15 Nigerian Slangs Only Nigerians Can Understand

Cultures and Countries have their unique languages and styles in communications. Slangs are words or phrases coined from the way of life, languages and trends and inter-relalationship that exists in a local / urban community or region.
Nigerian slangs are some of the funniest and creative expressions in the world and if you’re not Nigerian, you won’t have a clue what they mean. Nigerians sometimes communicate in slangs in foreign countries so the peopl there won’t understand what they are saying. Here are 15 Nigerian slangs that only Nigerians can understand.

1. How Far

This slang is one of the most popular used slang in Nigeria. It means “what’s happening”, “what’s going on” and can be used in any situation whether good or bad. Secondly its also used to ask how someone how they are or how their day is going.

2. Oya Na

Used to mean “carry on” with what you are doing or “moving on”. It’s a phrase used to keep things moving forward or ahead. Lastly its also used to give subtle consent.

3. I Dey O

This simply means “I’m okay”, “I’m alright” or “I’m not moved”. When you’re just chilling by yourself and unruffled, you can say “Bro I dey”.

4. Ajebutter

Used to refer to someone who grew up living comfortably with a rich family without having to deal with the hard life.
It’s also used to jest about someone who can’t handle tough times or challenges.

5. Amebo

Used to refer to someone who gossips or gets involved in other people’s issues without permission. Also its used rarely rarely for someone who tells on another behind their back.

6. Ova Sabi

Someone who does a thing that they weren’t asked to do yet. Also used for people who do too much of what was required or expected. When someone adds too much pepper in cooking than they were asked to do, they are called “over sabi”.

7. Kolo

This means “crazy” or “going crazy”. You use it on someone who you think is “acting crazy”.

8. Jara

This slang simply means “extra”. If Oliver Twists was Nigerian, asking for more would mean asking for “jara”. “Jara” also means that added benefit you ask for after you have received your supposed share.

9. Abi / Shey

This one is a simple slang that asks for confirmation. It’s either used to start or end a question of confirmation. Originally it was mostly just used as direct confirmation at end of questions. E.g, “You dey whine me, Shey?” But more recently, its used to start the question itself, e.g “Shey you dey whine me?”

10. Pepper Don Rest

It’s a generally popular phase that means money has arrived. It meand my money has come.

11. Las Las

This means “finally”, “eventually” or “to crown it all”. When you want to say, ‘after all is done, this is where it ended’. E.g “Even if you work and work, las las no one cares”.

12. Omo!

This is an exclamation for excitement or surprise. It has no specific meaning, but is just a response when you don’t want to use lots of words to show surprise. You can add as many o’s as you like to the end of the phrase and it increases the level of surprise. Try it.

13. Dey Play!

When you tell someone this phrase, you’re telling them that they are unserious or taking important things too casual. It means “Keep on playing around”.

14. Wahala

This means “trouble”. Or with the potential to cause trouble. When someone is wahala, then that person is trouble or brings trouble with them.

15. Gbedu

This simply means “fun party” or “fun time” with great dance music or activity involved. When an event is said to have gbedu, it suggests it will be banging party and fun time with loud music or activities.