Nigeria Slang Dictionary

Nigerian slang is the heartbeat of Africa's most populous nation - a fast-moving blend of Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa that powers everyday conversation from Lagos to Abuja to Port Harcourt. It's the language of Afrobeats lyrics, Nollywood scripts, comedy skits and WhatsApp group chats. Words like abeg, wahala, japa and how far travel far beyond Nigeria's borders through music and social media. Below is a growing, community-built dictionary of Naija slang - and if a word you know is missing, you can add it.

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Nigeria

Gbosa

An action word which means to punch or slap, but can be as well used to refer to the sound made when someone or something is being punched.

Example

I go give you gbosa for head.

Adeola • 11 July 2020

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Nigeria

Maga/Mugu

A term used to describe someone regarded as a fool or someone who is very gullible or being conned

Example

My maga promise me hundred thousand Naira

Adeola • 11 July 2020

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Nigeria

Abeg

A pidgin term for "please" or "I beg".

Example

Abeg! No waste my time!

Adeola • 20 July 2020

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Nigeria

How far

This is a common Nigerian greeting that means "How is everything?" or "How is it going?". It is a simple, informal greeting that’s best used with people you know well, or in casual settings.

Example

Hey man, How far?

Adeola • 27 July 2020

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