Everyday we’re out creating stuff that align with what we’re going through (and it becomes easier when the events around us help us do that!)
By Shalom Kasim
Nigeria, the mother of creativity.
2023 was a year. With so many incidents happening around us, but we got to adapt – thanks to our survival instinct!
As a means to adapting to challenges with which we were beset this year, slangs became one of our very creative outputs. So, here’s a list of some of our top Nigerian slangs that were slew through 2023, and hopefully shall remain in use till forever:
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You Go Explain Tire ‘Cos No Evidence
Thank you, Burna Boy.
Following Burna Boy’s global ode to heartbreak last year, the sequel is all about accountability.
“You go explain tire ‘cos no evidence” became the new mantra, describing that, in a world where talk is cheap, it is only actions that speaks louder.
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Sora Fun Obinrin o (Oluwa a Wa Pelu)
“Sora fun obinrin”, meaning be careful of women, is a gentle reminder to watch out for unexpected moves from the womenfolk.
Of course, fear who no fear women, they say.
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Groceries and Floating Berries
Like it or leave it, 2023 was Mr Cassava’s year —from Agbado to Groceries.
Why settle for regular garri when you can make it sound posh?
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Idan
Probably the vibest.
I won’t say much here, because Idan doesn’t explain itself.
Idan doesn’t chase money; money chases Idan.
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Dey Play
“Dey play” is the new way of telling someone to quit fooling around.
It’s the equivalent of saying, “Get real, man.”
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On Colos
A succinct way of ensuring everyone’s on the same mental wavelength —well, they’ll never know if they’re or not.
Goes the same with, “have you been on drugs?”
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Let the Singles Breathe
Derived from President Tinubu’s pre-inauguration speech, “Let the singles breathe” is the aluta cry in a world dominated by extravagant displays of love.
Because, let’s face it, singles need some internet space too.
- You Go Dey Trust Adam?
This popular slang too is meant to serve as some caution to people. It also is some eye opener to the unreliability of man.
So.
Why?
Why you dey trust Adam? Lol.
