What Does “On God” Mean Over Text? (Plus, When & How to Use It)

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Learn all the meanings of “on God” and other trending slang terms
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You may have seen “on God” (or “ONG”) over text and social media, but what exactly does it mean? This slang phrase stems from the expression “I swear on God,” and it can be used in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about “on God,” including its uses, origin, and other similar slang terms.

“On God” Meaning & Usage

The slang term “on god” (or “ONG”) is short for “I swear to God.” People use it to signify that they're being honest. If someone doesn’t believe what you’re saying, for example, you can reply with “on God” to say you’re telling the truth.

Section 1 of 4:

What does “on God” mean?

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  1. Also abbreviated as “ONG,” the slang phrase “on God” is the shortened version of “I swear on God,” which is similar to the phrase “I swear to God.” Young people typically use it when others are skeptical of what they’re saying. [1]
    • “ONG, I didn’t touch your food in the fridge.”
    • “On God, the whole class failed the exam 😓”
    • “I swear to you, on God, I’ll pick you up on time!”
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Section 2 of 4:

When & How to Use “On God”

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  1. If someone questions what you’re saying to them, use “on God” to confirm you’re being serious. [2] It’s a casual way to say you’re not joking around, and you can follow up with more details to prove your point.
    • You: “Did you hear Sasha is engaged?”
      Them: “Seriously?”
      You: “On God.”
    • You: “School got canceled because of the snow.”
      Them: “Are you serious?”
      You: “On God!”
  2. When someone shares a crazy story or unbelievable news, use “on God” like a question to see if they’re being serious. Think of it as another way of asking “are you really telling me the truth?”
    • Them: “The final exam is going to be curved.”
      You: “On God?”
      Them: “Yep.”
    • Them: “Stacy broke her ankle this weekend. ”
      You: “On God!?”
      Them: “Yeah, we have to re-block the routine now.”
  3. Trying to convince your friend that you’ll keep your word? Tack “on God” to any promise to give them extra reassurance. It’s the equivalent of “pinky swearing” that you’ll hold up your end of the deal.
    • “On God, I’ll give it back tomorrow!”
    • “It will be in your locker by noon, on God.”
    • “I’ll return your book as soon as I finish it, on God.”
  4. Sometimes, people say “on God” to agree with an opinion or statement. It’s similar to saying “true” or “facts,” which are used to validate someone's point of view.
    • Them: “Michael Jordan is the GOAT.”
      You: “On God.”
    • Them: “Her mom’s basque cheesecake is the best.”
      You: “On God!”
  5. Whether you’re in a rush or don’t know what to say, use “ONG” to confirm you got someone's text and agree with them. It’s a simple response that’s more meaningful than replying with a Tapback.
    • Them: “The Travis Scott dunks are 🔥!”
      You: “ONG.”
    • You: “I just saw Henry kissing another girl 🤯”
      Them: “OMG WUT”
      You: “ONG! I just saw him making out with her in front of the fountain.
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Section 3 of 4:

Origin & Spread of “On God”

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  1. While the exact origin of “on God” is unclear, it first appeared in African-American dialect in the early 2000s. The phrase gained popularity among young people due to social media and its frequent use in rap songs. [3]
    • “On God” is considered the shortened version of the expression “I swear on God,” which is similar to “I swear to God.” Both phrases are used when people swear on God’s name to affirm their honesty. Many Christians believe saying “on God” is taking the Lord’s name in vain, and that fellow believers should avoid using it. [4]
Section 4 of 4:

Slang Related to “On God”

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  1. People use this popular slang phrase when they want to convey that they’re not exaggerating about something that’s hard to believe. It’s similar to saying “no lie” or “no joke.” [5]
    • Them: “I just saw Drake at the club!!!”
      You: “Really?”
      Them: “No cap!”
    • Them: “Not me running into my ex in NYC 😳”
      You: “OMG, are you serious???”
      Them: “No 🧢”
  2. Over text, it can be tricky to tell if someone is joking because you can’t see their facial expressions or hear the sound of their voice. In this case, throw out “FR” to check whether they’re being silly or serious. It’s another way of asking “seriously?” or “really?” [6]
    • Them: “I just passed my driver’s test!”
      You: “FR?!”
    • Them: “Jake has a new girlfriend!”
      You: “No way! FR?”
  3. This casual response indicates approval or agreement. It’s another way of saying “okay” or “definitely,” so it’s often used to confirm plans or validate someone’s statement or idea. [7]
    • Them: “Don’t forget my party is tonight!”
      You: “Bet.”
    • Them: “I think I’m going to dye my hair…”
      You: “Bet, what color?👀”
  4. This popular term is the shortened form of “seriously,” which can be used to emphasize a statement or ask someone if they’re being honest. [8] Since it can be tricky to tell whether someone is joking online, “srsly” is one of the best ways to get to the bottom of things.
    • "Do you srsly not want to go anymore?”
    • “You srsly bought those $500 concert tickets?!”
    • “I’m srsly over the whole situation. Like they say, forgive and forget 🤷”
  5. If someone shares a hot take or an unpopular opinion, reply with “facts” to express agreement with them. It’s an interjection that means “agreed” or “true,” which typically ends the conversation. [9]
    • Them: “Lebron is overrated.”
      You: “Facts.”
    • Them: “Pineapple on pizza is not as bad as everyone thinks.”
      You: “Facts, that’s actually my fave 🤭”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/editorials/guides/what-does-on-god-mean
      2. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/editorials/guides/what-does-on-god-mean
      3. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/editorials/guides/what-does-on-god-mean
      4. ↑ https://biblereasons.com/on-god-meaning/
      5. ↑ https://later.com/social-media-glossary/cap/
      6. ↑ https://later.com/social-media-glossary/fr/
      7. ↑ https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/text-dictionary/
      8. ↑ https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/text-dictionary/
      9. ↑ https://www.bark.us/slang-word/what-does-facts-mean/

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