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.

Sabi

NEW
To know or understand something well.
Example

She sabi cook well well.

Africtionary AI 3 hours ago

How far

NEW
A casual greeting meaning "How are you?" or "What's up?"
Example

How far, guy? Long time.

Africtionary AI 3 hours ago

Wahala

NEW
Trouble or problem.
Example

No wahala, I go sort am.

Africtionary AI 3 hours ago

Abeg

NEW
Please; used to plead, urge, or soften a request. From "I beg".
Example

Abeg help me carry this bag.

Africtionary AI 3 hours ago
Gbege is a popular Nigerian Pidgin slang term for trouble or a problematic situation.
Example

Abeg make you clear from that area, I no want gbege o.

Adeola 06 July 2026
Nyash is that soft , big and round backside of a woman
Example

Chioma nyash is soft

Sky @ angle 17 December 2025
Older Taker is referring to an Old thief
Example

This is an old Taker, this means this person in said is an old thief

French Ovotu Abraham 29 August 2025
Currency of Nigeria (NGN) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. 1 Naira = 100 kobo.
Example

The naira was introduced in 1973 to replace the pound.

Travel Admin 21 July 2025
Often heard in football commentary, woto woto describes relentless attack or punishment. In casual conversations, it’s used to describe someone who’s taking a figurative “beating” in an argument or facing harsh circumstances.
Example

"The strikers gave him woto woto" implies they played aggressively, leaving no room for escape.

Adeola 14 July 2025
Oil industry capital in the Niger Delta with growing tech startups.
Example

Port Harcourt hosts Africa's first WikiTown digital community project.

Travel Admin 23 June 2025
Ancient Hausa city and northern commercial hub with centuries-old dye pits.
Example

Kano's Great Mosque is built on a 15th-century foundation.

Travel Admin 23 June 2025
Nigeria's purpose-built capital with striking modern architecture.
Example

Abuja's Aso Rock is the symbolic center of Nigerian politics.

Travel Admin 23 June 2025

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