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INTRODUCTION: If you’ve ever listened to Nigerian conversations or social media banter and felt completely lost, you’re not alone. Nigeria is home to over 500 languages, but when it comes to vibes, humor, and cultural energy, nothing beats our iconic street slangs.
From “wahala” to “japa” and “omo,” Nigerian slang is loud, proud, and filled with punchlines. Whether you’re an expat in Lagos, a tourist in Abuja, or just someone curious about Naija culture, this guide will help you understand the most popular slangs used across Nigeria.
Let’s go there! 💥
TOP 40 NIGERIAN SLANGS & THEIR MEANINGS
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Japa – To run away or escape, often used in the context of fleeing hardship or traveling abroad. Example: “Guy, this country hard o. I go japa soon!”
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Wahala – Trouble or problems. Example: “No put yourself for wahala.”
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Omo – A general exclamation or way to start a sentence. Literally means “child” in Yoruba but used widely. Example: “Omo! That movie mad!”
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E choke – Something overwhelming, exciting, or surprising. Example: “See her dress! E choke!”
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Shege – A term for suffering or bad experience. Example: “This week I see shege for work.”
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Abi – Nigerian way of saying “right?” or seeking confirmation. Example: “You go buy am, abi?”
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Mad o – Used to express shock, excitement, or disbelief. Example: “You won 10 million? Mad o!”
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Pepper – Money, success, or luxury. Example: “Omo, that guy dey pepper dem!”
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Carry last – To be left behind or to fail. Example: “Make you no carry last for class.”
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Gbas gbos – Exchange of blows or heated argument. Example: “The argument turn gbas gbos!”
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Sapa – Being broke or financially down. Example: “Sapa hold me strong this month.”
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Baff up – To dress well. Example: “You baff up today o!”
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Dey play – Used sarcastically when someone is being naive. Example: “Dey play! Life no balance.”
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Ehn ehn – Expression of realization or acknowledgment. Example: “Ehn ehn, na wetin you talk?”
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Pikin – Child or kid. Example: “That woman get five pikin!”
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Comot – To leave or go out. Example: “Make I comot for here before wahala start.”
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Hala me – Reach out or call me. Example: “If you need anything, hala me.”
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Run am – Go ahead with something or take action. Example: “You sabi code? Run am now!”
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Wetin – What. Example: “Wetin you talk?”
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How far? – A casual greeting similar to “What’s up?” Example: “How far na?”
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No vex – Don’t be angry. Example: “No vex, I no mean am.”
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Chop – To eat or to gain something. Example: “Make we go chop.” or “That guy dey chop life!”
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Big wahala – A serious problem. Example: “Police dey here? Big wahala!”
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Na wa o – Expression of disbelief or pity. Example: “Na wa o, this life sha.”
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Osha prapra – Stylish, flashy, or trendy. Example: “This your new ride na osha prapra!”
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Flex – To enjoy or have fun. Example: “We go flex this Friday!”
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Burst brain – Mind-blowing. Example: “That performance burst my brain!”
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Yawa – Trouble or bad news. Example: “Yawa don gas!”
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Na so – That’s how it is. Example: “E no easy. Na so we see am.”
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My guy – My friend or close pal. Example: “Wetin dey happen, my guy?”
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Slay queen – A woman who always dresses fashionably. Example: “Slay queen don enter the building!”
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Omo see level – Expression of awe or amazement. Example: “Omo see level, this party mad!”
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Small small – Gradually or gently. Example: “Take am small small, no rush.”
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Sharp sharp – Very quickly. Example: “I need the job sharp sharp.”
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Gist – Gossip or news. Example: “I get correct gist for you.”
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Blow – To become famous or successful. Example: “That artist don blow!”
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Bad belle – Jealous or envious person. Example: “Leave am, na bad belle.”
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One kind – Feeling weird or awkward. Example: “I dey feel one kind.”
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Body dey pepper me – I feel excited or eager. Example: “Body dey pepper me to travel.”
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No dull – Don’t be slow or miss out. Example: “No dull yourself, apply now!”
TIPS FOR FOREIGNERS
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Don’t take everything literally — Nigerian slang is rich in metaphor and context.
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Watch Nigerian movies or listen to Naija music to hear slang in action.
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Practice with Nigerian friends or communities online.
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Smile, ask, and learn — Nigerians are happy to explain if you’re genuinely interested.
Learning Nigerian slang doesn’t just make communication easier — it helps you connect to the heart of the culture. Whether you’re a tourist, migrant, or just a curious global citizen, adding a few Naija phrases to your vocab will win you smiles and street cred.
So next time someone says, “How far?” — don’t panic. Just respond, “I dey alright, you nko?”
📌 Want more Naija culture, migration tips, and lifestyle gist? Keep it locked on Xpino’s Blog!
