60+ Most Popular Naija Slangs and Their Meanings

Nigerian slang mixes Pidgin English with Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Afrobeats lyrics, and whatever Nigerian Twitter is arguing about this week. This dictionary covers 280+ terms — search below or scroll the full list grouped by category.

New Slang This Month

Terms picking up real use in 2026 — worth knowing if you follow Nigerian Twitter, music, or street conversation.

• Slay queen — A woman who shows off a lavish lifestyle online, sometimes one she can’t actually afford. The tone can be admiring or mocking depending on context.
• Yahoo plus — Internet fraud combined with ritual or spiritual practices that fraudsters believe boost their success.
• K-leg — Describes a situation that has a catch, a flaw, or something off about it.
• Oblee — Enjoyment, celebration, or the soft life, especially around Detty December.
• Ember months — September through December, seen as a period of higher prices, accidents, and rushed year-end plans.
• Shenkiz — A casual, sometimes flirtatious word for girls or young women.

Last updated 17 August 2026 · 281 terms

Greetings & Small Talk

Abeg Classic

A polite word added to a request, roughly “please.” “Abeg, send me that link.”

How body Classic

Asks how someone is feeling, physically or generally. “How body? Body dey inside cloth.”

How far Classic

An informal greeting that means “how are you” or “what’s up.” “How far, you dey kampe?”

How market Classic

Asks how life or business is going, not literally about a market. “How market? E dey move?”

Nawa o Classic

An exclamation of surprise, similar to “wow” or “unbelievable.” “Nawa o, see as e do am.”

No wahala Classic

Means “no problem” or “no worries.” The all-purpose Nigerian reassurance. “You need help? No wahala.”

Oya Classic

Means “let’s go” or is used to prompt someone into action. “Oya, we move.”

Shebi / Abi / Shey Classic

Tag words added to the end of a sentence to ask for agreement, like “right?” “You are coming, abi?”

Warri! Classic

A call-and-response shout used to spot a fellow Warri person. The reply is “Street!” “Warri! …Street!”

Wassuputunu Current

A youth-culture way of asking “what’s up with you.” “Wassuputunu, you don land?”

Wetin dey Classic

A casual way to ask “what’s up” or “what’s happening.” “Wetin dey, bro? Long time.”

Wetin dey shele Current

Asks for the latest gist or what is currently going on. “Wetin dey shele for that area?”

Wetin dey sup Current

Another way to ask what’s happening or going on. “Wetin dey sup, guy?”

Which levels Current

Asks what’s going on or how someone is doing. “Which levels, my guy?”

Money & Hustle

419 Classic

Slang for fraud, named after the section of the Nigerian criminal code that covers it. “No fall for that 419.”

Akawo Classic

A daily contribution or savings system run by a collector for small traders and market people. “She dey save with akawo every day.”

Aristo Current

An older, wealthy person, usually a man, who dates someone much younger in exchange for money or gifts. “She get aristo wey dey sponsor her.”

Awoof Classic

Something given for free, or a good deal too generous to pass up. “E be like say na awoof dem dey give.”

Aza Current

Short for a bank account number. “Send your aza make I pay you.”

Blow Classic

To gain fame or financial success, especially in music or showbiz. “That guy go soon blow.”

Chop money Classic

To embezzle or misuse public or shared funds, most often used about politicians. “The committee chop the project money.”

Dash Classic

To gift money or an item, with no expectation of it being returned. “Make I dash you something.”

Ember months Classic

September through December, seen as a period of higher prices, accidents, and rushed year-end plans. “Be careful, ember months don start.”

Hammer Classic

To make it big or hit the jackpot, coming into a large amount of money. “That guy don hammer for crypto.”

Jara Classic

A free extra, usually a little more than what was paid for. “Madam, put jara for my garri abeg.”

Long leg Classic

Having useful connections or influence that gets things done. “He got the job through long leg.”

Long throat Classic

Describes someone who is greedy or wants more than their fair share. “No be long throat make you ask again?”

Maga Classic

A fool, or someone being conned. Yahoo-boy vocabulary that stuck around. “Na maga dem use am.”

