If you want to learn the commonly used Lagos slangs you are on the right page, we will discuss them, their meanings, and how to use them correctly in day-to-day communication in the streets of Lagos.
Lagos is a mega city with people from different ethnicities and backgrounds, surviving in Lagos requires an understanding of some street jargon and body expressions which make living in the city a lot easier, such as the use of street language to ease communication and improve an overall social life. They are useful for everyday interaction in places like traffic, bus stops, public transport, neighborhoods, offices, and markets in Lagos.
Why Familiarize With Widely Used Lagos Slags
Lagos is a globally recognized city, the center of attraction, and the most visited state in Nigeria with many opportunities for both Locals and visitors, it is a city that is worth exploring, a journey of traveling the world would not be complete if Lagos is not included in the list. So, familiarizing yourself with these widely used Lagos slangs prepares you for the sweet adventures that await you.
What Are These Slangs In Lagos
Here is a list of frequently used Lagos Slangs, these words rarely escape being used while communicating casually in the street of Lagos. Some of them are derogatory words, but all the same, that’s Lagosians for you.
1. How far
How far is the most used Lagos slangs that will never get obsolete, this phrase is used everywhere, in the street, homes, churches, offices, etc, it is used by both young and old, male and female. Although, it’s an English word that means many things, in Lagos “How far” is a greeting, or a way of asking how are you. The “ How far? “ is usually replied with one common answer “ I dey” which means am good, but it’s up to the person being asked to respond with how things are with them.
You hear words like “ How far aa?” “How far your business na?” “ How far with your exams?”. All are questions to be answered with whatever pleases the responder. Generally speaking, the phrase “ How far?” can be added to anything of concern as a question. Whenever you are in Lagos and someone asks “ How far?” take it as a way of saying Hi or inquiring about your well-being.
2. You Dey Whine Me
Shey you dey Whine me. This is one of the most used Lagos slangs right now, it grew in popularity saveral years ago when a Nigerian clebrity used it in a public interview, and since then the street adopted it as an everyday Lagos slang. It actually means are you joking with me or are you pulling my legs, it is used by different people in the streets of Lagos, traders, bus conductors, friends, and relatives use it while conversing.
This slang could be used in two different tones, the same words but expressed differently, it could be used by two friendly people discussing and also by another person angrily indicating disapproval. A few ways to use it in a sentence are “Shey you dey whine me ni?” “Why you dey whine me” “ You dey whine me” All these could be In the form of rhetorical questions and also be a question that need answers. So, when using the word, apply your mood to express yourself better.
3. Tualle
Tualle is an original Lagos slangs that is widely used as a complement in the street, mostly used by men in the ghettos, bus parks, and rough neighborhoods In Lagos. People greet the senior men expressing loyalty and respect, it is always accompanied by giving a salute with both hands in the air and standing at attention in front of the receiver.
It is used in sentences like “ Tualle Baba” and “ Tualle Tualle” to show street support or approval. So, whenever you are in the street of Lagos and someone throws a salute shouting Tualle note that you are recognized and greeted with respect.
4. No Wahala
No Wahala is another slang used frequently in Lagos, it is widely used among the youth and old. “No Wahala” means no problem, it is usually a response to indicate approval, satisfaction, or acceptance. It is used in conversations that need no problem as a response.
A few examples include “No Wahala I dey come” “ No Wahala bring am” “ No Wahala I go do am” and so on, one important aspect to note when using this phrase is that it can also express annoyance or displeasure, for example, someone saying you did this to me right? “No Wahala” but it’s widely used when showing approval.
5. Werey
Werey is one of the Lagos slangs often used in the street. “Werey” is a Yoruba word meaning mad or crazy person. It can be derogatory, at the same time fun words, or a way of jokingly saying someone is crazy.
Its usage depends on the mood or reason for the expression, in the street of Lagos it is usually accompanied by some hand signs pointing to the head to express one is going nut, one of the simple ways to use “ Werey” in a sentence is “ Na Werey dey worry you” “Werey!” “ Oti ya Werey” all emphasizing someone is crazy either meanly or jokingly.
