8 Words Only Nigerians Know

There is proper English. And there is Nigerian English.

Nigerians have created their own version of the English language. And it is amazing.

The widely spoken and highly flavoured Naija English may not be documented or popular outside Naija. It is our own and we love it!

Here are some words from the Naija Lingo only Nigerians know and understand:

1.  Banger

Not club bangers. Oyibos call it fire works/ fire crackers, but we persist in calling it banger or knock-out.

2.  Tokunbo

Non-Nigerians only know this word as a name from the Yoruba tribe. But Tokunbo has always been used since time immemorial to describe second-hand goods. Tokunbo cars, Tokunbo tyres, etc all refer to the used version of those items.

3.  Item 7

Ever heard a Nigerian ask after Item 7? Item 7 is the colloquial way of referring to refreshments at events.

4.  JJC

JJC is the abbreviated form of “Johnny Just Come”. We use this word to refer to newcomers in a place. We also it to refer to people are slow on the uptake of important issues.

5.  Drop/Kabu Kabu

Cabs and taxis will forever be called drop or kabu kabu depending on your generation. Older generation prefers Kabu Kabu while the young, hip and cool like the word “drop”.

6.  Okrika

While all second-hand items must have the prefix “tokunbo”, used clothes are the only second-hand items that have their own special name, Okrika.

7.  SiSi/Omoge

This term is used to refer to young women. Even older and married women these days are trying to appropriate “sisi” and “omoge” from the young women in Naija

8.  Jara/Fisi

This word refers to the extra someone adds to stuff you bought from them. Who doesn’t ask for jara in the market?

What other words are peculiar to Nigerians?

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