Nigerian street slangs and chat abbreviations are like the secret codes of everyday talk in Nigeria. They’re the cool words and phrases you hear on the streets or online chats that give conversations flavor and vibe. These words might seem simple, but they carry a lot of meaning and some may mean more than one thing.
In this post, we’re learning about Nigerian slangs and chat lingo. Whether you’re new to Nigerian culture, missing home from abroad, or just want to sound cooler, come join us on this journey through Nigerian language and communication.
Table of Contents
Common Nigerian Street Slangs
These are a few examples of the colorful language you’ll encounter on the streets of Nigeria.
- How far?: This is a casual way of asking “How are you?” or “What’s going on?”
- Sapa: Describes a state of poverty or financial hardship.
- Wahala: It means trouble or problem. Nigerians often use it to express a situation that’s difficult or challenging.
- Aza: It refers to your account number.
- Na wa: This is an expression of surprise, shock, or disbelief. It’s like saying “Wow” or “I can’t believe it.”
- Fam: Referring to close friends or people you consider family.
- Chop: This means to eat. It’s a common term used when talking about having a meal.
- Opp: Short for Opposition. It is used to describe people who are against you
- Oga: It means boss or someone in authority. It’s often used respectfully when addressing someone.
- Abeg: Short for “I beg,” it’s used to make a request or to ask for something politely.
- Sabi: To know or understand. It’s used to indicate that someone is knowledgeable about something.
- Japa: To flee or run away. It’s used when someone wants to escape from a situation quickly.
- Baff: To bathe or shower. It’s a colloquial term for personal hygiene.
- Jah: It refers to God or a higher power, often used in expressions of gratitude or supplication.
- Maga/Mugu: Refers to a person who is easily deceived or taken advantage of, often in the context of scams or fraud.
- Bolo: Refers to someone who is slow, sluggish, and isn’t street-smart.
- Ginger: To encourage or inspire. It’s used to motivate someone or to create excitement.
- Kolo/Ment: Literally means “Crazy.” It can be used to question someone’s sanity or suggest that someon is not sane.
- Weyrey/Were: This word has both positive and negative meanings depending on the context. It can be used to praise someone who has achieved a great feat. It can also be used to describe someone as crazy or insane, especially when posed as a question.
- Shine your eye: Means to be vigilant or observant, often used in warning someone to be cautious.
- Boku: Means a lot or plenty. It’s used to describe abundance or quantity.
- Ojoro: Refers to cheating or dishonesty, especially in games or transactions.
- K-leg: Refers to a problem or complication, something that is not straightforward.
- Shakara: Refers to showing off or acting proud, often in a flamboyant or exaggerated manner.
- Gbe body e: Derived from Yoruba language, meaning “Get ready to dance” or “Start moving your body.”
- E don set: Means it’s ready or prepared, indicating that something is complete or finished.
- Gbas Gbos: Represents the sound of a physical altercation or argument. It’s used to describe a heated exchange or conflict in online discussions.
- Padi mi: Short for “My friend” in Yoruba language, often used affectionately to refer to a close friend or buddy.
- Sho mo age mi?: Literally translates to “Do you know my age?” in Yoruba.
- Eez nor easy: Represents the Nigerian Pidgin English phrase “It’s not easy.”
- Shine your eye: An admonition to be vigilant or wise, often used in online discussions to caution someone to be careful or observant.
- Omo see gobe: Nigerian Pidgin for “See trouble” or “This is a serious problem.”
- E go better: Nigerian Pidgin phrase meaning “It will get better.”
- Babalawo: Traditional healer.
- Handicap (O gbe mi ni handicap): This is used to express shock or surprise at an unexpected turn of events.
- Vibe: Indicates joy, high energy and positive feeling.
- We vibe: This is used when referring to someone you have similar energy with.
- Vibes on vibes: This refers to having a lot of vibe, like experiencing positive feelings in multiple portions.
- Slay: This refers to doing something excellently, particularly in areas like fashion, artistic performance, or self-confidence.
- Flex: This means to show off or to boast.
- It’s giving: Means it’s giving off a certain vibe or feeling.
- Idan: This refers to someone who is wise, street-smart and affluent.
- Watimagbo/WTMG: This is a Yoruba slang that means “You must have heard”.
- OG: This is short for “original gangster”. It refers to someone who’s exceptional, accomplished, or “old-school.”
- Fall my hand: When someone says “You fall hand,” they mean you’ve let them down or failed to live up to their expectations.
- Chop knuckle: Give me a fist bump
- Wetin: What
- 100: More like saying “I agree with you” or “I’m fully with you”
- Abi: Isn’t it? or Right?
- Aza: Bank account details.
- Gist: A story or gossip.
- E choke: An exclamatory remark for something overwhelming or extremely impressive.
