KEY POINTS
- Popular Nigerian slangs add flavor and expressiveness to everyday conversations.
- These slangs often reflect Nigeria’s cultural and societal dynamics.
- Understanding these phrases is key to navigating modern Nigerian dialogue.
Nigerians’ active vocabulary, particularly in the form of slang, is reflected in their lively culture. These expressions, which provide witty, expressive, and perceptive insights into Nigerian life, have crept into everyday conversations.
Nigerian slang is used on social media and in everyday conversations, and it expresses much more than just its literal meaning. Let’s examine some of the most widely used Nigerian slang terms of 2024, examining both their usage and their exact meanings.
Japa
Literal Meaning: To run or flee.
Meaning: Over the last few years, “Japa” has become a favorite term among Nigerians, particularly the youth. It refers to someone fleeing or emigrating in search of better opportunities, often abroad. Whether it’s due to better job prospects or seeking an improved quality of life, the term reflects the large wave of migration from Nigeria. An example: “I don tire for this country, I go japa next year,” meaning “I am fed up with this country, I’m leaving next year.”
Sapa
Literal Meaning: Severe poverty.
Meaning: “Sapa” is used humorously to describe a state of being broke or facing financial hardship. It’s commonly used towards the end of the month when people are low on cash. For example: “Sapa don hold me tight,” which translates to “I am completely broke.” This slang humorously highlights the struggle of dealing with financial instability.
Shey You Dey Whine Me?
Literal Meaning: Are you joking with me?
Meaning: This slang is used when someone feels that they are being teased or played. It’s often employed to express disbelief or skepticism about something that sounds too good to be true. For example: “You said I won 1 million naira? Shey you dey whine me?” meaning “Are you serious about me winning a million naira?” It’s a playful way of calling out potential lies or exaggerations.
Opor
Literal Meaning: Plenty or abundance.
Meaning: “Opor” is used to describe something in excess. It could be food, money, or any other resource. For example: “The money wey dem dash me opor,” meaning “They gave me a lot of money.” Moreover, it signifies excitement or surprise at the abundance of something. This slang is a way to emphasize that there’s more than enough to go around.
Oti Lor
Literal Meaning: It’s gone.
Meaning: “Oti Lor” is used to indicate that something has come to an end or has been lost. If someone says, “The opportunity oti lor,” it means that the chance has passed or the opportunity is no longer available. In addition, it often expresses finality in a situation, signaling that there’s no going back.
Dey Play
Literal Meaning: Keep playing.
Meaning: This sarcastic phrase is used to warn someone who is wasting time or being unserious. If someone is procrastinating, you might say, “Dey play, dey play,” implying that while they’re being unserious, the consequences are looming. Moreover, it’s often used among friends in a playful yet cautionary manner.
You Dey Muse Me
Literal Meaning: You amuse me.
Meaning: This slang is used when someone says or does something funny or ridiculous. For example, if a friend cracks a joke, you might say, “You dey muse me,” meaning “You’re making me laugh.” It’s a lighthearted way to acknowledge humor in a conversation.
Touch Grass
Literal Meaning: Get outside.
Meaning: “Touch grass” is often used on social media to tell someone to get offline and experience real life. It’s a way of suggesting someone has spent too much time in the virtual world and needs to ground themselves in reality. For instance: “You’ve been arguing on Twitter all day. Go touch grass.” However, it’s a funny way to encourage someone to take a break from their digital habits.
Go Warm Eba Chop
Literal Meaning: Heat eba and eat.
Meaning: This humorous phrase is a way to tell someone to take it easy or stop over-exerting themselves in conversation. When someone is talking too much or acting overly assertive, you might say, “Go warm eba chop,” implying that they should relax and focus on something simple, like eating. Furthermore, it’s a playful phrase used to defuse tension in conversations.
No Cap
Literal Meaning: No lie.
Meaning: This slang, borrowed from Western hip-hop culture, means “I’m being honest” or “no lie.” When someone says, “I just made 1 million, no cap,” they’re assuring you that they’re telling the truth. The phrase is popular in social media circles, particularly among young Nigerians, and is often used to emphasize authenticity or honesty in conversations.
Omo x 100
Literal Meaning: Child x 100.
Meaning: “Omo” is a versatile slang term that can mean “child” or “kid,” but it’s more commonly used to express surprise or excitement. When someone says “Omo x 100,” it means they are extremely shocked or amazed. For instance: “Did you hear the news? Omo x 100!” meaning “I’m in shock!” It’s a slang that amplifies emotions, particularly when used in reaction to surprising news.
