What Does "OD" Mean? Unpacking the Slang

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Learn the AAVE-related origins behind this slang term

Co-authored by Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: September 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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• OD Meaning Slang
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• Origin
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• Other NYC Slang
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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”).

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Section 1 of 3:

OD Slang Meaning

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1. 
   “OD” can stand for "overdosing" or "overdoing it." 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.
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Section 2 of 3:

Where does “OD” come from?

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1. 
   The “overdoing it” meaning of “OD” originates from New York City AAVE slang. 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.

   • 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

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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.
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Warnings

• Narcan can help relieve opioid overdoses and is available at pharmacies, substance abuse centers, and businesses across the country.
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