Mugu Classic

A fool, or someone who is easily taken for a ride by a scammer. “That mugu send money again.”

Pepper don red Classic

Describes someone whose luck has changed and who is now doing well financially. “Since he blew, pepper don red for am.”

Pepper don rest Classic

Means money has come in, or someone just got paid. “I just got paid, pepper don rest o.”

Runs Classic

An illicit or fast money-making hustle, sometimes implying transactional sex work. “She dey do runs to survive Lagos.”

Sapa Current

Being broke or financially drained. “Sapa Nation” is the meme term for everyone in that state at once. “I just paid rent, sapa don land.”

Sort Classic

To bribe someone, usually to speed something up or look the other way. “Just sort the man, e go waka.”

Spray Classic

To shower a celebrant with cash while they dance, common at Nigerian weddings and parties. “The groom’s friends spray him well well.”

Square Classic

To pay someone what is owed, settling a debt or bill. “I go square you by Friday.”

Yahoo Classic

Internet fraud, or the person who commits it. “Yahoo boy” is the noun form. “He dey do yahoo full time now.”

Yahoo plus Current

Internet fraud combined with ritual or spiritual practices that fraudsters believe boost their success. “Police linked the shrine to yahoo plus activities.”

Street Talk & Everyday Pidgin

Achalugo Current

An Igbo endearment meaning “God’s treasure,” used for a cherished or beautiful person. “My achalugo, how far?”

Agbero Classic

A tout or labourer who works at motor parks, often collecting fares or loading goods for a fee. “Agbero collect money before the bus leave.”

Ajala Fading

A well-travelled person, from a famous Nigerian globetrotter of the same name. “That guy is an Ajala, he’s been everywhere.”

Ajebutter Classic

Someone from a wealthy home, sometimes used to mean spoiled or unused to hardship. Short form: “butter.” “She be correct ajebutter, never suffer before.”

Ajepako Classic

The opposite of ajebutter, describing someone raised in hardship and street-smart because of it. “He be ajepako, e sabi hustle well.”

Alaye Current

A young man, often used to address someone friendly on the street. “Tell the alaye manning your danfo to give you your change.”

All join Classic

Means everything is included together, regardless of individual differences. “The price na all join, no extra charge.”

Amebo Classic

A gossip, or someone who loves other people’s business. “You too like amebo.”

Aproko Classic

Someone who pokes their nose into other people’s affairs, or the act of gossiping itself. “Stop the aproko and mind your business.”

Area Classic

A neighbourhood, or a familiar friend from that neighbourhood. “He’s from my area.”

Area boy Classic

A local tout, usually one who hangs around a neighbourhood causing trouble or demanding money. “Area boys dey block that junction.”

Ashawo Classic

A common, informal word for a sex worker. “That area full of ashawo joint.”

Bad belle Classic

Jealousy, envy, or holding a grudge against someone. “No be bad belle make she talk like that?”

Baff up Classic

To dress flamboyantly or nicely for an occasion. “Make sure you baff up for the party.”

Bakassi Fading

A playful, informal word for the backside. “Mind your bakassi, the chair small.”

Before nko Classic

“What did you expect?” said when an outcome was obvious. “He failed the test? Before nko, he never read.”

Betta Classic

Good times, or an improvement on the previous situation. “Things go betta soon.”

Big man Classic

A rich or powerful man. “He’s a big man for that area now.”

Big woman Classic

A woman of standing, wealth, or influence. “She’s become a big woman in the business.”

Black maria Fading

A prison van used to transport arrested or convicted people. “Dem carry am inside black maria.”

Bone that thing Current

Drop the idea, or forget the plan entirely. “You wan travel without visa? Bone that thing.”

Bros Classic

A friendly way to address a man, similar to “brother” or “man.” “Bros, wetin you want?”

Bukateria Classic

A simple, cafeteria-style eatery, usually cheaper than a proper restaurant. “The bukateria near work serves correct rice.”

Bust my skeroo Fading

To blow someone’s mind, leaving them amazed or stunned. “That plot twist bust my skeroo.”

Carry go Classic

Encouragement to keep doing something and not stop. “You’re doing well, carry go!”

