Nigeria is a unique and vibrant country known for its rich culture, diverse traditions, and languages. Its official languages are Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba, but then again, trust Nigerians to always come up with something different.
Nigerians have come up with an ever-evolving dictionary of slang, which is a colloquial form of speaking, primarily among youths but also used by people of status. However, there are slangs that, when spoken, only those from a particular region understand. For example, consider the people of Warri.
Nigerian slang just shows the uniqueness and dynamism of Nigerian culture; The slang can be spoken in different dialects ranging from pidgin to yoruba, igbo e.t.c.
Without further ado, let’s see some of the trending slangs that has captivated the nation’s attention.
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1. Aza
The term “Aza” is derived from the Igbo language, which roughly translates to “digits” or “numbers.” This term has become widely used making it easier to communicate banking details without being scared. This slang simply means your Bank Account Details. When someone asks you to “send your aza,” they are simply requesting your bank account number.
2. Japa
“Japa” is from the Yoruba language meaning to flee or leave from an uncertain situation fast. It has become a common slang term among Nigerians, indicating a desire to avoid harsh conditions or to leave the country in search of better possibilities. It is the word you’ll find almost all fleeing or migrating Nigerians use.
With the current situation of the Nigerian economy, the phrase has taken on a broader meaning, expressing the desire to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
3. OMO
This word in the real sense is a Yoruba and Edo word meaning “child” but then again it’s Nigeria where everything is not as it seems to be. When used in slang, it is like an exclamation used to express shock, surprise, or to start up a conversation with a friend depending on the context. “Omo! The actors did an amazing job in the movie.”
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4. E choke
Coined by the Nigerian artist Davido to mean something impressive or overwhelming. It is an exclamatory remark used when something or someone exceeds expectations or leaves a lasting impression. The phrase is often used exaggeratedly to emphasize the intensity of the amazement. From social media posts to everyday conversations, Nigerians have embraced “E choke” as an expression of their enthusiasm and admiration.
5. Sapa
This popular slang is used to describe abject poverty, a state of brokeness. This word gained popularity due to the financial situation of the Nigerian economy. It is often used to talk about one’s financial difficulty and the inability to meet one’s necessities. Nigerians use the phrase to express their sorrow with one another and relate their experiences with economic hardship.
6. Zazu zeh
A single originating from the collaboration with prominent artists Olamide and Poco Lee, a viral dancer. its meaning varies depending on the context, it is often used as a question to confirm or inquire about something. The word gained popularity when it was used in Portable Omolalomi’s music video, and it quickly caught on as a trendy expression. Its meaning goes way deeper, associated with excessive road life, crime, juju, yahoo, etc.
7. Drink water drop cup
This is a common slang that most Nigerians use daily. It became popular on social media following the release of the song Ameno by Nektunez and Goya Menor. Because of its meaning, to drink water and drop cup can be used in a variety of ways. It has no exact translation, but the meaning is clear. It denotes when someone is really agitated and uneasy.
8. Cut soap for me
This expression has both a positive and negative meaning, depending on the context. On the positive side, it is the act of showing someone the way to success, similar to “show me the ropes.” It suggests that someone is willing to share their knowledge or connections to help another person succeed. This slang gained popularity due to its association with fraudulent activities, particularly in the context of “Yahoo boys” who use diabolic means to acquire wealth. As a result, it became a popular meme on social media platforms, with people playfully telling others to “cut soap” for me na.
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9. We Meuuve
This word was coined from Nigeria’s reality TV show Big Brother Naija by one of their stars Vee Adeyele. Vee Adeyele used the phrase during a heated argument. Because this reality show is watched by majority of people, it became so popular. This slang, mimicking Vee’s British accent, means “move” or “move on.” We as Nigerians have adopted this slang as a motivational phrase to encourage ourselves that we should be resilient and persevere in the face of challenges.
10. Chop breakfast
This slang simply means heartbreak. This is a belief in Nigeria that everyone sha sha will chop breakfast which means to experience heartbreak as a result, they are heartbroken; they have finished their breakfast. “She don chop breakfast” simply suggests that her heart has been crushed. People also wish and mock those who upload photos of their spouses saying “She go soon chop breakfast,” which means that no matter how happy the relationship is, it will end in heartbreak. This is quite funny because a song was produced with this slang and it goes “e don cast, last last na everybody goes chop breakfast.”
CONCLUSION
Nigerian slangs reflect the unique and dynamic nature of Nigerian culture. From the widely used “Aza” for bank account details to the popular “Japa” indicating a desire to flee or leave, these slangs have become an integral part of Nigerian communication. Expressions like “Omo” for surprise or start up a conversation and “E choke” to convey amazement showcases the vibrancy of Nigerian colloquial language. Additionally, slangs like “Sapa” highlight the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians. “Zazu zeh,” “Drink water drop cup,” and “Cut soap for me” demonstrate the influence of music and social media in popularizing these expressions. “We Meuuve” encourages resilience and perseverance, while “Chop breakfast” humorously refers to heartbreak. Overall, these trending Nigerian slangs add color and character to the nation’s linguistic landscape.
