If you’ve ever watched a Nollywood street movie, scrolled through Nigerian Twitter, or eavesdropped on a lively Lagos “owambe” party, you’ll know that Nigerian slang is a whole vibe.
It’s cheeky, colorful, and packed with personality.
As Nigerian who’s studied and sabi Nigerian pop culture and Pidgin for a long time (and survived countless family gatherings where “wahala” was the main dish)😂, I’m here to break down the 70 most iconic Nigerian slangs you need to sound like a true “Omo Naija” (child of Nigeria).
Let’s dive in!. Mind you, as you scroll you’ll see a slang quiz, take part and show us the Odogwu wey u be for Nigerian slangs.
Why Nigerian Slang is a Language of Its Own
Nigerian slang isn’t just words, it’s an attitude. Born from Pidgin English (our unofficial national language) and spiced with Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and even internet culture, it’s how we bond, roast each other, and turn everyday drama into comedy.
Want to understand Burna Boy’s lyrics or why your Lagos Uber driver called you “mugu”? This list is your cheat sheet.
70 Most Popular Nigerian Street Slangs To Know
1. How You Dey?
This is the Nigerian Pidgin version of “How are you?” but way more laid-back. It’s the universal icebreaker, whether you’re greeting your neighbor or checking on a friend.
The magic is in its simplicity, reply with “I dey fine” (I’m good), and you’re instantly part of the conversation. Forget formalities; this phrase is all about keeping things real and relatable.
2. Abeg
A Swiss Army knife of a word! “Abeg” can mean “please” when you’re asking for a favor (“Abeg, lend me your charger”), or it can shut down nonsense (“Abeg, stop lying!”).
It’s the polite yet sassy way Nigerians navigate requests and call out absurdity. The tone decides whether it’s a plea or a clapback.
3. Wahala
Life in Nigeria? Wahala. Traffic? Wahala. Nosy aunties? Wahala. This word captures chaos, drama, or any situation that makes you sigh deeply.
We even joke that “wahala no dey finish” (trouble never ends), a motto for surviving Naija’s daily hustle. It’s our way of laughing through the stress.
4. Oga
Originally Yoruba for “boss,” “Oga” is now a cheeky term for anyone acting too authoritative. Your sibling micromanaging the music playlist? “Oga, calm down!”
It’s respect served with a side of sarcasm, perfect for teasing without crossing lines.
5. Na So?
The ultimate side-eye in word form. When someone claims they’ll start gymming tomorrow, hit them with a skeptical “Na so?” It’s Nigerian for “Really?” or “Confirm…”, a playful way to call out empty promises.
6. Japa
The buzzword for Nigeria’s youth! “Japa” means to emigrate, usually for better opportunities.
When your cousin moves to Canada, you say “She don japa!” It’s equal parts envy and pride, reflecting our love-hate relationship with chasing greener pastures.
7. Ginger
Need motivation? Get gingered! This term, inspired by the spicy root, means hyping someone up.
A friend might say, “Ginger yourself, that interview is yours!” It’s all about adding fuel to your fire, Naija-style.
8. Vawulence
A mix of “violence” and “valence,” this slang describes chaotic energy. Imagine a Twitter feud with memes flying, that’s vawulence.
Use it when someone’s stirring drama: “Why you dey bring vawulence here?”
9. E Choke!
A dramatic reaction to anything overwhelming. Taste insanely good jollof? “E choke!” Stuck in Lagos traffic? Also “E choke!” It’s versatile, expressive, and 100% Nigerian exaggeration.
10. Famzing
When you act overly familiar with someone for clout. Tagging Davido in random posts? That’s famzing.
Nigerians roast this behavior hard, “You nor know am, stop famzing!”
11. Ajebutter
A tease for “soft” folks who grew up sheltered. If your friend freaks out over a little rain, laugh and call them “ajebutter.”
It’s a lighthearted dig at privilege, but hey, we all have an ajebutter cousin!