Chai Classic

An exclamation of surprise, disappointment, or anger. “Chai! I never see person like this.”

Chop Classic

To eat. “Come chop rice.”

Chop life Current

To enjoy life to the fullest. “Make we chop life and leave vex.”

Coconut head Classic

Someone considered slow-witted or a fool. “Na only coconut head go fall for that.”

Comot Classic

To leave a place. “I go comot early today.”

Comot for road Classic

“Move out of the way,” heard daily from danfo conductors and okada riders. “Comot for road, make bus pass!”

Confam Classic

“Confirmed,” used to show certainty or agreement. “The party is happening, confam.”

Control Classic

To act calm, composed, and in charge of a situation. “Just control, no dey shake.”

Control P Current

“Stop taking it personal.” A play on the Ctrl+P print shortcut. “Na control P dey worry this babe.”

Correct Classic

A way of saying something or someone is good, genuine, or impressive. “That’s a correct plan.”

Danfo Classic

A yellow commercial minibus, the main form of public transport in Lagos. “We enter danfo go work.”

Dem no born you reach Classic

A dare that means “you don’t have what it takes to try that.” “Dem no born you reach make you talk like that.”

Demor Fading

To show off or pretend to be something you’re not. “Stop the demor, we know your real level.”

Dey your lane Classic

“Mind your own business.” “Just dey your lane and face your work.”

Drop Classic

Either to charter a taxi so you don’t share it with strangers, or to get off one. “Driver, I want to drop here.”

Dundee United Fading

A playful but pointed way to call someone a fool. “Guy, you be Dundee United.”

E choke Current

“It’s too much,” used as a compliment for something overwhelming, excellent, or stunning. Popularised by Davido. “That outfit e choke well well.”

E don do Classic

“That’s enough,” used to call a stop to something. “E don do, no vex again.”

E don red Classic

Means a situation has gotten serious or real, often used about a fight or conflict escalating. “Once he raised his voice, e don red.”

Fabu Classic

A lie, or an expression of disbelief at one. “Oh boy, no dey give me that kind fabu.”

Fall hand Classic

To disappoint someone. “This man don fall my hand.”

Form Classic

To show off or pretend to be something you’re not. “Stop forming, we know you.”

Gbam Classic

“Exactly” or “spot on,” an affirmation of agreement. “You are right, gbam!”

Gbas gbos Current

A back-and-forth war of words between two people, or a scene of chaos. “The comment section be full gbas gbos.”

Gbe body e Current

“Lift your body,” used to get someone moving, whether that’s up from a seat or onto the dance floor. “Gbe body e, make we dance!”

Gbege Classic

Trouble. “Too much gbege for this area.”

Gbese Classic

To put someone in trouble or debt, or a call to start a vibe at a party. “Dem put am for gbese for that deal.”

Gbosa Classic

The sound of a punch or slap, also used as the action itself. “The gbosa sound well well.”

Gist Classic

To chat or gossip, or the news and details of a story. “Give me the full gist about the wedding.”

Go-slow Classic

Heavy traffic or a traffic jam. “Third Mainland Bridge get serious go-slow today.”

Guy man Classic

Someone who thinks, or presents themselves, as having a lot of swag or cunning. “He waka like guy man for the club.”

Horning Classic

Honking a car horn. Nigerians turn many nouns into verbs this way. “The driver dey horning since.”

I go change am for you Classic

A warning not to push your luck, or face the consequences. “Try me one more time, I go change am for you.”

If I hear Classic

“That’s impossible” or “I don’t believe it.” “You’ll finish by Friday? If I hear.”

Ikebe Fading

A playful, informal word for the backside. “Mind your ikebe, the seat small.”

Inside life Fading

“Reality is wild,” said when something unbelievable happens that defies explanation. “Na inside life we dey live.”

Jack Classic

To study hard, especially cramming for an exam. “Make I go jack for exams.”

Jaguda Fading

A crook or fraudulent person. “No trust that jaguda with your money.”

Jand Classic

Slang for the United Kingdom, often used when talking about travel or relocation. “Her sister just relocated to jand.”

