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.
Jare
NEW
An emphatic filler adding urgency or emphasis, like "please" or "just". From Yoruba.
Example
Come here jare!
Cruise
NEW
To joke, tease, or mess around, often at someone's expense.
Example
Dem dey cruise you, no vex.
Owanbe
NEW
A lavish Nigerian party, especially Yoruba celebrations with music and food.
Example
We dey go owanbe this weekend.
Gbam
NEW
An expression of agreement or that something is exactly right.
Example
Gbam! You talk true.
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