Oh, Snap!
The phrase, "Oh, Snap" is a common slang term used to convey surprise or shock. It was coined by American Rap superstar Biz Markie in his hit single, Just a Friend, then popularized even further by Peter Stormare in a recent Volkswagen TV ad. It has become a staple in pop culture and catchphrase history as one of the more popular rap-inspired phrases. It has also seen success as a sort of retaliation to an insult or Your Mom joke, in the same manner as, "Oh, I know (s)he didn't!"
Examples and Variations
Jamal: Hey, how you doin'?
Tyrone: Not so good, my car was stolen.
Jamal: Oh, SNAP!
Further variants of the phrase include...
- Oh snap!
- Oh, SNAP!
- Ah, snap! (UK version)
- S-s-s-snap Breaker! (Origin unknown)
- 0H 5N4P (Simple 1337 format)
- Oh... snap!
Notable Uses
As previously stated, the phrase has been used by Biz Markie, Peter Stormare (who played Satan once), and wiggers. But it is also utilized in rap music and lyrics, television, movies, Broadway shows, and more. This is generally because the phrase is believed to express surprise and shock better than conventional methods, such as mono-syllabic exclamations or acting.