Japa Current

To flee Nigeria for a better life abroad. The word originally meant to run swiftly out of danger. “She don japa to Canada.”

Jones Current

To miss an opportunity or fail to act smart in a situation. “Babe, you don jones on that one.”

Juju Classic

Black magic or the use of spiritual powers to cause or fix something. “Dem say na juju kill the deal.”

K-leg Current

Describes a situation that has a catch, a flaw, or something off about it. “That offer get k-leg somewhere.”

Kabu kabu Fading

An unregistered, unofficial taxi. “I no like kabu kabu, dem fit charge you anyhow.”

Kai Classic

An exclamation of surprise, shock, or grief, similar to “wow” or “oh no.” “Kai, see wetin happen!”

Kata kata Classic

Chaos, trouble, or unrest. “If dem no pay, kata kata go start.”

Keke napep Current

A commercial tricycle used for short trips in Nigerian cities. “I board keke napep come house.”

Kolo Classic

To go crazy or lose one’s mind, whether literally or as an exaggeration. “This guy don kolo.”

Konji Current

A state of sexual arousal or horniness. “Konji dey worry am.”

Long throat person Fading

Someone who is greedy and always wants more than what’s fair. “No be long throat person you be so?”

Mad oh Fading

An expression of shock or admiration, similar to “that’s wild.” “Mad oh! You bought a new car?”

Mama put Classic

An informal roadside food seller or her eatery, known for cheap, home-style meals. “We dey chop for mama put every afternoon.”

Ment Current

Short for “mental,” used to question someone’s sanity. “You dey ment?”

Molue Fading

A large, battered commercial bus once common in Lagos, similar to a danfo but bigger. “Molue dey pack pass danfo.”

Monkey post Classic

A makeshift football goalpost built from stones, sticks, or other found objects for a street match. “We used monkey post for the game since we had no proper goal.”

Mumu Classic

A fool. “Na only mumu go fall for that.”

Na me be dis Current

“Is this really happening to me?” Used in disbelief, good or bad. “Na me be dis? I won the raffle!”

Na so Classic

“That’s right” or an approval of something said. “Na so, you get sense.”

Na wa for you Classic

“You’ve really surprised me,” said in mild disbelief or rebuke. “Na wa for you o, you never call since.”

Na wa o Classic

An exclamation of surprise, roughly “I’m shocked” or “unbelievable.” “Na wa o for this country.”

Naija Classic

An affectionate nickname for Nigeria, showing pride rather than disrespect. “Naija all the way.”

No dulling Classic

A warning to stay sharp and not let your guard down. “No dulling for that meeting.”

No gree for anybody Current

“Don’t yield to anyone, stand your ground.” A 2024 Lagos New Year mood that became a lasting mantra. “This year, no gree for anybody.”

Nyanga Classic

Posing, showing off, or acting stylish for attention. “No time for nyanga, we get work.”

Nyash Classic

Backside or buttocks. “The chair too small for my nyash.”

Oblee Current

Enjoyment, celebration, or the soft life — living large without stress, especially around Detty December. An older use is something blurry or a flimsy excuse. “December don land — full oblee mode.”

Ode Classic

A fool, though it’s also sometimes used teasingly between people who like each other. “You be correct ode!”

Odogwu Current

An Igbo title for a wealthy or influential man, now used nationwide thanks to Afrobeats lyrics. “Burna Boy na odogwu for the industry.”

Ojoro Classic

To cheat, especially by manipulating the outcome of something like a game or a deal. “He try ojoro me for the bet.”

Okada Classic

A commercial motorcycle used for quick transport, especially where traffic or bad roads slow cars down. “Okada dey pass through that small road.”

Ole Classic

A thief, sometimes shouted after someone caught stealing. “Ole! Catch am!”

Omo Classic

“Child” in Yoruba, but as an exclamation it means “wow” — an expression of shock or disbelief. “Omo! See as the price rise.”

One chance Classic

A robbery scam where criminals pose as commercial drivers or passengers to rob or kidnap a victim mid-ride. “Never enter an empty bus alone, that’s how one chance works.”