NAIJA SLANG QUIZ 🇳🇬
NAIJA OR FAKEJA? 97% CAN’T SCORE 30/30 ON THIS HOTTEST YET SIMPLE SLANG QUIZ! EVEN BURNA BOY NO FIT! 🔥
(Hint: If you sabi “Gbas Gbos” and “Vawulence,” you fit survive!)😎
12. Mugu
The Nigerian word for a gullible person. Fell for a “Nigerian Prince” email? “You be mugu!” It’s a cautionary term, reminding everyone to stay sharp in a world full of scams.
13. Olodo
A roast for academic struggles. Failed a test? “Olodo rabata!” your friends will joke. It’s harsh but funny, Nigerians use humor to turn L’s into lessons.
14. Werey
Crazy, but in a fun way! Dance like nobody’s watching? “Werey!” It’s a term of endearment among friends, but use it cautiouslystrangers might take offense.
15. Ashawo
Slang for someone promiscuous, often used jokingly. If your buddy’s dressed flashily for the club, tease them: “You dey do ashawo tonight?” Context is key, it’s edgy but hilarious among pals.
16. Zobo
Beyond the hibiscus drink, “zobo” describes intense situations. A chaotic workday? “This meeting too zobo!” It’s comparing stress to a tangy beverage, only in Nigeria!
17. Swallow
Not the action, the food! Swallow refers to staples like fufu or eba. A meal without it? “Abeg, where’s the swallow?” It’s a cultural must-have, symbolizing comfort and satisfaction.
18. Pepper Dem Gang (PDG)
Living large to make others jealous. Bought a new phone? “PDG lifestyle!” It’s flexing with a purpose, celebrating wins while playfully mocking envy.
19. Akara
Bean cakes, but slang for “easy.” Aced a test? “That exam na akara!” It’s confidence served crispy, Nigerians love turning snacks into metaphors.
20. Shakara
Show-off behavior. Flaunting a fake Gucci bag? “Stop your shakara!” It’s calling out vanity with a grin. Classic, sassy, and always relevant.
21. Pressing Matters
Code for flirting or shooting your shot. Sliding into someone’s DMs? “I went for pressing matters.” It’s sly, secretive, and full of unserious drama.
22. Odogwu
Igbo for “legend” or “boss.” Achieved a big goal? “You’re odogwu!” It’s high praise, reserved for those who’ve earned respect through hustle.
23. Bae/Bebi
Sweet talk for your significant other. “My bebi dey make me smile!” It’s cheesy but cute, Nigerians turn love into a playful game.
24. Side Chic/Guy
The secret lover trope. If your ex texts out of the blue, joke: “Your side chic miss you?” It’s soap-opera slang, dripping with unserious shade.
25. God When?
A viral cry for love or success. Single folks post sunset pics asking “God when?”, mixing humor with longing. It’s meme-worthy vulnerability.
26. Data
Nigeria’s digital lifeline. If your internet’s slow, panic: “Who’s eating my data?!” We treat data like oxygen, precious and non-negotiable.
27. FF (Follow Friday)
Shoutouts to your Twitter squad. “FF my tweeps, they’re fire!” It’s community over competition, a digital hug in hashtag form.
28. Tweeps
Your Twitter ride-or-dies. Together, you drag politicians and trend memes. “My tweeps no dey carry last!”, a badge of online loyalty.
29. Incoming Call
A meme format for fake drama. Picture a call from “Sapa” saying your bank account is empty. It’s creativity born from struggle, we laugh to cope.
30. Sapa
Extreme, exaggerated poverty. “Sapa don finish me!” we joke when broke. It’s turning financial pain into shared humor, a true Naija survival tactic.
Top 70 Trending Nigerian Slangs (31 – 70)
31. Gobe
If you’ve messed up big time, someone will hit you with “Gobe!” It’s the Nigerian version of “You’re in deep trouble!” Picture forgetting your bestie’s birthday, “Gobe dey o!” It’s dramatic, it’s urgent, and it’s our way of saying, “Brace yourself for consequences.”
