Nigeria Slangs
Queen’s English is cool, but have you heard Nigerian slang? The Oxford dictionary can’t even hold Nigerian slang. It lightens the mood and helps Nigerians cope with economic hardship. Nigerian slang is a language every Nigerian relate to. No matter their tribe, culture or religion, it unites Nigerians together. Slang is street credibility; you need to be street smart to survive in a country like Nigeria. Here are some Nigerian slang terms and their meaning, so you know when and how to use them correctly.
- JAPA/Jakpa:
To leave the country for greener pastures. Especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges, to japa means to flee or escape your country in search of greener pastures. Many people are seeking ways to leave Nigeria to secure a better life abroad. Currently, it’s every Nigerian youth’s dream to ‘Japa’, hence it’s the most trending slang right now. - No gree for anybody:
Don’t yield to anybody. Always stand up for your rights. It reflects the spirit of resilience and the refusal to be intimidated by anyone. We all somehow decided that our motto for the year 2024 was no gree for anyone. When someone wants to bully, pressure or intimidate you, No gree for the person. - No evidence:
It is used when there is no proof to back up someone’s claims. It is used in arguments or when someone is making a bold statement without providing any proof. Example no matter how hard you work, as long as you don’t have money. There is No evidence to prove your claims. - You go Explain Tire:
A phrase used when someone is trying to justify an action, they seem obviously guilty of in the public eye. When someone is caught in a compromising situation or is clearly wrong but still trying to defend himself, hence you go explain tire yet there is evidence against you. - Wahala be like Bicycle:
Wahala means trouble. This phrase is used to explain that trouble is inevitable and often follow you around. The expression offers a light-hearted perspective on dealing with issues, reminding us that trouble is a part of life and all we can do is pedal through it. - Steeze:
It is used to describe Elegance. It describes elegance, style and fashion. When someone is well dressed, Nigerians use steeze to describe his appearance. - Composure:
Means to maintain calmness even in difficult situations. For instance, if you’re completely broke and have no money, you must maintain your composure, you act like you have money and everything is okay. Composure means finding a way to remain balanced despite the storm. If things are falling apart in your life, you still have to remain composure (calmness) to find a way out. - You dey wine me?:
Are you playing/teasing me/pulling my legs. This slang is used to question someone’s sincerity or seriousness especially when the speaker suspects they’re being joked with. - E don cast:
This slang is used to express disappointment or frustration. Nigerians often use it when something goes wrong or doesn’t turn out as expected. When a Nigerian say the matter don cast, it means it didn’t turn out well or as expected. - Dey play:
Means keep playing. It is used to suggest that someone is being unrealistic or delusional. It means that someone is being unserious, playful or not taking something seriously. A person is joking around, or not being straightforward in a situation. - No panic:
Remain Calm especially in the face of difficulty, hardship or danger. When you’re faced with maximum difficulty, and everything seems to be falling apart, fret not. Just be calm and find an alternative. - Nigerian go Whine you but No panic:
It is used to describe despite the rising cost of living and inflation in Nigeria you have to remain calm or you would lose their minds or go crazy. It simply means a lot of situations are above your control in Nigeria, one has to remain calm in order not lose their mind. - God abeg:
Means God please. It is a plea to God. A quick prayer to God for help, mercy, protection, provision, favor and so on. We say God abeg for literally everything beyond us. As a Nigeria you must shout God abeg at least 10times in one day in order to survive the day and not end up losing your mind. - Omo Naija:
Child of Nigeria, a term of endearment or national pride. Slang that is often used to express pride in being Nigerian and a way to celebrate one’s root. - K-Leg:
Something suspicious or untrue or something that didn’t go as expected. - Groceries, floating berries, sweetener, and brightening serum:
Groceries mean Garri, Floating berries mean groundnut, sweetener means sugar, Brighten serum means milk. We all know garri is everyone’s favourite in Nigeria, taking it with groundnut, sugar and milk is the best way to enjoy it. - God don butter my bread:
God has answered my prayers. - Breakfast:
Breakfast for a Nigerian is not the first meal of the day; most Nigerians don’t even have time to eat breakfast in the morning, as they are always rushing to work. Breakfast to a Nigerian means heartbreak; someone has dumped you. They just served you breakfast, which means you got dumped. - Go warm eba:
Means telling someone to go do something else with their time or life. Instead of telling you to keep quiet, sit down, or get out, which might all sound disrespectful, they invented a less disrespectful but still condescending expression: go warm eba. - Omo:
Omo is an exclamation. Omo is like the most relatable slang; we use it for everything. Omo is well. Omo I just saw this fine babe. Omo this food sweet die. Omo try the check on your guys na. Omo I never chop. Omo what is wrong with you now. Omo you dey craze. Omo I just pay my rent. Omo I dey find money.