Orobo Classic

A full-figured or plus-size woman, usually used approvingly. “He said he prefers an orobo to a lepa.”

Oscroh Current

Reckless fun, or a call to “let’s go.” Popularised by Shallipopi’s music. “Weekend, oscroh!”

Oshe Classic

“Thank you” in Yoruba, used as slang to hype someone up for something remarkable. “Oshe! You did well.”

Oversabi Classic

Someone who acts like they know everything, often overbearing about it. “Nobody asked you, oversabi.”

Owa Fading

“I want to alight,” called out to a bus driver or conductor when a passenger wants to get down. “Owa! I dey come down here.”

Oyibo Classic

A white person, or by extension a foreigner. “Oyibo don land for the airport.”

Palasa Fading

A basic, non-smart mobile phone, used mockingly to describe an outdated handset. “He still dey use palasa in 2026.”

Palava Classic

A problem or serious trouble. “No start palava for here.”

Parte after parte Fading

One party that flows straight into another. Popularised on Nigerian airwaves via a Ugandan rap hit. “This weekend na parte after parte.”

Pikin Classic

Child, in Pidgin. “How many pikin you get?”

Pour sand sand for my garri Classic

To spoil someone’s plans or burst their bubble. “No come pour sand sand for my garri now.”

Sabi Classic

To know how to do something well, or to understand it deeply. “Ask Tunde, he sabi tech well.”

Shakara Classic

Showing off or putting on airs, whether in dress, attitude, or dancing. “She dey do shakara for the party.”

Sharp guy Classic

A clever or cunning person, who is quick to spot and take an opportunity. “He’s a sharp guy, always ahead of the game.”

Sharp sharp Classic

Immediately, or without delay. “Bring the keys sharp sharp.”

Shayo Classic

To be drunk, or an alcoholic drink itself. “He don shayo since afternoon.”

Shenk Current

To neglect, sideline, or stand someone up. “This girl don shenk me since.”

Shenkiz Current

A casual, sometimes flirtatious word for girls or young women. “The shenkiz dem dey enjoy the party.”

Shine your eye Classic

“Be careful” or “don’t be naive.” “Shine your eye before you sign that contract.”

Soft life Current

A life of comfort and ease, the opposite of grinding. “She’s living her soft life era.”

Soji Classic

Street-smart, sharp, or knowledgeable. Comes from the Yoruba name Adesoji. “Lydia too soji, nobody fit cheat am.”

Tear rubber Classic

Describes something brand new, usually a car, because the plastic covering is still on the seats. “He just tear rubber a Lexus.”

Toast Classic

To woo or flirt with someone romantically. “He don dey toast that girl since.”

Trafficate Classic

To use a car’s turn signal when driving. Standard word in Nigerian English, though it puzzles outsiders. “You suppose trafficate before you turn.”

Tune Current

To woo someone, especially with smooth talk. Used the same way as “toast.” “He dey tune her since morning.”

Tush Classic

Describes someone or something refined, classy, or of a higher class. “That restaurant too tush for me.”

Up NEPA! Classic

A joyful shout when electricity returns after a power cut, named after Nigeria’s old power authority. “Up NEPA! The light don come!”

Vex Classic

To be angry or annoyed. “Don’t vex, I was only joking.”

Wahala Classic

Trouble, stress, or drama. “Traffic wahala everywhere today.”

Waka Classic

To walk or leave, sometimes used dismissively. “Just waka comot, nobody send you.”

Wayo Classic

Trickery or deception. “That deal smell like wayo to me.”

We outside Current

“We’re out and about, having fun.” Signals nightlife or being out on the town. “It’s Friday, we outside!”

Werey Classic

Mad or crazy, used to describe irrational behaviour. “This werey no go hear word.”

Wowo Classic

Ugly, or something that has gone badly wrong. “That outfit wowo well well.”

Yab Classic

To make fun of someone, playfully but with real bite. “She finds pleasure in yabbing people.”

Yankee Classic

Slang for the United States. “He’s been in Yankee for five years now.”

Yarn Classic

To talk or tell something, often at length. “Wetin you dey yarn?”

