Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

op
     
         /op/ 1. In England and Ireland, a common verbal
        abbreviation for "operator", as in {system operator}.  This is
        less common in the US, where {sysop} seems to be preferred.
     
        2. The general term for an {IRC} {channel op}.  Also, as a
        verb: to give someone {channel op} privileges.  Compare
        {ircop}.
     
        [{Jargon File}]
     
        (1997-12-12)