Pidgin phrases are important for survival in the streets of Nigeria and that’s what’s up.
You won’t believe it, but pidgin English has been around for centuries. Yes, no be wash, and neither is this a game of hype, but pidgin is the language of the hustler, the voice of the hustle, and the signature of the brandless. It is the tone of the people. The mother that mothered our mother, wey come mother her mother.
Oh wow, Holy Mary! It’s some mothering things affair.
Pidgin English: The Language Of Survival
Make I ginger you small shaa, tip you better intelligence oooo, the street is not smiling. It is always in ghost mode. You gats wise up to operate in the hoods. Don’t be a Jonny Just Come. You gats gallant enough to dey kampe.
What all of this means is you have to mark your territory and balance your feet in the neighborhood because the fact remains that area no dey play.
Pidgin is the go-to language for millions of Nigerians. The streets of Nigeria are like shark-infested waters, with predators always on the hunt. Hence, survival is not a choice, and some pidgin phrases will help you swim this storm.
Here, we will talk about some of the most popular pidgin phrases for survival in Nigeria. Truly, pidgin is the glue that holds Nigeria together!
SEE: Nigerian vs Ghanaian Jollof: The Hilarious and Eternal Rivalry
Popular Pidgin Phrases For Street Credibility
Your mental health may be at stake if you cannot communicate in the viral Nigerian street tone. The hood will hawk your brain like gala.
The most popular pidgin phrases for survival are “No be today”, “Wetin dey?”, “No wahala”, “I go come”, “Na wa o”, “You no go believe am”, “I dey here”, “No be small thing”, “Na you sabi”, and “Make I dey go”. For instance, when someone is telling a story and you don’t believe it, you can say “You no go believe am” or “You no mean am”. Similarly, when someone is talking about something that they think is a new occurrence but you know isn’t, you can say “No be today”, which means “It didn’t start happening today”.
How far/Wetin dey
This means “what’s up?” and is used as a friendly greeting. This pidgin phrase is key to survival in Nigeria and is a great way to start a conversation. The accepted response is usually “I dey”.
It is used in many contexts such as when greeting a friend, starting up a conversation with a stranger, and asking someone what they are up to.
No wahala
Wahala means problem, hence this pidgin phrase means “no problem”. It is often used to indicate that a situation is fine and there is no need to worry. To survive the Nigerian hustle, this phrase should be handy. It is a great way to show that you are relaxed and not overly concerned about any given situation.
SEE: What is the Meaning of Zazu?
Chop knuckle
When you tell someone to “chop knuckle”, it means you are pleased with them for something they have done. Think of it as a high-five or fist-bump, only in pidgin.
Na wa o
This slang is used to indicate disbelief or surprise. It comes into use when something out of the ordinary happens or when someone says something outrageous.
Shey
This pidgin phrase is used to confirm something or to make sure that someone is listening. It is often used when you want to make sure that the other person is paying attention and that you have their full attention.
Omo
Omo comes into use when one is shocked or surprised at something that happens.
Na So E Be
When someone is trying to explain something complicated, they might say, “Na so e be.” Another example of using this phrase is to express acceptance.
I dey kampe
A pidgin phrase ideal for the Nigerian hoods used to express emotions. For example, when someone is feeling happy, they might say, “I dey kampe.” This phrase means “I am feeling great.”
RELATED: The US Embassy in Nigeria: All You Need to Know
Na true
It is used to express agreement. This pidgin phrase is a consistent reflex survival expression for Nigerians. For example, when someone agrees with something, they might say, “Na true”, meaning “that’s true.” And when they disagree, they might say, “Na lie.”
You no mean am
Pidgin English is also great for expressing surprise, and that is where “you no mean am” comes in. This phrase literally translates to “you don’t mean it”, albeit in a sarcastic way.
Another variant is “say God!”
E make Sense
Used to express admiration, e make sense can be used when someone is impressed by something. This phrase means “That’s impressive.” Another variant is “E too jig”.
SEE: Who Is the Best Nigerian President from 1960 Till Date?
Tuale
There are several ways to use pidgin English as a greeting, and “Tuale” sits as the Supreme Lord Commander. Tuale is the highest honorific a person can receive on the streets, and is reserved only for the Oga nlas (Top bosses).
We die Here
The streets is a bloody and unforgiving place, and sometimes, you can get into a situation that requires you to rough your way out. We die here denotes that determination, that there is no way you’re giving up.
Na So Life Be
This pidgin phrase represents resignation. For example, if something happens that was not expected, you can use na so life be as a sort of comfort or consolation that life sometimes takes unpermitted turns.
READ ALSO: How to cook fried rice one step at a time
Dem No Born You Well
Oftentimes, you can find yourself in certain situations where someone decides to try your patience. Dem no born you well is a dare, calling their bluff and telling them they cannot do that which they are threatening to do.
Nigerian Street Hack: Contour Your Pidgin Phrases
If you still don’t understand how you cannot do without pidgin in Nigeria, I need to host a deliverance service for you. Pidgin English is a language of survival, connection, and creativity. It is a language of understanding, humor, and wit. A language of agreement, surprise, and disbelief. Tag it as a language of admiration, gratitude, and encouragement.
So, the next time you find yourself in Nigeria, don’t forget to brush up on your pidgin English – it could just save your life! Call this a magical hack. Rock it, I know you’re grateful but please don’t mention. Enjoy!