Yawa Classic

Trouble, especially serious trouble with the law or an authority figure. “If dem catch am, yawa go gas.”

Yeye Classic

Useless, senseless, or of poor quality. “Na yeye job dem do for us.”

Internet & Gen Z

ATP Current

“At this point,” used to signal exasperation or resignation. “ATP, I’m just going to sleep.”

Baddie Current

A confident, stylish, and attractive woman. “She’s giving total baddie energy today.”

Bet Current

“I get you” or “I got you,” agreeing to something. “We link tomorrow? Bet.”

Bop Current

A song that hits just right. “This new track is a certified bop.”

Breadcrumbing Current

Giving someone just enough attention to keep their interest without any real commitment. “He’s breadcrumbing her, texting just enough to keep her around.”

Breakfast Current

Slang for heartbreak, as in being dumped or rejected by a partner. “She served him breakfast last week.”

Buga Current

To brag or show off about achievements or possessions. “He’s been buga-ing about the new car all week.”

Choices Current

Said sarcastically about a bad decision that was obvious to everyone but the person who made it. “You wore that to the interview? Choices.”

Clapback Current

A sharp, fitting response to an insult or criticism. “Her clapback on Twitter went viral.”

Cruise Current

Flirting playfully, or generally having fun and joking around. “We’re just cruising, nothing serious.”

Drag Current

Public online criticism, usually mocking, aimed at someone for a questionable opinion or choice. “He got dragged for that comment.”

Ehen Classic

A flexible word used to mean anything from “I get it” to “and so?” depending on tone. “Ehen, so wetin happen next?”

Fam Current

A close friend, the Gen Z version of “bro.” “You good, fam?”

Flop Current

Something that fails badly, a miss that never should have happened. “That project was a total flop.”

FOMO Current

Fear of missing out. “I get FOMO anytime my friends dey hang out without me.”

Friendzone Current

The position of being seen only as a friend by someone you’re romantically interested in. “He got friendzoned after the confession.”

G2G Current

“Good to go” or, in chat, “got to go.” “I’m G2G, talk later.”

Ghost Current

To suddenly stop responding to someone or bail on plans without explanation. “She ghosted him after the second date.”

GOAT Current

“Greatest of all time.” “Everyone agrees he’s the GOAT.”

HMU Current

“Hit me up,” a casual invite to get in touch. “HMU when you land.”

Hookup Current

A casual romantic or sexual encounter with no strings attached. “It was just a hookup, nothing serious.”

IKR Current

“I know, right,” agreeing enthusiastically with someone. “That test was so hard. IKR!”

IPNTS Current

“I Prefer Not To Speak,” used when sharing an opinion would land you in trouble. “IPNTS on that one, too risky.”

ISTG Current

“I swear to God,” used for emphasis. “ISTG I didn’t do it.”

ISWIS Current

“I said what I said,” standing firmly behind a statement without apology. “That’s my opinion, ISWIS.”

IYKYK Current

“If you know you know,” used for an inside reference that only some people will get. “That joke was IYKYK.”

JK Current

“Just kidding.” “You owe me 5k. JK, relax.”

JSYK Current

“Just so you know.” “JSYK, the meeting moved to 3pm.”

Knack Current

Slang for having sex. “It’s just a knack thing between them.”

L Current

Short for “loss.” To take your L means to accept a failure or embarrassment. “He took an L after that comment.”

Let him cook Current

Said in support of someone being publicly dragged or roasted online. “Nah, let him cook, he deserves it.”

LFG Current

“Let’s f***ing go,” an expression of excitement. “We won! LFG!”

LMK Current

“Let me know.” “LMK when you’re free.”

Netflix and chill Current

A euphemism for a romantic or sexual encounter disguised as a casual movie night invitation. “He asked her over for “Netflix and chill.””

NGL Current

“Not gonna lie,” used before an honest admission. “NGL, that was impressive.”

Opp Current

Short for “opposition.” Someone you don’t like or consider a rival. “That guy don become opp since the fight.”

Opp block Current

The camp, group, or side considered a rival or enemy. “Those guys are from the opp block.”

Periodt Current

“End of discussion,” used to close a statement firmly. “I’m not doing that, periodt.”

