Popular Nigerian Slang Words

We think it would be fun to create a list of popular Nigerian slang words. Nigerians use slang words a lot in communication. Some of these slang words could sound like English words but are mostly pidgin English. Some are just made-up words with uniform meanings across the country.

Below are some slang words that are frequently used by Nigerians

Amebo
Gossip

Chop life
To have fun or enjoy life.

Gist or Jist
Could mean banter, gossip, or friendly dialogue. Example: Let's have a gist.

Gobe
In Hausa language, this means tomorrow. In southern parts of Nigeria, Gobe is a popular slang that means trouble.

How every?
How is everything going.

Isha
Yoruba slang. Means something trivial.

Iyanga/Shakara
Being Fashionable or PridefulSubmitted by: Chiamaka

Jolly
To enjoy

Olobe
This slang could mean a nonentity or idler.

Wahala
Problem

Wetin dey?
What's going on? What's happening? etc

See also popular African proverbs.