If you are a gamer, you have undoubtedly heard the phrase “okaychamp” before, as it is especially common in the gaming community. Though this phrase has emerged relatively recently, it has become a well-used phrase quickly.
If you are looking for a way to sarcastically reply to something dumb that someone else has said, this phrase would be perfect for you. Or, likewise, “okaychamp” is a good response if you are looking to acknowledge something cool that someone has done, or give them praise. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase “okaychamp” is one often used in gaming culture to respond sarcastically to something stupid that someone has said. Saying something like, “yeah, okaychamp” can signal to the person that has just spoken that you do not believe what they have said, or that you, in general, are not particularly happy with what they said.
Also in gaming culture, “okaychamp” can be used as a true phrase of encouragement, or as a praise for something that someone just did. Something along the lines of, “okaychamp! That was really cool!” may be used to do this. This phrase is very casual, and used between friends (in real life) or teammates (in a video game).
Context is very important in knowing what the person who used the phrase intended the meaning to be, especially if it is someone else directing the phrase toward you. It may require having self-awareness of your actions to understand if the person is mocking you or genuinely praising you. For an example of someone using the phrase “okaychamp” (though it is not actually said in the video, but in the caption; this is still a good example of a situation in which this phrase can be used), more information can be found in this video (here).
Example Usage
“I think I know what I’m doing, but okaychamp”.
“I’ve definitely played this game longer than you, but okaychamp”.
“Okaychamp! That was a nice shot!”
“Okaychamp! I see what you’re doing there!”
Origin
The phrase “okaychamp” evolved from gaming culture, primarily Twitch gaming. The website Twitch first went online in 2011, and with it, many phrases came into existence. As of the time this post was written, “okaychamp” had been recorded as being used on Twitch gaming streams over 17,840 times.
“Okaychamp” came into being as an extension of “PogChamp” which is another gaming phrase widely used on video game streaming platforms like Twitch. “PogChamp” was first inspired by a gamer with the username Gootecks, whose facial expressions inspired a long list of phrases that were made to emulate the expression he was making in the given photo. There is even a photo of him, referred to as an “emote”, that is now used to mean “okaychamp”, which shows the gamer looking into the camera with a disbelieving expression.
Phrases Similar to OkayChamp
- PogChamp
- Congratulations
- Cool/awesome/etc.
- (When used in disbelief of something dumb a teammate may have done) Seriously?
Phrases Opposite to OkayChamp
- Lame/not cool/boring/etc.
What is the Correct Saying?
- “Okaychamp” is its own saying, correctly said as “okaychamp”
Ways People May Incorrectly Say OkayChamp
“Okaychamp” is a fairly straightforward term to use, but the meaning often depends on the context. Keep in mind this phrase is only used sarcastically, or as a true praise. Using it to mean anything other than this is incorrect. Some ways that “okaychamp” is used incorrectly are:
- Okaychamp, that action was really boring.
- Okaychamp, that was nothing impressive.
- Okaychamp, I think you’re really smart (if intended to be used as a sarcastic comeback, something like this would be incorrect if you genuinely think the person is smart).
Acceptable Ways to Phrase OkayChamp
- Okaychamp! That was awesome!
- I’ve been doing this longer than you, but okaychamp, whatever you say.
- I loved that! Okaychamp!