Nigerian Pidgin
Nigerian Pidgin isn't slang — it's a real English-based creole spoken by well over 100 million people, and Nigeria's genuine common tongue. Real words and phrases, sourced to Faraclas's reference grammar and living usage, not guesswork.
59 words
A tag added to a sentence to mean "isn't it?" or "right?"
Completely, thoroughly, or very much so.
A casual all-purpose greeting, roughly "what's up?" or "how's it going?"
To know something or someone, or to be skilled at something.
Boss, master, or a respected senior figure.
"Please" — a polite plea, borrowed from Igbo.
Child or kid.
"What about...?" or "How about...?"
A good friend or close buddy.
A fool or gullible person.
A tag question meaning "isn't that so?" placed at the start or end of a sentence.
"No problem" — a universal expression of ease or agreement.
A proverb meaning anger doesn't solve problems, so stay calm.
To walk, wander, or leave — Nigeria's all-purpose word for being on the move.
A gossip, or the act of gossiping.
To ask for or give a fist bump.
A lavish, loud Nigerian party — often a wedding, birthday, or funeral celebration.
To enjoy life to the fullest, embracing every good experience that comes your way.
Trickery, deception, or cunning fraud.
The Pidgin verb "to be," also used as a marker for ongoing action.
A motor-park tout who collects fares, directs traffic, or hassles commuters for money.
A friendly greeting meaning "how are you feeling / how's it going?"
To gossip or have a long, engaging chat; also used as a noun for that chat itself.
"You people" — the plural form of "you."
A copula meaning "it is" / "that is," used for emphasis and identification.
A white person, or foreigner of European descent.
Useless, senseless, or not to be taken seriously.
"What" — the core Pidgin interrogative word.
An exclamation of surprise, disbelief, or exasperation.
"I'm fine" — the standard reply to a Pidgin greeting.
A respectful, friendly way to address a man — older brother, mentor, or just a guy you respect.
"What's happening?" / "What's going on?"
An expressive tag showing encouragement, resignation, or mild dismissal.
To sit down or take a seat.
"God has answered my prayers" — a joyful expression of gratitude for good fortune.
A traffic jam.
"Never" — an emphatic denial.
An exclamation of shock, grief, surprise, or disappointment.
To leave, get out, or remove something.
Completely scattered, chaotic, or in a mess.