Naija, I hail o! Nigeria is such a fascinating country, rich in diverse culture, filled with jovial people, and boasting what might be the most delicious cuisine (though perhaps we’re a bit partial). Growing up in Naija, one quickly realizes that an integral part of being Nigerian is having street credibility. This involves the ability to switch from standard English to street vocabulary effortlessly. If not, as the saying goes, ‘Won Ma Jeju E.’ Whilst ‘Won Ma Jeju E’ in Yoruba language is loosely translated as “they will eat your eyes”, it means something entirely different in street lingo – “they will take advantage of you.”
Like any other language, street language can be hard to decipher, even for natives. Staying updated with the latest meanings, especially in the age of social media, is crucial. While we acknowledge the diversity of slang across the regions of Nigeria, this exploration will focus primarily on those in Pidgin English and Yoruba language. Decoding street vocabulary requires a basic knowledge of the language itself.
We’ll be sharing slangs commonly used by many Nigerians, what they mean, and examples of how you can use them to increase your street credibility. Better yet, to give you a full-blown Naija experience, this blog post includes an audio clip for each slang! This way, you won’t just know the meanings but also be able to pronounce them correctly. Trust us, deploying the right street line at the right time can work wonders, the street ‘Ma Fo’! In this context, it means earning respect and surprise from the locals for your ability to interact with them in their lingo. They might even ‘hail’ you in admiration! Get ready to impress with your improved Nigerian street vocabulary and spot-on pronunciation!
Ma Fo
Nigerian artistes are credited for many Nigerian slangs these days. Ma Fo is one of such, popularly influenced by Nigerian singer Naira Marley. A Yoruba word that translates to ‘Don’t Break’.
Street Meaning
Ma Fo is one of the common Nigerian slangs. On the street, it is a way to tell someone not to worry or be bothered about something. A motivational phrase that encourages resilience, telling the recipient to stay strong and not let the situation bring them down or break them.
Example: And if I fall, I live to fight another day, Ma Fo! (which means, even if I fail at something, I can try again, so I do not need to be concerned about failing).
Mo Fo O
Mo Fo is the opposite of Ma Fo; the Yoruba term literally means ‘I break’. Our friend comes to mind when we hear this term; he uses it to express shock or excitement and is almost always accompanied with a smile or laughter.
Street Meaning
Mo Fo O is an exclamatory remark that expresses surprise and amazement at something extremely impressive and unexpected. From the mouth of an avid user, it means “you’re dumbfounded.”
Example: If someone shows you a brand new Rolls Royce Dawn covered in diamond, the perfect Nigerian slang to respond would be ‘Mo Fo O’.
E Choke
E choke is a new school slang popularised by Nigerian musician Davido. In standard English, this Pidgin English term simply means ‘It Chokes,’ but its street meaning doesn’t refer to the physical act of choking.
Street Meaning
E choke is the street way of expressing ‘mind-blown’. When someone sees or experiences something remarkable, they might exclaim, ‘E choke!’ It can also be used as a compliment. Similar to this slang is “restricted airflow”; one would wonder about the attachment of Nigerians and breathing air freely.
Example: When you see someone who has been working out hard unveiling their summer body, you can complement their effort by saying ‘E Choke’.
Who Dey breeett?
‘Who dey breeett’ is a phrase from Pidgin English; in standard English, it simply means ‘who is breathing’. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a simple health check – in the context of Nigerian street slang, it’s far from that.
Street Meaning
Who dey breeett is a street slang used to challenge a person’s ability to outperform or outshine a breathtaking moment. It is a provocative phrase saying, ‘Who dares?’ or ‘Who can match this?’.
Example: Imagine attending a friend’s Owambe party, and you’re gifted a brand-new G-wagon as a party favor after being whisked away for a 5-star all-inclusive weekend in the Maldives. Amid the surprise and joy, you can’t help but exclaim, ‘Who dey breeett?’.
Omo Iya Mi
A Yoruba phrase that translates to ‘my mother’s child’, i.e. your biological sibling. The street vocabulary has a slightly different connotation that expands the barrier of brotherhood/sisterhood outside those related by blood.
Street Meaning
Omo iya mi carries the same interpretation as calling a non-related person ‘Fam’ in England. It is a way of greeting a good friend, someone whose friendship means a lot to you, someone close to family but is not family.
Example: A friend promises to have your back through the good and bad times, saying ‘mo wa pelu e’, another slang that means they are with you. You can give a follow-up response, looking at them with appreciation and saying, “omo iya mi”.
The Po Series- Ko Po Ke, Po Gan, Po Pa
Po is a Yoruba word that means plenty; the Po series features various words with similar or the same interpretations. Ko po ke is a rhetorical question that means ‘is it not plenty’, whilst Po pa and Po gan have the same meaning, ‘it is plenty, or it is very much.’
Street Meaning
Ko po ke, or KPK for short, is used in various contexts alongside the other Po(s) in the Po series. It is sometimes used to express that something is very impressive, such as an endowed woman or someone spending extravagantly.
Example: If you see a beautiful picture of an elegant woman on social media, you can comment ‘Ko Po Ke’ to hype her that she looks gorgeous.
Chop Breakfast
The Pidgin words mean to ‘eat breakfast’; however, the popular slang has nothing to do with food. Nigerian singer Burna Boy influenced its popularity.
Street Meaning
Chop breakfast can mean different things metaphorically depending on the context of use, but the most common meaning is to experience heartbreak. It is amusing because eating breakfast is a fun experience, but heartbreaks are not.
Example: Your friend is gisting you how women are sc*m, but you know he is a lover boy. You can tease him by asking, ‘you don chop breakfast?’.
Japa
Japa is a Pidgin word that has always been used but became increasingly popular as many Nigerians relocated abroad recently.
Street Meaning
In the real sense, Japa means to flee, run away, elope or escape from a situation or place. The recent context of use relates to a person leaving Nigeria to seek greener pastures abroad.
Example: Everybody don japa for this Naija, na me and five people remain (this translates to everybody has fled the country, only a few people are remaining).
Sapa
Although it looks like Japa, it has no similarities to the word. We must confess when this word found its way to many lips on social media recently, we didn’t know what it meant. The good thing is you can always ask a friend or two, and you will be up to date. We are here for you!
Street Meaning
Sapa is a state of being extremely broke, that is, when a person is out of money. It is a way of putting humour in a dire situation; you must love Nigerian slangs and its ability to lighten the burden of hardship.
Example: You can pray against poverty such as ‘Make sapa no catch me o, amen’.
Aza
If sapa catches you and you are struggling financially, it would be music to your ears if someone asks you to send your aza.
Street Meaning
Aza means your bank account number on the street.
Example: If your friend is struggling financially, you can tell them to send their aza so you can credit their account with some money. Good friend vibes!
Remember, Nigerian slang is ever-changing, just like Naira notes in the hands of a Lagos conductor. So, keep your ears to the ground, or you might wonder what people are talking about. Stay street-wise, and if you have a street lingo that you need us to talk about, send it to us as we are collating volume two.
Check out our Afrobeats Workout Playlist or The Daily Dose, a positive affirmation album infused with some of these Nigerian Slangs. Learning basic Yoruba language could also help you speak street lingo more authentically. Learn Yoruba fast using tips + audio from a native speaker.
Omo Iya Mi, One Love!
