If you have seen “opps” in a text message, TikTok comment, Instagram caption, Snapchat, or rap lyrics, you may be wondering what this slang term means. “Opps” usually means “opponents” or “opposition,” referring to people who are considered rivals, enemies, or people on the other side of a conflict.
The word comes from the shortened form “opposition” or “opponent.” It became especially popular through hip-hop, rap, street culture, and social media, and it is now frequently used in memes, captions, gaming conversations, and casual online communication.
For example:
“The opps are watching.”
This can mean:
“Our rivals or enemies are watching.”
However, the exact meaning depends on context. Among friends, “opps” may be used jokingly to describe someone they disagree with. In music or discussions involving real conflicts, it can have a much more serious meaning.
It is also important not to confuse “opps” with “oops.” “Oops” means that someone made a small mistake, while “opps” is slang for rivals or enemies.
What Does Opps Mean in Slang?
Opps is slang for “opponents,” “opposition,” “rivals,” or “enemies.”
The singular form is usually “opp.”
For example:
“He’s an opp.”
means:
“He’s an opponent or rival.”
The plural is:
“The opps.”
which means:
“The opposing people or rival group.”
The term is especially associated with hip-hop and street slang.
Where Did “Opps” Come From?
Opp is generally understood as a shortened form of “opponent” or “opposition.”
The slang became particularly prominent in hip-hop and drill music, where artists used “opp” and “opps” to describe rival individuals or groups.
Social media then helped spread the term beyond its original communities.
Today, you may encounter “opps” in:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- X
- Discord
- Gaming
- Rap and hip-hop
- Memes
The meaning can range from serious to completely humorous.
Opps Meaning in Texting
In texting, opps usually means rivals, enemies, or people you’re against.
For example:
Friend: “Who was that guy?”
You: “He’s one of the opps.”
Meaning:
“He’s one of our rivals.”
Another example:
“Don’t let the opps know.”
Meaning:
“Don’t let the opposing people know.”
Among friends, the term can also be used jokingly.
“You chose their team? You’re an opp now 😂.”
This could simply mean:
“You’re on the other side now.”
Opps Meaning on TikTok
On TikTok, opps is often used in captions, comments, memes, and videos.
For example:
“When the opps see you winning.”
This means:
“When your rivals see you succeeding.”
TikTok users may also use the term humorously.
For example:
“My cat is an opp 😭.”
Here, the person probably isn’t talking about a genuine enemy. They are joking that their cat is causing trouble.
Opps Meaning on Instagram
On Instagram, you may see “opps” in:
- Reels
- Captions
- Comments
- Memes
- Stories
- Rap-related posts
For example:
“Stay away from the opps.”
could mean:
“Stay away from rivals or people who are against you.”
A meme might say:
“Me pretending I don’t see the opps.”
The meaning can be exaggerated for humor.
Opps Meaning on Snapchat
Snapchat users may use “opps” casually when talking about friends, rivals, or people they don’t trust.
For example:
“Don’t send that to the opps 😂.”
This means:
“Don’t send that to people on the other side.”
Depending on the situation, “opps” may simply refer to people outside someone’s friend group.
Opps Meaning in Gaming
In gaming, opps can easily refer to opposing players or opponents.
For example:
“We need to eliminate the opps.”
could simply mean:
“We need to defeat the opposing players.”
Gamers may also use “opp” as a casual synonym for an opponent.
However, in a multiplayer game, the normal word “opponents” may be clearer.
Opps Meaning in Rap and Hip-Hop
The term “opps” is particularly common in rap and hip-hop slang.
In lyrics or discussions about street conflicts, opps can refer to:
- Rival groups
- Rival individuals
- Enemies
- People involved in a conflict
For example:
“The opps are outside.”
Depending on the song or situation, this may refer to actual rivals rather than simply competitors.
Because the word has roots in serious street and gang-related contexts, it is important not to assume that every use is purely humorous.
Opps Meaning in Dating
“Opps” is not specifically a dating term, but people sometimes use it jokingly in romantic situations.
For example:
“My ex is an opp now 😂.”
This means:
“My ex and I are no longer on good terms.”
Another example:
“She stole my crush, she’s an opp.”
This is usually humorous rather than a serious declaration of hostility.
Opps Meaning in Friendship
Friends may jokingly call one another opps when they disagree.
For example:
Friend 1: “I’m supporting the other team.”
Friend 2: “You’re an opp now 💀.”
Here, “opp” simply means:
“You’re on the opposing side.”
This playful use is extremely common online.
Opps Meaning in Memes
The word has become popular in memes because it can exaggerate ordinary situations.
For example:
“My little brother ate my fries. Bro is an opp.”
Obviously, the brother may not be a real enemy. The person is simply joking.
Another example:
“My alarm clock is the opp.”
Meaning:
“My alarm clock is working against me.”
This is a humorous extension of the original slang.
Opps vs. Opp
The difference is simple:
Opp = one rival or opponent
Opps = multiple rivals or opponents
Examples:
“He’s an opp.”
“They’re the opps.”
The plural form is especially common in phrases such as:
“The opps.”
