Nigeria stands as a beacon of a vibrant and diverse culture. One of the most distinctive aspects of this culture is the creative use of slang, which serves as a unique form of expression, particularly among young people.
Slang, or informal words or phrases, is the lifeblood of casual conversations. Their usage and meaning can vary widely, influenced by factors such as region, language, and social group. The rich tapestry of languages in Nigeria, including English, Pidgin English, and Yoruba, further enriches the pool of slangs.
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Here are five of the most resonant slangs of 2023, presented in no particular order:
- Dey Play: This slang has arguably become the mantra of 2023. It serves as a reminder of life’s challenges and the need to strive harder to level up. The phrase gained traction following a viral TikTok video where a young boy, basking in his success, urged the public to stop ‘playing’ and level up. The phrase has since evolved into a form of advice, often used ironically to suggest that someone should reconsider their actions. For instance, if a friend refuses to save for an event ticket, believing you will buy it for them, you might respond with ‘Dey Play’, advising them against such a belief.
- Let the Poor Breathe: This phrase, drawn from a speech by Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 election season, has become popular slang. It is a plea for leniency, a call for freedom from excessive demands or suppression. It doesn’t necessarily apply only to the financially disadvantaged; it’s a universal call for empathy. For example, if a friend, whom you’ve helped secure an event ticket, further requests that you buy them a shirt, you might respond with ‘Let the Poor Breathe’.
- Go to Court: This slang, rooted in Nigeria’s political landscape, signifies a stubborn refusal to let go of something. For example, if a friend refuses to return a shirt you lent them for an event, despite your repeated requests, they might tell you to ‘Go to Court’, indicating their unwillingness to return the shirt.
4.No Evidence: This phrase, part of the longer sentence ‘you go explain tire, no evidence!’, gained popularity after Afrobeat singer Burna Boy used it in a viral video. It is typically used to mock someone for lacking substantial evidence to support their claim. For instance, if your friend claims to have bought the shirt you know you purchased, they might taunt you with ‘you go explain tire, no evidence’.
- Sope Otilo: This Yoruba phrase, translating to’say it is gone’ in English, is used to describe a situation or item that one has lost control of or possession of, with little hope of recovery. For example, your friend might use ‘Sope Otilo’ to rub salt in the wound if you’ve lost something valuable.
These slangs, in their own unique way, encapsulate the spirit of the times, serving as a mirror to the evolving culture and society of Nigeria in 2023. #Nigeria