6. Oga Mi
Ogami a Lagos phrase that will never get old, means my boss, mostly directed to the male folks. But as Lagos will have it, it is now used by people to indicate respect or tease someone for financial gain and favor.
So next time you are in Lagos and someone calls you “Ogami” know you are being referred to as the boss and should act like one (haha). It could be used in a sentence like “ Ogami sir” or “ Ogami” all in a greeting or hailing manner that expresses respect and recognition.
7. Padi Mi
Padi Mi is another Lagos slangs used between friendly people, it is the Lagos version of saying My Paddy. Most common among the male folk, this is a way of emphasizing or saying dear friend, usually when the person’s name is not mentioned, Just like someone saying, my dear friend.
It can be used in multiple ways in the sentence, however, the corresponding word should talk about a dear friend. One of the ways to use it in sentences is “ Padi mi how far?” “ Paddy e don tey” and “ Padi mi where you dey “are all references to the subject which is a friend.
8. Sapa
Sapa is one common Lagos slangs used by Lagosians, it means brokenness or a state of being broke. It is always used with accompanying sentences “Sapa dey o” or “ na Sapa I dey “to indicate to someone that you don’t have money or you are in hardship.
To keep it simple while using Sapa in a sentence add any pidgin expression to give extent or qualifier to the level of brokenness. Some examples are “Sapa strong here” “Sapa hold me well” “Sapa dey my body” and so on. There is no limit to what could be added to the sentence, make it simple and understandable according to Lagos pidgin.
9. Japa
Japa is another widely used street phrase meaning escape or to get away from a situation. used among the youth who are tired of the curren situation of the country and are looking for a way out by moving to another country.
Also, another way to describe Japa is escaping a situation, an example is escaping police arrest, running from a place that will lead to more trouble, or running away from a dangerous scene. Japa can be used in several ways in a sentence expressing action taken to move from somewhere, for example, “ I wan Japa comot “ the guy Japa” “ Omo na to Japa o” All these describe a situation of leaving somewhere not favorable.
10. Aza
Aza is a famously used phrase among the youths, it gained popularity among the young men engaging in internet fraud otherwise known as “Yahoo Yahoo in Lagos” is a coded word that means bank account.
As nothing escapes the street of Lagos, lately Aza has become popular and used everywhere in any conversation that requires a bank account. Some of the ways to use Aza in a sentence include “ send Aza” “wetin be that your Aza” and “ which Aza”. All are used in a transactional conversation that requires a bank account.
11. Low Key
This is an English word, but is widely recognized and used in Lagos, in this context, it means to avoid crowds, not attract attention, avoid public eyes, and so on.
This phrase could also describe a bad financial situation, for example when asked “ How far with business?” The response could be “I dey Low Key o” meaning down for now. could be used in various sentences such as “ I dey Low key” “ Omo thinks dey Low key o” etc, but mostly it describe someone’s unfavorable condition.
12. Gbedu
Gbedu is a street phrase for music, used by everyone with Lagos street orientation to describe music, beats, and sounds that are interesting to them, you will often hear people say words like “am feeling that Gbedu” and “ that Gbedu make sense”. The slang is always used with nice words to describe the extent or satisfaction derived from the music.
Conclusions
understanding and using Lagos slang can significantly enhance your communication and social interactions in the vibrant city of Lagos. These slangs, such as “How far,” “You dey whine me,” “Tualle,” “No Wahala,” “Werey,” “Oga mi,” “Padi mi,” “Sapa,” “Japa,” “Aza,” “Low key,” and “Gbedu,” are deeply ingrained in the daily conversations of Lagosians. They not only reflect the unique cultural blend of the city but also provide a practical way to connect with locals, navigate various social situations, and even gain respect and recognition.
Whether you are greeting someone, expressing surprise, showing respect, or discussing financial matters, these slangs can make your interactions more authentic and enjoyable. So, as you explore Lagos, don’t hesitate to sprinkle these slangs into your conversations and experience the city like a true Lagosian.
