What does OC mean in texting and online chats?

[smithjones]

Hi everyone, I keep seeing the term OC used in messages, social media, and even gaming communities, but I’m not sure what it actually means. I’ve noticed it can have different meanings depending on the context. Can someone explain what OC meaning is in texting and how it’s commonly used? Does it stand for something specific like Original Character or something else? Some simple examples would really help me understand better!

 

[nancy]

The meaning of OC in both texting and online conversations can be either Original Content (your own work) or Original Character (a custom fictional character).

 

[Giovanni]

"Hey all, I've seen 'OC' popping up in texts and chats a lot lately. Honestly, it's pretty simple - it stands for 'Original Character'. Think of it like fanfiction, where someone creates a character and owns them. Online, it's often used to refer to a character someone's created in a story or game, but not a part of the original work."

 

[sherryson]

In texting and online chats, OC usually stands for Original Content. It’s used when someone shares something they created themselves—like a drawing, story, meme, or video—rather than reposting or copying from others. For example, if someone posts a drawing they made, they might caption it “OC” to let viewers know it’s their own work. In some contexts, especially forums or fan communities, it can also mean Original Character.

 

[jacksho]

OC in texting usually means “Original Content,” referring to something created by the user rather than copied. It can also mean “Original Character” in fan communities, describing a self-created fictional persona used in stories, art, or role-playing.

 

[Albert]

Yeah, you’re right it depends on context, but most commonly OC means Original Character (like in fandoms or gaming), and sometimes it also means Original Content when someone’s sharing their own post.