15 Nigerian Slangs That Defined 2024
In Nigeria, a country with over 200 million people, citizens have a unique way of expressing themselves through distinct words and phrases.
Over time, slang has played significant roles in songs, movies, other works of art and daily conversations.
Defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as ‘very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular groups of people’, slangs are often used by people to press home their points or emphasise their arguments.
On many occasions, such slang has also made its way to works of art and even mainstream lingo.
In 2024, many Nigerian slang became popular, showing off the country’s lively and creative culture.
Here is a list of the slangs and what they mean in simple terms:
“No gree for anybody”: This means refusing to give up or be intimidated by anyone.
“Kwechiri”: A word from the Igbo language that shows surprise or disbelief, often with dramatic hand movements.
“Dey play”: Used to tell someone they are not being realistic or are daydreaming.
“No evidence”: A way to say someone doesn’t have proof for what they’re claiming.
“E don cast”: Means something has gone wrong or turned out badly.
“No panic”: Telling someone to stay calm, no matter the situation.
“Steeze”: Popularized by the Ojude Oba festival, “steeze” is a way of saying someone looks very stylish or elegant.
“Composure”: A reminder to stay calm and not lose control, even when stressed.
“Gyat”: A shout of excitement, like saying “Wow!”
“Bet”: A cool way to say “Okay” or “I agree.”
“Rizz”: Refers to someone’s charm, confidence, or attractiveness.
“Side-eye”: Giving someone a suspicious or disapproving look.
“Receipts”: Proof of something, like screenshots or messages.
“Hot take”: Sharing a strong or controversial opinion.
“Bandwagon”: Refers to people who follow trends just because they’re popular.
“Go warm eba”: A funny way to tell someone to mind their own business.
“Touch grass”: A playful insult, meaning someone needs to get real or be more down-to-earth.
“Lewks”: Describes unique and standout fashion styles.
“Drip”: Means dressing in a very cool or trendy way.
“Ick”: Something that makes you feel turned off or uncomfortable.
This slang made conversations more fun and reflected the experiences of Nigerians throughout 2024.
