In texting, social media, and various online communities, the abbreviation “OC” is commonly used. But what does “OC” mean in slang? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different meanings of “OC,” how it’s used in different contexts, and where it originated.
What Does OC Mean?
OC stands for “Original Character” in most online and creative communities. It refers to a character that someone has created themselves, rather than a character from an established series, book, movie, or show. It’s particularly popular in fanfiction, role-playing games, and art communities where users develop their own unique characters.
For example:
- Text: “I just finished drawing my OC for this story!”
- Meaning: “I just finished drawing the original character I created for this story!”
Common Uses of OC
Here’s how OC is typically used in different contexts:
| Context | Meaning of OC |
| Creative Communities | Refers to a user-created character or persona |
| Fanfiction/Fandoms | Describes a character that is original to the author and not part of an established universe |
| Role-Playing Games | Represents a unique character created for role-playing |
How OC Is Used in Different Contexts
OC in Creative Communities
In online art and writing communities, OC is used to describe original characters that artists and writers create for their own stories, art, or role-playing games. It differentiates these characters from pre-existing, well-known characters from movies, TV shows, books, or games.
For example:
- Post: “Here’s a sketch of my OC for the new fantasy world I’m building.”
- Response: “Love the design! What’s their backstory?”
In this case, the creator is sharing their OC with others, often inviting feedback or admiration for the creativity involved.
OC in Fanfiction and Fandoms
In fanfiction and fandom communities, OC is commonly used to introduce original characters that are added into an established fictional universe. Writers often create their own characters and place them in existing worlds, such as those of popular TV shows, books, or games, while keeping other elements of the universe intact.
For example:
- Fanfic Description: “This story features an OC who teams up with the main characters to solve a mystery.”
- Meaning: The fanfiction includes a character created by the writer that isn’t part of the original work.
OC in Role-Playing Games
In role-playing games (RPGs), OC refers to the unique characters that players create to navigate the game world. These characters are developed with their own backstories, abilities, and personalities, allowing players to immerse themselves in the gameplay.
For example:
- Game Forum: “Introduce your OC and tell us a bit about their powers and goals.”
- Response: “My OC is a rogue with a dark past, seeking redemption.”
Here, players share the details of their OC to set up interactions within the role-playing game.
How to Respond to OC in Conversations
When someone mentions their OC, they are usually sharing something personal and creative. You can respond by showing interest in their creation or asking for more details.
Responses for OC in Creative Contexts:
- Response: “That’s such a cool OC! What inspired you to create them?”
- Response: “I love the design of your OC! Do they have a backstory?”
- Response: “Your OC sounds awesome! Can’t wait to see more.”
These responses show that you appreciate their creative effort and invite further discussion.
Also Read: What Does “OL” Mean in Chat?
Social Media Usage of OC
On social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and DeviantArt, OC is frequently used in posts where artists, writers, or creators share their original characters. It’s often included in captions, hashtags, or descriptions when showcasing artwork, stories, or profiles of these characters.
For example:
- Instagram Post: “Meet my new OC, a space adventurer with a mysterious past! #OC #originalcharacter”
- Twitter Caption: “Working on a new design for my OC. Thoughts?”
In these examples, OC helps the creator communicate that they are sharing a character they designed or imagined themselves.
Cultural and Regional Interpretations of OC
The meaning of OC as “Original Character” is widely understood across creative and fandom communities, especially in English-speaking regions. It’s commonly used in online spaces where fans, artists, and writers interact and share their work.
- United States: In the U.S., OC is widely recognized in fanfiction, role-playing, and art communities to describe self-created characters.
- Example: “This is my OC, a warrior from a dystopian future.”
- United Kingdom: Similarly, in the U.K., OC is used in creative spaces, particularly in fanfic and art communities, where people share their own characters.
- Example: “I’ve been working on my OC for this story set in the Harry Potter universe.”
- Global Usage: Thanks to the international nature of creative online communities, OC is understood globally in fandoms, art, and role-playing circles.
Other Possible Meanings of OC
While “Original Character” is the most common meaning of OC in creative contexts, it can have other meanings depending on the conversation or setting:
“Of Course” – In casual texting or chats, OC might also be used to mean “Of Course.”
- Example: “Are you coming to the party tonight?”
- Response: “OC!”
“Orange County” – In geographical or regional discussions, OC often refers to Orange County, a well-known area in California, USA.
- Example: “We’re heading to OC for the weekend!”
However, in most online creative communities, OC is primarily understood as “Original Character.”
In slang, OC stands for “Original Character” and is used in creative, fanfiction, and role-playing communities to describe a character that someone has created themselves. Whether it’s an artist sharing their latest character design or a fanfiction writer introducing a new persona into a well-known universe, OC is a term that highlights personal creativity and originality.
Now that you know what OC means, you can use it to describe your own creations or engage with others in creative online spaces!
