Scrolling through Reddit, you might see comments like:
“I agree with OP.”
And wonder: “Who is OP? What does it even mean?”
Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Reddit, like many online communities, has its own slang and abbreviations. If you’re new to the platform, understanding terms like OP will make reading discussions much easier. This guide will explain what OP means on Reddit, how and when it’s used, examples in real Reddit threads, similar terms, FAQs, and even a mini quiz to test your knowledge.
Quick Answer:
OP means “Original Poster.” It’s a friendly, community-specific term used to refer to the person who created the original post or thread.
🧠 What Does OP Mean on Reddit?
On Reddit, OP stands for Original Poster — the person who started a thread or posted a story, question, or image. Instead of repeating the user’s name, Redditors use OP to refer back to them in comments.
Example in a Reddit thread:
Comment 1: “OP, can you clarify what you meant by this?”
Comment 2: “I think OP was referring to the new policy change.”
In short:
OP = Original Poster = The person who started the Reddit thread.
It’s casual, community-friendly, and widely understood in online forums like Reddit, forums, and Discord servers.
📱 Where Is OP Commonly Used?
You’ll often see OP in:
- Reddit posts and threads 🟥
- Discussion forums 💬
- Gaming chats 🎮
- Social media threads (Twitter, Discord) 🐦💬
Tone: Casual ✅
Formality: Informal ❌
Social media-friendly: Yes ✅
It’s specifically popular in communities where multiple users reply to the same post — Reddit is the classic example.
💬 Examples of OP in Conversation
Here are realistic examples of how OP is used in Reddit-style discussion:
A: OP, can you share the link to the article?
B: Sure, here it is!
A: I agree with OP’s viewpoint on climate change.
B: Same here, makes perfect sense.
A: OP, what happened after that?
B: The story ended up going viral!
A: Don’t blame the commenters, OP!
B: Thanks, I appreciate it.
A: OP, any tips for beginners?
B: Yes, start small and be consistent!
A: I disagree with OP’s idea, but here’s another perspective.
These examples show OP is always used to refer back to the original poster without repeating their username.
🕓 When to Use and When NOT to Use OP
✅ When to Use OP
- Referring to the original poster in a thread
- Asking for clarification from the original poster
- Commenting about a story or post shared by OP
❌ When Not to Use OP
- Talking about someone outside of a thread
- Professional emails or work chats
- Formal publications
Comparison Table:
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Reddit Comment | “OP, can you explain?” ✅ | Casual, clear, community-friendly |
| “Can you explain your proposal?” | Professional, formal | |
| Forum Outside Reddit | “Original Poster” | Clear, but not casual |
🔄 Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| OP | Original Poster | Reddit, forums, social media |
| Author | Person who created the content | Formal writing, blogs |
| Poster | Thread creator | Casual forum posts |
| Thread Starter | Person who started the discussion | Forums or messaging boards |
| TS | Thread Starter (rare) | Gaming or niche forums |
❓ FAQs About OP on Reddit
1. Does OP always mean the same across forums?
Mostly yes, it refers to the Original Poster, though context matters slightly in niche communities.
2. Can OP be used outside Reddit?
Yes, in any forum or discussion thread with multiple comments.
3. Is OP formal or casual?
It’s informal and community-friendly.
4. Can OP refer to multiple posts?
No, it always refers to the person who created the specific post or thread.
5. What’s the opposite of OP?
There’s no strict opposite, but sometimes commenters or responders are referenced instead.
📝 Mini Quiz – Test Your Knowledge
1. What does OP mean on Reddit?
a) Original Poster ✅
b) Official Post
c) Online Post
2. When do you use OP?
a) Referring to someone in a work email
b) Referring to the thread creator in a Reddit comment ✅
c) Posting memes on Instagram
3. Is OP formal?
a) Yes
b) No ✅
4. Can OP be used in forums outside Reddit?
a) Yes ✅
b) No
5. OP is the same as:
a) Commenter
b) Original Poster ✅
c) Moderator
📝 Conclusion
OP is one of the most common and useful abbreviations on Reddit. It’s a friendly, quick way to refer to the person who started a thread without repeating their username. Knowing what OP means will make reading Reddit threads, forums, and even Discord discussions much easier and faster. The next time someone comments, “I agree with OP,” you’ll know exactly what they mean!