Ratio Current

Used when the replies mocking or disagreeing with a post get more engagement than the post itself. “They ratioed him after that take.”

Rent-free Current

Describes something or someone that won’t leave your mind. “That song has been living rent-free in my head.”

Rizz Current

Charisma, especially the kind that helps someone attract a romantic partner. “That guy has serious rizz.”

Salty Current

Angry, bitter, or visibly jealous about something. “Why you dey salty like this?”

Shipping Current

Matchmaking two people, usually without their consent, especially among fans of a show or contestants on a reality show. “Fans are shipping those two BBNaija housemates.”

Side chick Current

The other woman in a relationship where the man already has a partner. “Turns out she was just his side chick.”

Situationship Current

A casual relationship that has no clear label or direction. “It’s not dating, it’s a situationship.”

Slay queen Current

A woman who shows off a lavish lifestyle online, sometimes one she can’t actually afford. The tone can be admiring or mocking depending on context. “She’s a certified slay queen on Instagram.”

Smash Current

Slang for having sex. “They just wanted to smash, nothing deeper.”

Sus Current

Suspicious, or something that doesn’t quite add up. “It’s a bit sus that he left so early.”

Talking stage Current

The early phase of getting to know a potential partner, before anything is official. “We’re still in the talking stage.”

TBH Current

“To be honest,” used before a candid opinion. “TBH, I didn’t like the movie.”

Third wheel Current

A single person tagging along with a couple, often awkwardly. “I felt like a third wheel on their date.”

TL;DR Current

“Too long; didn’t read.” A summary offered before a long piece of text. “TL;DR: the plan changed.”

Trenches Current

A tough or rough environment, used loosely for hard times or a hard neighbourhood. “We dey the trenches, no time to relax.”

TYSM Current

“Thank you so much.” “TYSM for the help today.”

W Current

Used when someone wins or succeeds at something, the opposite of L. “That’s a W for the whole team.”

WDYM Current

“What do you mean,” asking someone to clarify. “WDYM you’re not coming?”

WFH Current

“Working from home.” “I’m WFH today, call my cell.”

WYA Current

“Where you at,” asking someone’s location. “WYA, we’re waiting.”

WYD Current

“What you doing,” a casual check-in text. “WYD later tonight?”

YKTV Current

“You know the vibes,” used when you and someone are on the same wavelength. “We link up later, YKTV.”

Campus Slang

Acada Classic

An intellectual, or someone who talks in a clearly educated way. Also used for a bookworm. “She’s too acada for casual gist.”

Aluta Classic

Student protest or activism, often over school fees or poor facilities. “The students dey plan aluta over fees.”

Aro Fading

An interesting or eccentric individual, mostly used at Obafemi Awolowo University. “That guy na correct aro for the department.”

Buka Classic

A small, informal roadside eatery. “We chop for buka near school.”

Carry-over Classic

A failed course that a student must repeat, often the following session. “He’s carrying over two courses this semester.”

Chukuli Fading

Small pieces of paper with exam answers written on them, smuggled in to cheat. “Security seized chukuli from three students.”

Confra Classic

Short for confraternity, a campus fraternity, often used with a warning tone given links to campus violence. “He don blend confra since 100 level.”

Corper Classic

A graduate serving in the National Youth Service Corps, fresh out of university. “The corpers resumed at camp today.”

Efiko Classic

A genius or a brilliant student who studies hard and excels academically. “He’s the efiko of our class.”

Expo Fading

Illegal access to exam questions or answers ahead of time. “Someone leaked the expo before the exam.”

Fresher Classic

A new student, especially one just starting university. “The freshers just resumed this week.”

Gbagaun Classic

Making a grammatical error while speaking, often in a way that’s funny to others. “He don gbagaun for that sentence.”

Government child Fading

A slang term for an NYSC corps member, sometimes also used to describe someone acting erratic. “The government child just landed at the local government.”

Handout Classic

Typed or photocopied lecture notes sold to students, sometimes by the lecturer themselves. “I still need to buy the handout for that course.”

Indospag Current

A campus meal combining indomie noodles and spaghetti. “Indospag na correct hostel food.”

