Daily Dot defines OG [oh-jee] or [uh-rij-uh-nl gang-ster] with a simple abbreviation: “Original Gangster.” 

According to Dictionary, it has been defined as a slang term for an individual who’s authentic, exceptional, or “old-school.” It has also been further accepted to be used as a faster way of saying the word “original.”

What Are the Origins of the Term OG?

We use OG on social media to show our respect for the forefathers and experts of various fields. However, its origins actually lie in gang culture.

The South Central Crips

Anthony Ross and Steve Champion are both members of the South Central Los Angeles gang, “Original Gangster Crips.” In July of 2006, they co-wrote an essay, “The Making of an O.G.: Transcending Gang Mentality.” 

In this essay, Ross and Champion claim the term OG derived directly from the gang’s name, dating back to the early 1970s. Crips members would often use the abbreviation “OG” as a shorthand way to write the gang’s name (e.g., OG Eastside or Original Eastside Crips).

As time passed and the Crips expanded, many new recruits formed their own gangs. As a result, the definition of OG began to evolve into the term we know today. The younger members of these gangs began to use the term OG to show respect for their elders. 

OG also quickly became a way to reference someone who was deeply devoted to their subdivisions of the gang as well. Over time, even well-known rivals of the Crips the Bloods began to use the term as its popularity grew.

Entry Into Mainstream Media

The term OG began to enter the mainstream media in the 1980s through extensive references in commercialized rap music. In music videos and songs alike, the term OG quickly began to mean someone who’s hip and impressive. 

Shortly thereafter, OG described people outside of gang culture who showed these same characteristics. Simultaneously, the term OG continued to carry its initial weight if something was indeed OG, it was the first of its kind or unique in its own right. That is to say; it was the original. 

Ice-T

While today we may know him as a beloved actor and sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola on Law and Order: SVU, Ice-T was a pioneer who helped include the term OG in pop culture. On May 14, 1991, the then-rapper Ice-T released his fourth studio album, O.G. Original Gangster. 

To date, O.G. Original Gangster is the rapper’s most successful album, reaching number fifteen on the Billboard 200 chart. While the term dates back far before his time, Ice-T’s contributions to gangster rap and old-school hip-hop alike make him a true OG.

Ironic Uses

Alternatively, you can use OG ironically when describing someone that happens to be the polar opposite of your stereotypical “old-school” gangster. For example, if an individual was considered geeky or downright nerdy, you may sarcastically label them as an OG.

Prohibition

With all this being said, OG can also describe a few individuals that date back much further than Ice-T or even the Original Gangster Crips. Another popular benchmark of OG qualities is the original mobsters of the Prohibition era. 

The then-bootleggers may have been the true original gangsters. These included John Dillinger, Owney Madden, Pretty Boy Floyd, Bugs Moran—and, of course, the OG “Scarface,” Al Capone. 

How to Use the Term OG

Below are a few examples of how one might use OG in a sentence:

• “If you’ve ever met my uncle, you’d know he’s the real OG.”
• “Even if they recast him, they will never replace the OG.”
• “Cruising down Rodeo Dr. in his Prius, Jack is the true OG.” 
• “Boss bought everyone lunch; he’s the real OG.”
• “That girl is clearly the OG bad*ss.”
• “Wow, man, what you did back there was so OG!”
• “Pocket protector and all, Danny is pretty much an OG.”
• “I am the OG makeup expert of the family.”

Are There Other Uses for the Term OG?

While we have extensively talked about the term OG and its origins in “Original Gangster,” the term OG has many different meanings. Some of these meanings date back before the Crips and the start of gangster rap. 

In the 1940s, the term OG often stood for “old gift.” By definition, this referred to a generally cranky, unpleasant, and downright grumpy old person. 

Below there is a list of alternate meanings for the term OG:

• Overgrow
• Offensive Guard
• Official Guide
• Old Gift
• OutGoing
• Orange Grove
• Old Glory
• Online Gaming
• Old Girl
• Old Guy
• Own Goal
• One God
• Original Gravity
• Organic Gardening
• Organ Grinder
• Original Guardian
• Olympic Gardener
• Overground

What About OG Kush?

The term OG can also be used in reference to the popular cannabis strain OG Kush. Growers of OG Kush can thank the Southern California rap group Cypress Hill for some of its popularity across the nation. 

The strain is well known to the avid marijuana aficionado but also to those with a less than average knowledge of the industry. Due to its origins on the west coast, the popular strain is often called “ocean grown.” 

However, it’s more aptly known under the term Original Gangster, due mainly to the strain of weed’s status as an old-school building block strain. 

Other popular OG strains include Tahoe OG and San Fernando Valley (SFV).

Conclusion

Overall, the term OG stands for “Original Gangster.” With that being said, it is a fairly common term in today’s society. It’s a safe bet that most native English speakers or individuals that often frequent websites using English slang will understand the term OG.

Sources:

1. What does OG mean—and where does it come from? | Daily Dot 
2. What Does OG Mean? | Dictionary.com
3. OG Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster