Scrolling through fanfiction forums, TikTok roleplay videos, or Discord chats, you might stumble upon the term “OC” and wonder what it actually means. At first, it can feel confusing—especially if you’re new to creative writing or fandom communities.
No worries! In simple terms, an OC is an Original Character, a character created by someone instead of being part of the official story.
It’s a friendly and casual way to refer to your own unique character in text chats, social media, or fanfiction.
Quick Answer:
OC means “Original Character.” It’s a casual way of talking about characters you’ve created for storytelling, fanfiction, or roleplay.
🧠 What Does OC Mean in Text and Fanfiction?
An OC stands for Original Character, a unique character invented by a creator rather than taken from an existing story. People use OCs to express creativity, expand on fandom universes, or explore entirely new storylines.
Example:
- “I wrote a new OC who joins the Hogwarts AU. She’s clever and loves potions.”
In short: OC = Original Character = a character you’ve created yourself.
📱 Where Is OC Commonly Used?
OC is popular in online communities and creative platforms. Here’s where you’ll encounter it:
- Fanfiction sites (Wattpad, Archive of Our Own) ✍️
- Roleplay forums 🖤
- TikTok and YouTube fandom videos 🎥
- Discord servers and chat groups 💬
- Twitter threads or Instagram fandom accounts 📱
Tone: Casual, social-media-friendly, and often playful or creative.
💬 Examples of OC in Conversation
Here are realistic chats showing how OC is used:
- A: “Do you have a new OC for the RP?”
B: “Yeah! She’s a stealthy ninja with a love for cats 🐱” - A: “I made an OC for the Stranger Things AU.”
B: “Ooh, share her design!” - A: “My OC just joined your Hogwarts story.”
B: “Perfect! Can’t wait to see how she interacts with Harry 😄” - A: “Do you accept OCs in your fanfic?”
B: “Always! The more, the merrier 🎉” - A: “I’m designing an OC for my TikTok series.”
B: “Love it! Can’t wait to see the art.”
🕓 When to Use and When Not to Use OC
✅ When to Use:
- Friendly conversations with fellow fans
- Sharing creative writing or fanfiction
- Roleplay in forums or Discord
❌ When Not to Use:
- Formal emails or work communication
- Serious professional conversations
- Discussions unrelated to fandoms or creativity
Comparison Table:
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “Check out my new OC 😄” | Casual & creative |
| Roleplay RP | “My OC is entering the scene” | Social & playful |
| Email/Work | N/A | Too informal for professional use |
🔄 Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| FC | Fan Character | Fandom posts, discussion |
| AU | Alternate Universe | Creative fanfiction |
| RP | Roleplay | Chat, Discord, online forums |
| IC | In-Character | During roleplay conversations |
❓ FAQs About OC
Q1: What does OC stand for in fanfiction?
A1: OC stands for Original Character, a character created by a fan rather than appearing in the official story.
Q2: Can OCs interact with canon characters?
A2: Yes! Many fanfiction writers include OCs alongside canon characters to expand the story.
Q3: How do you create a good OC?
A3: Give your OC a unique personality, background, and motivations. Include quirks and traits that make them memorable.
Q4: Is OC slang only for fanfiction?
A4: No! OC is widely used in text chats, TikTok fandom videos, roleplay, and even casual creative discussions.
✅ Final Thoughts
The term OC is more than just slang—it’s a gateway to creativity in writing, roleplay, and fandom communities.
Whether you’re sharing your Original Character on TikTok, Discord, or in fanfiction, knowing how and when to use OC will make your conversations smoother and your creative work shine.
Remember, the world of OCs is all about imagination, inclusivity, and fun! So go ahead—create, share, and enjoy your OCs!