ITK Classic

“I Too Know.” A student who is overly invested in academics or acts like they know everything. “That guy be correct ITK.”

Jambite Classic

Someone who has just gained admission into university, a freshman. “The jambites resumed today.”

JJC Classic

“Johnny Just Come,” a newcomer who is unfamiliar with a place or situation. “As a JJC for Lagos, everything surprised me.”

Olodo Classic

A dull or academically weak student. “Don’t call me olodo, I just need to study more.”

Origo Fading

Examination malpractice, or cheating during a test. “Dem catch am doing origo for the hall.”

Otondo Classic

A newly inducted NYSC corps member, still green to camp life. “The otondo still dey learn the ropes.”

Sorting Fading

Informally paying a lecturer, sometimes through a bribe, to influence a grade or pass a course. “Some students still try sorting instead of studying.”

Spagewa Current

A campus meal combining beans and spaghetti, made concoction-style. “Spagewa dey fill belle sharp sharp.”

TDB Fading

“Till Day Break,” used when someone is studying all night, often before an exam. “I’m doing TDB tonight for this course.”

Classic & Cultural Terms

Abi Classic

A tag word meaning roughly “right?” or “isn’t it?” “You are coming, abi?”

Aboki Classic

A friendly, informal term for a Hausa man, especially one working as a trader or vendor. “I bought suya from the aboki down the street.”

Awoof no dey run belle Fading

A proverb-like saying warning that free things aren’t always as good as they seem, or come with a catch. “Be careful with that offer, awoof no dey run belle.”

Chop knuckle Fading

A fist bump, used as a form of greeting similar to a high five. “The boys chop knuckle before the match.”

Eba Classic

A stiff dough made from garri and hot water, eaten with soup. “I want eba with egusi soup.”

Garri Classic

Dried, granulated cassava flour, one of Nigeria’s most common staple foods. “He mixed garri with cold water and sugar.”

Gele Classic

A traditional female head wrap tied elaborately for special occasions. “The gele took twenty minutes to tie.”

Kai kai Classic

A hot, locally distilled gin. “The old men were drinking kai kai at the bar.”

Kpai Classic

To die, used bluntly or as slang for something breaking down completely. “The generator don kpai.”

Moi moi Classic

A steamed bean pudding made from ground black-eyed peas, often eaten alongside jollof rice. “The party jollof came with moi moi.”

O boy Classic

A casual way to address a male friend, roughly “hey man.” “O boy, wetin happen?”

Oga Classic

Boss or a person in charge, used respectfully or sarcastically. “Oga, good morning sir.”

Ogbanje Classic

In Igbo folklore, a spirit-child believed to die young and be reborn into the same family repeatedly. Now used loosely for anyone acting mysterious or hard to pin down. “The elders said the child was ogbanje.”

Ogogoro Classic

Locally distilled gin made from palm wine, also called kai kai in some regions. “Ogogoro is stronger than most bottled spirits.”

Puff puff Classic

A popular fried dough snack, round and slightly sweet. “She sells puff puff by the roadside every evening.”

Sef Classic

Used to add emphasis, similar to “even” or “anyway.” “I no even like am sef.”

Sidon Classic

To sit down, or to stay put and be calm. “Just sidon there, no dey disturb.”

Suya Classic

Spicy skewered meat, grilled over an open flame and a popular late-night street food. “We got suya from the mallam on the corner.”

Tey tey Classic

A long time ago, or for a long time. “I no see you tey tey.”

Wetin Classic

“What.” One of the most basic and common words in Nigerian Pidgin. “Wetin you talk?”

Wetin dey happen Classic

“What’s happening,” a casual greeting or a question when something surprising occurs. “Wetin dey happen for that meeting?”

Winch Classic

A witch, or someone believed to practise black magic. Also used loosely to mean a bad-natured person. “Dem call her winch for the village.”

Frequently Confused Terms

New to Nigerian slang? Start with two of the most-searched individual terms: what “alaye” really means and what “addy” means in Nigerian slang. For more on Naija culture and language, see our guide to Igbo names and their meanings.