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.
Cruise
NEW
To joke, tease, or mess around, often at someone's expense.
Example
Dem dey cruise you, no vex.
Jare
NEW
An emphatic filler adding urgency or emphasis, like "please" or "just". From Yoruba.
Example
Come here jare!
Sharp sharp
NEW
Quickly; immediately; smart or streetwise.
Example
Do am sharp sharp before he come.
Gbedu
NEW
Music, especially a hard-hitting danceable beat.
Example
Turn up the gbedu, make we dance.
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