interjection
Street Slang
Chai
chai (rhymes with "why") · interjection · pidgin
An exclamation of shock, grief, surprise, or disappointment.
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Definitions
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A versatile exclamation reacting to surprising, upsetting, or dramatic news — used widely, especially in southeastern Nigeria.
“Chai! Dem don chop our money ooo, wetin we go do now?”
by community
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Chai In A Sentence
Chai! Dem don chop our money ooo, wetin we go do now?
Origin & Usage
Documented as likely deriving from the Igbo exclamation "chei," per PeeGeen's Pidgin dictionary; naijalingo.com confirms the same core meaning of shock/disappointment/surprise.
Variants
Choi
People Also Ask
What does "chai" mean?
It's an all-purpose exclamation of shock, grief, surprise, or disappointment.
Where does the word come from?
It's believed to derive from the Igbo exclamation "chei," though it's now used nationwide.
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