32. K-leg
When a story sounds fishy, Nigerians say it has “k-leg”, like a bent knee that can’t stand straight. Your friend claims they met Burna Boy at a kiosk? “This yarn get k-leg o!” It’s slang for calling out lies or half-truths with a side-eye.
33. Gist
“Abeg, drop the gist!” means “Spill the tea!” But in Nigeria, “gist” isn’t just gossip, it’s an art form.
Whether it’s juicy drama or a random story about Aunt Ngozi’s new wig, gisting is how we bond. Just don’t be a gist killer (someone who ruins the fun)!
34. Sabi
Derived from the Portuguese saber (to know), “sabi” is Pidgin for skill or expertise. “You sabi dance?” means “Can you dance?” But if someone’s flexing too hard, we tease: “You too sabi!” (You think you know it all!).
35. Yarn
To yarn is to chat, but it can also mean lying creatively. “Stop yarning!” we say when someone’s spinning tall tales.
Nigerians respect a good storyteller, unless the yarn is drier than harmattan air.
36. E Don Cast
When a situation is irreversibly messed up, Nigerians declare “E don cast!” (It’s over!). Missed your flight? E don cast. Burnt the jollof rice? E don cast. It’s the verbal equivalent of a facepalm.
37. Ko Easy
Life in Nigeria? Ko easy (It’s not easy). This phrase is our collective sigh for struggles, from dodging potholes to surviving NEPA’s light (dis)appearing acts. It’s solidarity in three syllables.
38. Gbese
Debt. Gbese is the Nigerian nightmare. Owe your friend ₦500? “My guy, pay your gbese!” We even joke about owing gbese to the devil, because why should mortals have all the fun?
39. Shine Your Eyes
A warning to stay alert in dodgy situations. If a “businessman” offers you a Rolex for ₦5k, shine your eyes! It’s code for “Don’t be a mugu”survival instincts on full blast.
40. E Go Better
Our national anthem of hope. Power outage for a week? E go better. Broke and eating garri crumbs? E go better. It’s the Naija way of saying, “This too shall pass… maybe.”
41. Abi?
The Nigerian tag question. “This heat na fire, abi?” means “This heat is insane, right?” It’s a verbal mic drop, demanding agreement. Disagree at your own risk, abi expects a “Yes o!”
42. Oya!
The most versatile word in Pidgin. Oya can mean:
- Let’s go! (“Oya, we dey go!”)
- Hurry up! (“Oya, time dey go!”)
- Do it now! (“Oya, pay me my money!”)
If Nigerians had a national alarm clock, it’d scream “OYA!”
43. Tuale!
A Yoruba term for “respect.” Did someone cook a killer pot of egusi? Tuale! Your boss finally approved your leave? Tuale! It’s giving props with a cultural flair.
44. Gbera
Yoruba for “rise up,” gbera is a call to action. “Gbera, make we hustle!” means “Let’s get to work!” Nigerians use it to hype each other up, no time for lazy bone energy.
45. I No Gree
A rebellious anthem! “I no gree for suffering” means “I refuse to suffer.” It’s the Naija version of “I’m built different,” declaring war on bad luck, haters, and overpriced Indomie.
46. Soro Soke
Yoruba for “speak up,” popularized by the 2020 #EndSARS protests. Now, it’s slang for demanding transparency. “Soro soke, we no hear you!”, tell the truth, no whispers!
47. Jara
The cherry on top. At Mama Chidi’s buka, you ask for jara (extra) stew. In life, jara is the bonus blessings we pray for: “God, give me promotion with jara!”
48. Gbedu
A Yoruba word for “big drum,” gbedu now means good vibes. A fire Afrobeat track? “This song na gbedu!” It’s music, laughter, and anything that makes your soul shaku shaku.
