slang phrase
On God
- Also known as
- ONG
Meaning — On God is an informal slang phrase used to emphasize that someone is telling the truth, being serious or strongly standing behind what they said. Depending on context, it can be close to “I swear,” “I’m serious,” “for real” or “I promise.” It is also commonly shortened to ONG online.
Why now
ON GOD appeared in NYT Connections #1178 on September 1, 2026, in the group “I PROMISE!”
The connection
Why here
The Connections category was “I PROMISE!”
Puzzle group: CROSS MY HEART · FOR REAL · ON GOD · PINKY SWEAR
All four expressions can strengthen sincerity, truthfulness or a promise.
Does “on God” always mean a literal promise?
No. In everyday slang, it can also emphasize that a statement is true or show strong agreement. That broader use is why a one-line definition does not always capture every context.
Also from Connections #1178 → Spaghetto
Evidence
Sources
- On God — Wiktionary
Supports On God as an informal phrase emphasizing truthfulness or seriousness.
- On God definition — Slang.net
Supports the slang meaning and the common ONG abbreviation.
- What does “On God” mean? — Know Your Meme
Supports broader everyday uses that stress sincerity, truth or agreement.
- NYT Connections — Forbes
Supports ON GOD in the CROSS MY HEART, FOR REAL, ON GOD and PINKY SWEAR group for Connections