“Cultures and nations possess their own distinctive languages and communication styles. Slang terms emerge from the way of life, languages, and trends that characterize a local or urban community or region. Nigerian slang expressions are among the most amusing and creatively unique in the world, often baffling those who are not Nigerian. Nigerians occasionally employ slangs when communicating in foreign countries to maintain a level of secrecy. Here are 15 Nigerian slangs that are understood only by Nigerians.
1. ‘How Far’: This is one of the most commonly used slangs in Nigeria, serving as a versatile way to inquire about what’s happening or how someone is doing, whether in good or bad situations.
2. ‘Oya Na’: It’s a phrase used to encourage someone to continue with what they’re doing or to keep things moving forward. It’s also employed to grant subtle consent.
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3. ‘I Dey O’: This translates to ‘I’m okay,’ ‘I’m alright,’ or ‘I’m not bothered.’ It’s the phrase to use when you’re relaxed and untroubled.
4. ‘Ajebutter’: Used to describe someone who grew up in comfortable circumstances with a wealthy family and hasn’t faced the hardships of life. It’s also used playfully to tease someone who can’t handle tough situations.
5. ‘Amebo’: Refers to someone who gossips or interferes in others’ affairs without permission, occasionally used to indicate someone who tattles behind someone’s back.
6. ‘Ova Sabi’: Applied to someone who does something without being asked or who goes overboard by doing more than required. For instance, adding an excessive amount of pepper to a dish qualifies as ‘over sabi.’
7. ‘Kolo’: This means ‘crazy’ or ‘losing one’s mind.’ It’s used to describe someone who’s behaving irrationally.
8. ‘Jara’: Essentially, it means ‘extra.’ If Oliver Twist were Nigerian, asking for more would be requesting ‘jara.’ It also refers to the additional benefit one seeks after receiving their due share.
9. ‘Abi / Shey’: This is a simple slang for seeking confirmation. It’s often used to start or conclude questions that require confirmation. It can either be a direct confirmation at the end of a question or used to initiate the question itself.
10. ‘Pepper Don Rest’: This widely recognized phrase indicates that one has come into money. It means ‘my financial situation has improved.’
11. ‘Las Las’: This translates to ‘finally,’ ‘eventually,’ or ‘in the end.’ It’s used when summing up an outcome with a sense of resignation. For example, ‘Even if you work and work, las las, no one cares.’
12. ‘Omo!’: An exclamation expressing excitement or surprise. It has no specific meaning but serves as a concise response to convey surprise without the need for lengthy explanations.
13. ‘Dey Play!’: When you tell someone this, you’re suggesting they are being unserious or not taking serious matters seriously. It means ‘Keep on fooling around.’
14. ‘Wahala’: This means ‘trouble’ or someone with the potential to cause trouble. If someone is ‘wahala,’ they bring problems with them or are generally troublesome.
15. ‘Gbedu’: This simply denotes a ‘fun party’ or a ‘great time’ with lively music or activities. When an event is said to have ‘gbedu,’ it signifies it’s going to be a lively and entertaining party with upbeat music and activities.”