Opps vs. Oops
This is an important distinction.
Opps
Opps = rivals, opponents, or enemies.
“The opps are coming.”
Oops
Oops = an expression used after making a mistake.
“Oops, I dropped my phone.”
These two words look very similar but have completely different meanings.
Opps vs. Enemies
Opps and enemies can sometimes mean similar things, but “opps” is more informal.
| Word | Meaning | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Opps | Rivals/opposition | Slang |
| Enemies | People hostile toward you | General |
| Rivals | People competing against you | Neutral |
| Opponents | People on the opposing side | Formal/neutral |
| Competitors | People competing with you | Professional |
Not every opponent is necessarily an enemy.
Is “Opps” a Bad Word?
No, “opps” is not inherently a swear word.
However, it can have a confrontational or aggressive tone, particularly when used in serious street or gang-related contexts.
When used in memes or casual conversations, it may simply be humorous slang.
Is “Opps” Offensive?
It can be, depending on how it is used.
For example:
“My friend is an opp 😂.”
is probably playful.
But using “opps” to threaten or seriously target another person is obviously more serious.
The surrounding context matters.
Common Opps Examples
Example 1: Rival
“He’s one of the opps.”
Meaning:
“He’s one of our rivals.”
Example 2: Social Media
“Don’t let the opps see this.”
Meaning:
“Don’t let the people against you see this.”
Example 3: Gaming
“The opps are pushing our position.”
Meaning:
“The opposing players are attacking our position.”
Example 4: Joke
“My alarm is an opp.”
Meaning:
“My alarm is working against me.”
Example 5: Friendship
“You picked their side? You’re an opp 😂.”
Meaning:
“You’re on the other side now.”
Common Mistakes When Understanding Opps
Mistake 1: Confusing Opps With Oops
They have completely different meanings.
Mistake 2: Assuming Opps Always Means a Serious Enemy
Online, the word is often used jokingly.
Mistake 3: Assuming It Always Means a Gang Rival
The term has those associations in some contexts, but social media users often use it much more casually.
Mistake 4: Using It in Formal Writing
“Opps” is slang and is generally inappropriate for formal writing.
Opps Meaning Quick Summary Table
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Main slang meaning | Opponents / opposition |
| Singular | Opp |
| Plural | Opps |
| Common use | Rivals or enemies |
| TikTok | Rivals, enemies, or joking opposition |
| Rivals or humorous “enemy” | |
| Gaming | Opposing players |
| Rap/Hip-hop | Rival people or groups |
| Dating | Usually humorous reference to someone against you |
| Tone | Informal, sometimes aggressive |
| Offensive? | Context-dependent |
| Similar words | Rivals, enemies, opponents |
Frequently Asked Questions About Opps Meaning Slang
What does “opps” mean in slang?
Opps means opponents, opposition, rivals, or enemies. It is informal slang commonly associated with hip-hop and online culture.
What does “opp” mean?
Opp is the singular form of opps. It refers to one opponent, rival, or enemy.
What does “the opps” mean?
“The opps” means the people who are considered to be on the opposing side. Depending on the context, they could be rivals, enemies, or simply opposing players.
What does opps mean on TikTok?
On TikTok, opps usually means rivals or people who are against someone, but it is frequently used jokingly in memes and everyday situations.
What does opps mean in gaming?
In gaming, opps can simply mean opponents or opposing players. It may also be used as general internet slang.
Is opps a bad word?
No. Opps is not a swear word, although it can sound aggressive depending on the context.
Is opps the same as enemies?
Not always. Opps can mean enemies, but it can also refer to rivals, opponents, or people on the opposing side.
Does opps mean oops?
No. Opps and oops are different. Opps means rivals or opponents, while oops is an expression used after making a mistake.
Where did opps slang come from?
The slang is generally connected to shortened forms of “opponent” and “opposition” and became particularly prominent through hip-hop, drill, and street slang before spreading widely through social media.
Can I use opps with my friends?
Yes, people often use “opp” or “opps” jokingly with friends, especially when someone takes the opposing side in an argument, game, or playful situation.
Final Thoughts on Opps Meaning Slang
The opps meaning slang is generally “opponents,” “rivals,” or “people considered to be on the opposing side.” The singular form is “opp,” while “opps” is plural.
For example:
“He’s an opp.”
means:
“He’s a rival or opponent.”
And:
“The opps are here.”
means:
“The rival or opposing people are here.”
The term has strong connections to hip-hop and street slang, but social media has expanded its use. Today, people may use “opps” seriously, casually, or humorously. Someone might even jokingly call their alarm clock, sibling, friend, or rival sports team an “opp.”
Most importantly, don’t confuse opps with oops. Opps = rivals/opponents, while oops = a reaction to a mistake.
James Williams is a dedicated language writer and contributor at Mitaphor.com, where he explores the art of similes, metaphors, and word meanings. With a passion for making language simple and engaging, James breaks down complex expressions into clear, easy-to-understand insights. His work is designed to help students, writers, and curious readers better understand figurative language and use it effectively in everyday communication.