- Tule: A Yoruba word that means “leave me, free me or release me.”
- We move/We meuve: This means “life goes on.”
- O por: This is a Yoruba word that literally means “It is plenty.” It is used to refer to big things, abundance or extravagance.
- It’s plenty: Instead of saying “O por”, some netizens prefer to use the english translation.
- Ma fo/Ma phor: This is a Yoruba term that literally means “Don’t break.” It is used to communicate support and encourage others not to be bothered.
Chat Abbreviations
Nigerian communication has its shorthand, making online conversations quick and efficient. Here are some chat abbreviations commonly used in Nigerian online conversations and chats:
- LOL: Laugh Out Loud – Used to express laughter or amusement.
- BRB: Be Right Back – Indicates a temporary absence from the conversation.
- SMH: Shaking My Head – Shows disbelief or disappointment.
- TBH: To Be Honest – Precedes an honest statement or opinion.
- BTW: By The Way – Introduces an additional or related point.
- AFK: Away From Keyboard – Indicates being temporarily inactive online.
- ICYMI: In Case You Missed It – Highlights previously mentioned information.
- IDK: I Don’t Know – Expresses uncertainty or lack of knowledge.
- WYD: What You Doing? – Inquires about someone’s current activity.
- FWIW: For What It’s Worth – Offers a piece of information for consideration.
- ROFL: Rolling On the Floor Laughing – Indicates extreme amusement.
- OMG: Oh My God – Expresses shock or surprise.
- JK: Just Kidding – Clarifies that a previous statement was meant humorously.
- TTYL: Talk To You Later – Indicates intent to continue the conversation at a later time.
- GG: Good Game – Typically used in online gaming to compliment opponents.
- OOTD: Outfit Of The Day – Describes one’s chosen attire for the day.
- YOLO: You Only Live Once – Encourages taking risks or living life to the fullest.
- BFF: Best Friends Forever – Refers to a close and enduring friendship.
- IMO: In My Opinion – Precedes a personal viewpoint or belief.
- IMHO: In My Humble Opinion – Similar to IMO; used when expressing a personal opinion.
- KPK: Ko Por Ke – A street slang meaning “It is plenty” or “It is abundant.”
- FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out – Refers to the anxiety or feeling of being left out.
- IYKYK: If You Know, You Know – Indicates that something is understood.
- GOAT: Greatest Of All Time – Describes someone or something that is considered the best in their field.
- TMI: Too Much Information – Used when someone shares more details than necessary or makes you uncomfortable with the level of information they’re sharing.
- ROFL: Rolling On the Floor Laughing – Indicates that something is extremely funny.
- AFAIK: As Far As I Know – Used to preface that this is the best of one’s knowledge or understanding.
- ASAP: As Soon As Possible – Indicates urgency or the need for something to be done quickly.
- ISC: I Stand Corrected – Used when someone acknowledges they were wrong about something.
- OMW: On My Way – indicating that someone is en route or heading to a particular location.
- ATM: At The Moment – Indicates the current situation or status.
- POV: Point Of View – used to indicate the perspective from which something is being portrayed or experienced.
- YKTV: You Know The Vibes – indicating that the person being addressed understands or shares the same feelings, atmosphere, or situation as the speaker.
- HTT: Holier Than Thou – Describes someone who behaves in a self-righteous manner.
- NGL: Not Gonna Lie – Used to preface a statement where the speaker is being honest.
- IDC: I Don’t Care – Indicating that the speaker has little or no interest in the topic being discussed or the outcome of a situation.
- WYD: What You Doing? – It’s a casual way of asking someone what they are currently up to.
- WDYM: What Do You Mean? – Used to ask for clarification or further explanation when someone’s statement or message is unclear.
- IKR: I Know, Right? – Expresses agreement with something that has been said.
- ISTG: I Swear To God – Emphasizes the truthfulness or sincerity of a statement.
- NGL: Not Gonna Lie – Used to preface a statement where the speaker is being honest or straightforward about something.
- ATP: At This Point – Used to indicate that a situation or circumstance has reached a particular stage or level.
- TYSM: Thank You So Much – A polite expression of appreciation.
- WYA: Where You At? – A casual way of asking someone about their current location or whereabouts.
Conclusion
These Nigerian slangs and chat abbreviations streamline online and offline conversations, making them more efficient and expressive. Understanding them will help you navigate Nigerian digital communication with ease and fluency.
They’re more than just words; they’re like pieces of Nigerian culture that tell us about the country’s diversity and creativity. From the busy streets to online chats, these words show us a lot about Nigerian life.
However, we have to use them carefully, making sure they fit the situation.
A quick test of assimilation: What does “Padi mi, ma phor” mean?
Reply in the comment section.