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 exclamation of surprise, dismay, or wonder.
Example

Nawa o! This traffic no dey finish.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
Friend or buddy.
Example

Him be my padi from school.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
To know or understand something well.
Example

She sabi cook well well.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
No problem; all good.
Example

You wan come? No wahala.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
To eat; also used for enjoying or spending money.
Example

Make we go chop, I dey hungry.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
Stomach or belly; also pregnancy.
Example

Hunger dey tear my belle.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
To leave, move away, or get out of the way.
Example

Comot for road!

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
To become suddenly rich or hit a big financial break.
Example

Since he hammer, he don change car.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
To flee, run away, or emigrate abroad. From Yoruba "ja pa" (to run).
Example

Many youth wan japa go abroad.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
Music, especially a hard-hitting danceable beat.
Example

Turn up the gbedu, make we dance.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026

Aza

Bank account number.
Example

Send me your aza make I pay you.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026
Quickly; immediately; smart or streetwise.
Example

Do am sharp sharp before he come.

Africtionary AI • 26 July 2026

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