What Does "OD" Mean? Unpacking the Slang

PDF download Download Article
Learn the AAVE-related origins behind this slang term
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve seen people using the slang term “OD” online, you might be wondering what it means. You might be surprised to know that it actually has two meanings, and one of them is super popular in New York City. In this article, we dive into what “OD” means , where it originated , and other NYC slang terms . Read on to learn more!

What does “OD” mean in slang?

“OD” has two possible meanings: It can stand for “overdose” (“He OD’d Friday night and barely survived”) or “overdoing it,” as in doing something to the extreme or going overboard (“My professor is making us read an entire book over the weekend. It’s OD”).

Section 1 of 3:

OD Slang Meaning

PDF download Download Article
  1. Saying “OD” to describe an overdose is the most common usage (for example, “He took too many pills and OD’d”). However, in New York City, "OD" is commonly used to describe when someone is overdoing something or going overboard in a given situation (for example, keying their ex’s car because they got dumped).
    • Example of OD meaning “overdose:” “Man, I heard about your homie who OD’d and wanted to send my condolences. If you need anything, lmk. Love bro.”
    • Example of OD meaning “overdoing it:” “Bro, I know she broke your heart, but egging her parents’ house is OD. That’s not gonna do anything but get you in trouble.”
    • The NYC slang meaning for “OD” has become popular online, so you may see it in gaming streams or TikTok and Instagram comments.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Where does “OD” come from?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Presumably derived from the more recognized meaning of overdosing, the slang term “OD” is thought to have originated among Black folks in New York City. Although there aren’t any official accounts of when “OD” was first used, it has been popular in New York City for decades, with use online dating back to the early 2000s. [1]
    • The term “overdose” has been around since the 1700s, so it’s safe to assume that using OD as an acronym has been around for a long time.
Section 3 of 3:

Other New York City Slang

PDF download Download Article
  1. NYC is a culturally rich city with tons of exclusive slang, like “mad” and “bugging.” NYC’s slang is so popular that it’s used across other states and online (as evidenced by the popularity of “OD”). Still, though, there are tons of slang terms to get familiar with, including:
    • Bugging: Freaking out, being irrational, or overreacting. Similar to “ tripping .”
    • Yer: Yer (Y-E-R-R) is a New York way of saying what’s up.”
    • Mad: “Mad” is classic New York slang that means “very” or “a lot.”
    • Son: “Son” can mean friend or be used in a general greeting, like, “What’s up, son.”
    • Butters: In New York, “butters” are Timberland boots, which are very popular among NYC’ers.
    • Muddy: When you look unkept, dirty, or gruff.
    • My Heart: A term of endearment that refers to someone so close to you that they’re like the center of your heart.
    • Schmear: Cream cheese.
    • Dumb: Another word that means “very” or “a lot” and adds emphasis to something.
    • Grill: Stare at someone judgmentally or angrily.
    • B: Another word for bro or friend.
    • Timbs: Another way to refer to the popular Timberland boots.
    • Jakes: The police.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Narcan can help relieve opioid overdoses and is available at pharmacies, substance abuse centers, and businesses across the country. [2]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      90 Iconic New York City Slang Words
      100+ Slang Words and Phrases Popular with Real New Yorkers
      What Does “Tripping” Mean? How to Use It & Where It Comes From
      OMD Meaning: What the Acronym Means Over Text & on Social Media
      What Does Ops Mean on Instagram, Snapchat, and in Texts?
      How to
      Understand Gen Z Slang
      What Does “On God” Mean Over Text? (Plus, When & How to Use It)
      What Does D1 Mean on TikTok? A Quick Guide to The Slang Term
      The Ultimate Guide to TikTok Slang Words, Phrases & Emojis
      75+ Popular Midwestern-isms (with Examples)
      What Does “ND” Mean? (Plus, When & How to Use It)
      How Well Do I Know Gen Z Slang Quiz
      What Does Yurr Mean in NYC, on Social Media, & Over Text
      The Dictionary of Gen Alpha Slang: Terms Parents Should Know
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/od-odee
      2. ↑ https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 129 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement