everyday internet talk. Here’s what opp means, where it came from, and how to use it.
- Opp is short for “opposition” or “opponent” and means a rival or enemy.
- It is internet and hip-hop slang, rooted in African American Vernacular English (AAVE).
- The plural is “opps,” and it is often used loosely or jokingly online, not just literally.
- You’ll hear it in rap (especially drill), on TikTok, and in gaming.
- Don’t confuse it with “OP,” which is a separate gaming and forum term.
| Meaning | A rival, enemy, or opponent |
|---|---|
| Type | Internet / hip-hop slang (from AAVE) |
| Origin | Street and gang slang, popularized by hip-hop and Chicago drill in the 2010s |
| Used in | Rap lyrics, TikTok, Twitter/X, gaming chat |
| Example | “Watch what you post, the opps are always lurking.” |
Short answer: Opp means an opponent, rival, or enemy. It’s short for “opposition,” comes from hip-hop and street slang, and online it’s often used loosely for anyone you’re up against.
What does opp mean?
“Opp” is a shortened form of “opposition” or “opponent,” and it refers to a rival, adversary, or enemy. In its original street context it named a member of a rival crew or a genuine threat. Online, though, the word has loosened up: people now call anyone they’re competing with, arguing with, or simply don’t like an “opp.” The plural, “opps,” is just as common and is frequently used in a joking or exaggerated way rather than literally.
Because the meaning stretches from “real enemy” to “the person who disagreed with me online,” context matters. The tone can be deadly serious in a rap verse and completely playful in a group chat.
Where opp comes from
Opp grew out of African American Vernacular English and street slang, where “opps” described rival groups or opponents. It moved into the mainstream through hip-hop, and it became especially tied to drill music, the Chicago-born rap style that rose in the early-to-mid 2010s and often references real-world conflicts. From there it spread across social media and gaming, where a younger, broader audience adopted it for everyday rivalries.
One common mix-up: Naughty by Nature’s 1991 hit “O.P.P.” is sometimes called the source. That song’s “O.P.P.” is a separate acronym and a different joke entirely; it isn’t the origin of “opp” meaning a rival.
How to use opp
Use “opp” as a noun for a rival or someone on the other side. The feel can be menacing, competitive, or tongue-in-cheek depending on who’s talking.
- “Keep your plans quiet, you never know who’s an opp.”
- “My little brother ate the last slice, he’s an opp now.”
- “The other team’s been trash-talking all week, straight opps.”
Opp vs OP
These look similar but mean different things. “Opp” is the slang for an opponent or enemy. “OP” usually stands for “original poster” (the person who started a thread) or “overpowered” in gaming (a character or weapon that’s too strong). If someone writes “OP,” they almost never mean “opp,” so read the context before you react.
Opp FAQ
What does opp mean?
Opp means an opponent, rival, or enemy. It’s short for “opposition” and is used both seriously and jokingly.
Where did opp come from?
It comes from African American Vernacular English and street slang, and it spread through hip-hop, particularly drill music, before becoming general internet slang.
What does opp mean on TikTok?
On TikTok it usually means a rival or someone you’re against, and it’s often used in an exaggerated or comedic way rather than describing an actual enemy.
Is opp a bad word?
It isn’t a slur or a swear word, but it is negative by definition since it labels someone an enemy. Online it’s frequently lighthearted.
What does opps mean?
“Opps” is simply the plural of opp, meaning opponents or enemies. It’s often used to describe a group of rivals.
Does opp come from the song O.P.P.?
No. Naughty by Nature’s 1991 “O.P.P.” is an unrelated acronym. The slang “opp” comes from later street and hip-hop usage.
Last updated: November 2026. Slang meanings evolve; usage can vary by community.