When you visit Nigeria, don’t be surprised if the English you hear sounds… a little different. That’s because Nigerians have a vibrant and creative way with language. Welcome to the world of Nigerian slangs — expressions that reflect the energy, humor, resilience, and culture of the people.
Whether you’re strolling through Lagos markets, chatting with locals in Abuja, or enjoying suya by the roadside in Port Harcourt, you’ll likely hear slangs like “how far?”, “e choke”, or “wahala be like bicycle.”
This guide is your crash course in the most popular Nigerian slangs and what they actually mean. If you want to blend in, laugh along, or simply understand what’s going on, keep reading.
1. How Far?
Meaning: How are you? / What’s up?
This is one of the most common Nigerian greetings. It doesn’t actually mean “how far” in distance—it’s a casual way of checking in.
Example:
“How far na?”
“I dey. You nko?”
Translation: “What’s up?” / “I’m fine. How about you?”
2. Wahala
Meaning: Trouble, problem, stress
If something is stressful, chaotic, or problematic, it’s “wahala.”
Variations:
- No wahala = No problem
- Wahala dey = There’s trouble
- Wahala be like bicycle = Problems come quickly and unexpectedly
Example:
“That guy too like wahala.”
Translation: “That guy always causes trouble.”
3. Omo
Meaning: Child (literal), but used to express shock, emphasis, or emotion
“Omo” is widely used across the country by youth to emphasize a situation.
Example:
“Omo! That party mad oh!”
Translation: “Wow! That party was amazing!”
4. E Choke
Meaning: It’s overwhelming (in a good or bad way)
Popularized by singer Davido, E Choke expresses being overwhelmed by something impressive.
Example:
“See her dress, omo e choke!”
Translation: “Look at her dress, wow it’s amazing!”
5. Na You Sabi
Meaning: That’s your business / Do whatever you want
Used when someone wants to be dismissive or doesn’t want to argue.
Example:
“I go chop amala with fork.”
“Na you sabi.”
Translation: “I’ll eat amala with a fork.”
Response: “That’s your business.”
6. Abeg
Meaning: Please / I beg you / Come on
“Abeg” can be used to ask for a favor or to playfully dismiss something.
Example:
“Abeg, shift make I see road.”
Translation: “Please, move so I can see.”
7. Japa
Meaning: To run away, especially to leave the country
Originally from Yoruba, now used countrywide. Often refers to young people emigrating in search of better opportunities.
Example:
“That guy don japa go Canada.”
Translation: “That guy has moved to Canada.”
8. Gist
Meaning: Talk, story, gossip
To “gist” is to chat or share news.
Example:
“Come make we gist.”
Translation: “Let’s chat.”
9. Pepper Dem
Meaning: To show off success
If someone is looking glamorous or living large, they are “peppering” others.
Example:
“She don pepper dem with that new car.”
Translation: “She’s showing off with that new car.”
10. Sapa
Meaning: Financial struggle, being broke
This slang is popular among students and youth, referring to being low on cash.
Example:
“Sapa hold me strong this month.”
Translation: “I’m really broke this month.”
11. You Dey Whine Me?
Meaning: Are you joking with me? / Are you messing with me?
Used when someone says something unbelievable.
Example:
“I saw Burna Boy at the mall.”
“You dey whine me?”
Translation: “Are you serious?”
12. Ehen
Meaning: Really? / Go on / I’m listening
This is a multi-purpose word that depends on tone. It could mean surprise, agreement, or prompting.
Example:
“So he said he’s not coming.”
“Ehen? Why?”
Translation: “Really? Why not?”
13. Who Dey Breeet?
Meaning: Who can top this?
Another Davido-influenced slang, used when you feel unbeatable or overjoyed.
Example:
“I just bought my dream car. Who dey breeet?”
Translation: “I’m unstoppable.”
14. Carry Go
Meaning: Proceed / Go ahead
Used to encourage or cheer someone on.
Example:
“You sabi dance, carry go!”
Translation: “You can dance well, go ahead!”
15. Baff Up
Meaning: Dress up nicely
If someone tells you to “baff up,” they expect you to wear your best.
Example:
“The wedding go mad. Baff up.”
Translation: “The wedding will be amazing. Dress your best.”
16. Chop Life
Meaning: Enjoy life
It literally means “eat life,” and it’s all about enjoying yourself.
Example:
“Na enjoyment we dey, chop life.”
Translation: “We’re just here to enjoy ourselves.”
17. I No Send
Meaning: I don’t care / I’m unbothered
Used to express nonchalance.
Example:
“People dey talk but I no send.”
Translation: “People are talking, but I don’t care.”
18. Sha / Na Sha
Meaning: Anyway / Just
“Sha” adds emphasis or dismisses a point. Context matters.
Example:
“I no like am sha.”
Translation: “I don’t really like it though.”
19. Dem No Born You Well
Meaning: You won’t dare / You’re not bold enough
Used to taunt someone or express confidence.
Example:
“Dem no born you well to try me.”
Translation: “You wouldn’t dare challenge me.”
20. My Oga at the Top
Meaning: The boss / Superior
Made famous by a viral interview, it now humorously refers to people in power.
Example:
“Abeg, I go wait for my Oga at the top.”
Translation: “I’ll wait for the decision-maker.”
Tips for Slang Use
- Listen First: If you’re not sure what a slang means in context, just listen and observe.
- Ask Politely: Nigerians are happy to explain slang with humor and pride.
- Don’t Overdo It: Sprinkle it into conversation naturally, not excessively.
- Enjoy the Flow: Nigerian slangs reflect fun, resilience, and wit—go with the vibe!
Ready to Explore Nigeria Like a Local?
If you truly want to understand Nigeria’s heartbeat—from the slang to the food, music, and culture—we’ve got you covered.
We offer guided tours of Nigeria from when you land till when you leave, ensuring a stress-free, fun-packed, and unforgettable experience.
Our services include:
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Air-conditioned transportation
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- Hotel bookings and accommodations
- Security and logistics management
- Standby tour guides who speak the language and understand the culture
Let’s Help You ‘Chop Life’ in Nigeria!
Don’t just learn Nigerian slangs—live them. Join us for an immersive travel experience and discover Nigeria like never before.
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