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.

An expression meaning "and then?" or "go on", or acknowledgement.
Example

Ehen, wetin happen next?

Admin 26 July 2026
Hustles or side gigs to make money, sometimes shady.
Example

She dey do runs to survive.

Admin 26 July 2026
Excellent, genuine, or of good quality; a solid person.
Example

That guy na correct person.

Admin 26 July 2026
A lavish Nigerian party, especially Yoruba celebrations with music and food.
Example

We dey go owanbe this weekend.

Admin 26 July 2026

Oga

Boss, master, or a person in authority. A title of respect.
Example

Oga, good morning sir.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
Crazy or mentally unstable.
Example

This heat go make person kolo.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
Buttocks or backside.
Example

The dress they fit her nyash.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
An emphatic filler adding urgency or emphasis, like "please" or "just". From Yoruba.
Example

Come here jare!

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
Please; used to plead, urge, or soften a request. From "I beg".
Example

Abeg help me carry this bag.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
Buttocks; similar to nyash.
Example

She wear jeans wey show her gbese.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
To walk or move; also an insulting hand gesture.
Example

I go waka reach there.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
Trouble or problem.
Example

No wahala, I go sort am.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026

© 2020 Africtionary®