Have you seen the abbreviation 'GOP' appear somewhere on social media and need to know more about what the term stands for? The term 'GOP' is popular in political discussions, where it can be used as a comment or a tag. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this common internet term.
Meaning
The term 'GOP' is a common text-based abbreviation that is commonly used as short for the term “Grand Old Party”.
The term 'GOP' is a reference to the Republican Party, as opposed to the Democratic Party.
Usually the term 'GOP' is applied as a collective term, though the plural application of 'GOPs' as a means to say it on social media is also sometimes acceptable.
It is likely that the term 'GOP' arose due to social media and the character limit that is allowed on websites like Twitter.
The term can be used as a comment, as a hashtag or as part of a conversation.
The term 'GOP' is simply used as a popular way to shorten the word, and it is by no means indicative of someone's political preference unless expressed by the statement that is made.
Sometimes, the term can be used by people who self identify as Republican in the context of a discussion although this is not always the case.
Example Usage
“If you want to go to a party this weekend, I think there's a GOP event just down the road from where you live. Maybe show up and see what it's all about.”
“My grandmother's entire search history is full of questions about GOP, but I don't think the word means what she says it means.”
“Have you seen the new policy that's been introduced by the GOP? People sure are going to have different opinions about this at the dinner next week.
“The 'GOP' sure has a lot of things going for them this year. Let's see some pictures from their annual fundraising event! #gop #politicsstuff”
Origin
The origin of the term 'GOP' to refer to the “Grand Old Party” is something that has been done since at least the 1800s, and it's a term that commonly appeared in popular newspapers at the time to refer to the political affiliation/party in shorter terms.
The acronym 'GOP' far predates its use on the internet as a text-based abbreviation.
The term originally used to be short for either the terms “Gallant Old Party” or “Grand Old Party”, although today the second term is more common in modern speaking terms.
Popular in the 1870s, the term experienced a sudden resurgence when it appeared on social media as a quicker, shorter way to refer to the party on the common social media websites.
Today the term 'GOP' can be used as a tag, a comment or a hashtag that might refer directly to the republican party, or might indicate someone's affiliation with the party depending on the context in which it has been used.
Phrases Similar to GOP
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Phrases Opposite to GOP
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What is the Correct Saying?
- Grand Old Party
- GOP
Ways People May Say GOP Incorrectly
The term 'GOP' can be used in the wrong way by anyone who doesn't understand the context of the term, or has not looked up its meaning.
The term 'GOP' is used to stand for the Grand Old Party, or the Republican Party.
If the term is misunderstood, then the context of the tag or entire sentence can become unclear to the reader.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase GOP
There are several acceptable ways in which someone can use the term 'GOP'.
Usually, the term is used as a direct abbreviation that is short for “Grand Old Party” and refers to the Republican Party in short.
The term can also mean “Gallant Old Party” as a term that is still used to mean the Republican Party in short terms.
The term 'GOP' can be used as a comment, a hashtag or as part of a conversation.