49. Kuku
The Nigerian “might as well.” Broke and hungry? “Kuku kill me!” (Might as well die!). It’s dramatic humor, turning frustration into a meme.
50. E Dey Sweet Me!
Pure, unapologetic joy. When your crush finally texts? “E dey sweet me!” Your team wins the league? “E dey sweet me!” It’s the Naija version of “I’m loving this!” savored like a cold Chapman on a hot day.
51. E Don Tey
When something is old news or overhyped. “That meme about ‘God When?’ e don tey!” Use it to shut down outdated gist or expired vibes.
52. Gbas Gbos
A fight or heated argument, often physical. “Dem two drivers dey do gbas gbos for road!” It’s the sound effect of punches landing, pure action movie energy.
53. Fess
To act up or misbehave. “Why you dey fess for class?” Parents also use it: “Pikin, no fess today o!”
54. Jagaban
A political or social “godfather,” but now slang for a boss or leader. “Wizkid na real jagaban of Afrobeats!” Flex this when someone’s winning at life.
55. Soft Life
Living stress-free and luxurious. “After NYSC, I go pursue soft life!” It’s Gen Z’s mantra for avoiding hustle culture.
56. Pakuro
Yoruba for “get out!” but used playfully. “Pakuro jare, you dey disturb me!” Perfect for kicking friends out of your DM… nicely.
57. Shoo
Disbelief or dismissal. “You say Tinubu dey jogging? Shoo!” It’s the Nigerian eye-roll in word form.
58. Maga
A scam victim (from “mugu”). “That Yahoo boy don catch maga for Dubai.” Use carefully, it’s shady but funny.
59. Over Sabi
Someone who acts like a know-it-all. “Why you dey over sabi for group chat?” The cousin of “You too sabi!”
60. Igbo Amaka
Igbo for “Igbo is great,” but slang for something cool or impressive. “Your new car? Igbo amaka!”
61. pDey Play
To joke or underestimate. “You dey play? That Benz cost 50 million!” Also a threat: “Dey play, I go slap you!”
62. Padi
Pidgin for “pal” or friend. “My padi, abeg borrow me 1k.” Less formal than “my guy”, use for your ride-or-die.
63. E Be Things
“It is what it is.” “No light, no water… e be things.” The Nigerian shrug for accepting chaos.
64. Zaza
Something high-quality or luxurious. “Her wig na zaza!” Also used for weed (context matters!).
65. Jand
Abbreviation for “England,” but slang for abroad. “My aunty don japa go jand.” Flex it when someone’s living the diaspora life.
66. Otilo
Yoruba for “it’s done,” but slang for “you’re finished.” “You broke her heart? Otilo for you!”
67. Stomach Infrastructure
Political slang for bribing voters with food. “Politicians no build roads, dem dey do stomach infrastructure.” Now used for freebies: “Abeg, where’s my stomach infrastructure?”
68. No Cap
“No lies” or “for real.” “Burna’s album? No cap, e choke!” Borrowed from global slang but Naija-fied.
69. Belle Full
Being satisfied (often after eating). “I don chop, belle full, I dey sleep.” Also a metaphor for contentment.
70. Who Dash You?
“Who gave you permission?” or “Who do you think you are?” “Who dash you my phone?!” A sassy way to check audacity.
Why These Slangs Will Never Die
Nigerian slang evolves faster than Lagos traffic, but its core stays the same: it’s our way of laughing through the chaos, turning struggle into memes, and saying “E go better” even when wahala is knocking. Whether you’re a JJC or a seasoned Omo Naija, these slangs connect us all.
Oya, Over to You!
And that’s a wrap on Nigeria’s top 70 slangs! From “How you dey?” to “E dey sweet me,” you’re now armed with the linguistic swag to navigate Naija banter.
Whether you’re gisting with tweeps or dodging wahala, remember: Nigerian slang isn’t just words, it’s a lifestyle.
Abeg, which slang is your favorite? Drop it in the comments, make we yarn! 🇳🇬🔥
