Nigeria is such a fascinating country, rich in diverse culture, filled with jovial people, and boasting what might be the most delicious cuisine (though perhaps we’re a bit partial). Growing up in Naija, one quickly realizes that an integral part of being Nigerian is having street credibility. This involves the ability to switch from standard English to street vocabulary effortlessly. Like any other language, street language can be hard to decipher, even for natives. Staying updated with the latest meanings, especially in the age of social media, is crucial.
While we acknowledge the diversity of slang across the regions of Nigeria, this exploration will focus primarily on those in Pidgin English and Yoruba language. We’ll be sharing slangs commonly used by many Nigerians, what they mean, and examples of how you can use them to increase your street credibility. Trust us, deploying the right street line at the right time can work wonders, the street ‘Ma Fo’! In this context, it means earning respect and surprise from the locals for your ability to interact with them in their lingo. They might even ‘hail’ you in admiration!
Amongst Nigerians, using Pidgin shows that you can identify with everyone, irrespective of your status. Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba languages are our national languages because they are spoken by the majority. Our safe place is Nigerian Pidgin: our common language.
Nigerian culture and language remain powerful tools for shaping social dynamics. In Nigeria, we have created local words that are uniquely ours. This note is an attempt to celebrate some of those Nigerian words which enjoy common understanding across our diverse cultures. I believe that if we learn to celebrate our own, then over time-given the vast influence Nigerians have globally-our locally invented lexis will also gain global recognition.
If you are visiting Nigeria, don't be daunted by the 520 languages in our repertoire. Just remember to add a little bit of pidgin to yours and you will be fine.
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So, let’s begin!
Popular Nigerian Slangs and Their Meanings
Nigerian artistes are credited for many Nigerian slangs these days.
Ma Fo
Ma Fo is one of such, popularly influenced by Nigerian singer Naira Marley. Ma Fo is one of the common Nigerian slangs. On the street, it is a way to tell someone not to worry or be bothered about something.
Mo Fo O
Mo Fo is the opposite of Ma Fo; the Yoruba term literally means ‘I break’. Mo Fo O is an exclamatory remark that expresses surprise and amazement at something extremely impressive and unexpected.
E Choke
E choke is a new school slang popularised by Nigerian musician Davido. E choke is the street way of expressing ‘mind-blown’. When someone sees or experiences something remarkable, they might exclaim, ‘E choke!’ It can also be used as a compliment.
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🇳🇬🇳🇬Nigerian Slang: 10 Phrases You NEED To Know
Who dey breeett
‘Who dey breeett’ is a phrase from Pidgin English; in standard English, it simply means ‘who is breathing’. Who dey breeett is a street slang used to challenge a person’s ability to outperform or outshine a breathtaking moment. Example: Imagine attending a friend’s Owambe party, and you’re gifted a brand-new G-wagon as a party favor after being whisked away for a 5-star all-inclusive weekend in the Maldives.
Omo iya mi
A Yoruba phrase that translates to ‘my mother’s child’, i.e. your biological sibling. Omo iya mi carries the same interpretation as calling a non-related person ‘Fam’ in England. Example: A friend promises to have your back through the good and bad times, saying ‘mo wa pelu e’, another slang that means they are with you.
Ko po ke (KPK)
Po is a Yoruba word that means plenty; the Po series features various words with similar or the same interpretations. Ko po ke, or KPK for short, is used in various contexts alongside the other Po(s) in the Po series.
Chop breakfast
The Pidgin words mean to ‘eat breakfast’; however, the popular slang has nothing to do with food. Chop breakfast can mean different things metaphorically depending on the context of use, but the most common meaning is to experience heartbreak. Example: Your friend is gisting you how women are sc*m, but you know he is a lover boy.
Japa
In the real sense, Japa means to flee, run away, elope or escape from a situation or place. Although it looks like Japa, it has no similarities to the word. We must confess when this word found its way to many lips on social media recently, we didn’t know what it meant. The good thing is you can always ask a friend or two, and you will be up to date.
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Sapa
Sapa is a state of being extremely broke, that is, when a person is out of money. Example: If your friend is struggling financially, you can tell them to send their aza so you can credit their account with some money.
Other Slangs to Know:
- Abeg: Please.
- Aza: Bank account.
- Comot!: Get out of the way. Go away.
- Mental: An abridged version of “mental”, this slang is often used to question a person’s sanity.
- Sapa: This popular Naija slang is used to describe a state of brokenness or extreme poverty.
- Wahala: This simply means trouble, problem and tribulations. The flip side is 'Wahala dey o', meaning there is a problem.
- I too know: An “I too know”.
- Gossip: Someone who gossips.
- Esau: This is your high-impact Naija slang for insulting a glutton. One who, like Esau, can sell their birthright or family members for food.
- My bro: Also “WTMG”, this slang was culled from Adekunle Gold’s hit record with singer, Davido. Think of this Yoruba slang as the English variant of “My bro“.
- Banger: A popular term for something outstanding or impressive, usually used to describe hit songs, blockbuster movies, or memorable events.
- Shege pro max: A humorous blend of Hausa and tech language, shege pro max is used to describe extreme hardship.
- Soro Soke: Initially a rallying cry during the 2020 End SARS protests, “Soro Soke” (Yoruba for “speak up”) has grown beyond its activist roots. Today, it’s used to urge someone to be direct or bold.
- Wetin dey sup?: An informal way of saying “What’s happening?” or “What’s up?” This is a laid-back greeting common in everyday interactions.
- Last Last: Popularised by Burna Boy’s hit song “Last Last,” this phrase is shorthand for “eventually” or “in the end.” It’s often used to express resignation, acceptance, or even a philosophical take on life.
- E go be: Meaning “It will be well,” this slang has a hopeful tone, often used to encourage optimism.
- Blood dey hot: This slang vividly captures a sense of excitement, agitation, or impatience.
- Shine your eyes: This streetwise expression means “stay alert” or “be cautious.”
- E sure for you: This slang is an encouraging way to express confidence in someone.
- Para: “Para” is a term that conveys anger or aggression.
- Lamba: Lamba is a term that embodies the art of smooth-talking, clever wordplay, or impressively persuasive speech.
- Blow: This term describes achieving fame or success, especially in the entertainment industry.
- Inside life: “Inside life” is a phrase used to describe the irony or absurdity of certain situations.
- Shenk: To “shenk” someone means to ignore, sideline, or disappoint them.
- Fashi: This slang means to disregard or “forget about” something.
- Kpako: Aje Kpako (or simply Kpako) refers to someone who grew up in a rougher environment and has developed “street sense” or toughness.
- Chop life: This slang is a celebration of enjoyment, meaning to live life to the fullest.
- Hammer: “Hammer” is a slang for coming into money or success, often suddenly or unexpectedly.
Remember, Nigerian slang is ever-changing, just like Naira notes in the hands of a Lagos conductor. So, keep your ears to the ground, or you might wonder what people are talking about.
