English

Adjective

non-op ‎(not comparable)

1. Nonoperational; not functioning.
   • 1980, Mike McQuay, Lifekeeper, Bantam Books (1985), ISBN 9780553250756, page 254:

     Why he had taken refuge in the chapel, he didn't know. His mind had been non-op for a long time now and he just let the impulses flow.

2. Nonoperative; not using or requiring surgical treatment.
   • 2011, Charles Odum, "Georgia suspends Crowell, 2 other backs for 1 game", The New York Times, 1 November 2011:

     Richt says the surgery should help speed Samuel's recovery.

     "It was debatable on whether it could have been non-op or not, but this will absolutely stabilize it immediately and allow him to get stronger quicker," Richt said.

3. (LGBT, of a transgender or transsexual person) Having chosen not to undergo sex reassignment surgery.
   • 2010, Steven A. Buckhalter, Murder in Protective Custody: Transgenders in Peril Behind Bars, Xlibris Corporation (2010), ISBN 9781450051828, page 145:

     "Just so you know, Vincent, I was a pre-op transsexual. But after my breasts grew and my hips got wider, I was happy with what I had and decided to go non-op."

4. (rail transport) Nonoperating; not directly involved in the mechanical operation of trains.
   • 1951, "Nonoperating Rail Unions Ask Wage-Contract Support", Christian Science Monitor, 12 December 1951:

     About 200000 "non-op" workers - clerks, telegraphers, machinists, and others not actually involved in operation of the roads - are not union members.

Noun

non-op ‎(plural non-ops)

1. (LGBT) A transsexual or transgender person who has chosen not to undergo sex reassignment surgery.
   • 1998, Claudine Griggs, S/He: Changing Sex and Changing Clothes, Berg (2003), ISBN 1859739113, pages 84-85:

     It is interesting that Galatea makes reference to some encouragement from "post-op" transsexuals, though other "non-ops" advise surgical candidates to reconsider their decision.

2. (rail transport) A rail worker not directly involved in the mechanical operation of trains.
   • 1980, Jack Horner, My Own Brand, Hurtig Publishers (1980), ISBN 0888301898:

     For example, in the fall of 1973, when we had a rail strike, the government brought in legislation putting the non-ops back to work at an increase of only 30 cents an hour […]