7 Trending Nigerian Slangs In 2022

There are more than 500 different ethnic groups in Nigeria, each of which has its own language and dialect. The usage of slang, however, is the one thing that all Nigerians have in common.

Slang is a type of informal language that uses words and expressions that are uncommon in formal speech or writing. It can be used to add emphasis or describe feelings and is frequently substituted for ordinary words.

Slang is often used to express kinship and friendship in ordinary conversation in Nigeria. It can be employed to convey consent, acclaim, or admiration. It can also be employed to inject humor into a discussion.

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You could find it confusing because Nigerian slang has so many different terms. Older words are quickly relegated to the background as new ones enter the street language.

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2022 has indeed been one ‘huge’ year of slangs trending among online users and taken to the streets and social places.

Here are, however, the top seven most used slangs this year:

#1 Dey Play
When the expression “dey play” is used, it refers to continuing to waste time and not paying attention to tasks that should be completed.

The expression was first used by an Edo state-based TikTok user who, while showing off his brand-new home and automobile on camera, kept stating, “Just de play,” humorously ridiculing his followers for spending time on pointless activities.

#2 God Abeg
The Nigerian Pidgin phrase “God Abeg,” which means “please God,” is a prayer to God.

With a video of a sneak preview of the at-the-time unreleased song “money before you love (God abeg),” Nigerian artist Portable popularized the term on Twitter more than other social media platforms.

#3 Mad O
One of the most well-known slang phrases from Nigeria that has appeared in the Urban Dictionary is this one.

This term, which has its roots in the streets of Lagos, is used when something astonishing happens or is spoken. This slang is widely used.

#4 Shey You Dey Whine Me Ni
Although it isn’t entirely new to Nigerian slang, “Shey you dey whine me ni” trended quite well online this year.

Hope you aren’t playing or fooling with me, according to several slang definitions.

It gained popularity after Austine Emmanuel, commonly known as Austine de Bull, posted the chorus of his gospel song “shey you dey whine me ni” on Twitter. There was usually a video of Austine dancing and yelling “shey you dey whine me ni” with choreographers.

#5 We Meuuve
This slang is used by Nigerians as a motivational phrase meaning “life goes on.”

#6 Otiloh
The phrase appeared after Poco Lee’s song “Otilo (izz gone),” which features Hotkid, was released. The slang is a Yoruba word that means it is gone.

#7 Trenches
Trenches originally meant a tiny trench dug into the ground in English, but somehow Nigerians managed to twist its meaning to represent an area that is badly run and is populated primarily by impoverished people.

The Eagle