What does POG Mean?

With the resurgence of the POG phenomenon, it’s easy to forget that its origin is shrouded in mystery. That’s right – nobody knows what POG actually stands for! But that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate…

The Origins of POG

POG was created in the early 1990s on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It was a game played by local children with decorated slammers, which were coins, bottle caps, and pieces of cardboard. The name POG comes from the juice brand “Pass-O-Gold” that was popular at the time. In 1994, the World POG Federation was founded to help promote and sell the game around the world.

Meaning Behind the Name POG

So, what exactly does POG mean? Unfortunately, the answer is still a mystery. Some believe the name is an acronym for “Playing the Oz Game,” a game popularized by a group of friends on the island of Kauai in the early 1990s. Others say the name is a Hawaiian phrase that loosely translates to “playing all four corners” or “playing the corner games.” Still, others insist that POG is an acronym for “Peace On Gum,” as a way of saying peace and friendship should exist even in the small spaces of the world.

POG in Pop Culture

Today, the term POG has become synonymous not only with the original game, but with the slammers themselves. They’ve become a popular commodity among 90’s kids and antique collectors alike. The slammers have been featured in various TV series and video games as well. Whether you’re an OG POG player or just a 90’s kid looking for a nostalgic throwback, there’s no denying the influence that POG has had on pop culture.

Regardless of what POG actually stands for, one thing we do know is that its popularity is not going away any time soon. The mystery surrounding the origin of the game only adds to the fun, but with such a vibrant community of collectors and players, we’re unlikely to ever truly know the answer. Until then, POG on!