16 Slangs made Viral by Nigerian Celebrities

Celebrities have played a huge role in the influence of a large number of youths. From educating to connecting with the audience emotions, these celebrities offer witticism, cultural commentary through music & music videos, movies, social media etc…

Reputably, movies, music, social media have generally played a colossal phonetic role to the youths. Experts believe that the media’s influence, consciously or subconsciously an individuals talking tone, intonation, mode etc… Nigerian youths use slangs as an everyday language for communication, some of which are confusing.

Here are some of these colloquialism:

1. How is you: you have most likely came across this phrase and have probably used it. Welp, this is just a ‘Jenifa’s’ way of saying ‘How are You’.

These slang was popularized by Funke Akindele’s act in Jenifas Diary.. The program started airing way back in April 2015 till date. The series is a part of Jenifas Franchise based on a naive and funny character.

2. Marlian: these phrase was coined by the controversial Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola better known by his stage name naira marley.

A ‘marlian’ is any true pietistic follower, who loves Naira Marleys lifestyle, disregarding what anyone else has to say. Marlians are also known as the ‘no belt gang’. They are known to be rebellious, skilled in illicit activities such as, Yahoo, very prune to call out non fans.

Their chief weapon (amongst orders) is simulated masturbation acts in public & foul mouthed rhymes.

Naira Marley is the current fast rising star in Nigeria, he is a singer, rapper, songwriter & performer, well known to for his illicit lines, he is an advocate for internet fraud.

3. Mad oo: these phrase is said to have originated from the posh streets of Lagos. It is an expression of surprise, consternation, jolt often caused by something mind blowing or unexpected.

It could be used as a sarcastic reply to statement. It basically just means wow. Junkhouse has turned the phrase into a catchy song.. Mad oh ft iceboxx, deeno, the lion king.

4. Gbas Gbos: cheated from twitter, this phrase is used as a reaction to a very deep savage reply. Gbas Gbos was coined from the sound of a very hot punch or jab from 2 fighters. Gbas represents the sound from the first fighters punch and Gbos represents the retaliation punch from the second fighter.

When said it sounds more like a payback, ‘you got what you deserve’. Fireboy has made good use of the phrase in his album.

5. Wehdon sir/ma: this is a sarcastic expression used to mock someone. The phrase was conceived by Folarin Falana widely known as Falz or Falzthebadguy in his 2017 song ‘wehdon sir’.

Falz is a beloved Nigerian rapper, songwriter & actor. He is a contemporary HipHop in a faux Yoruba accent. He is never afraid to call out defaulting government activities. He is from an influential family of lawyers.

6. Inside Life: Another one from the leader of the Marlian fanbase. You can’t call yourself a marlain if you don’t know this one.

This phrase is used to depict an awkward, unforseen situation.

7. O’por: this terminology has been used all across Nigeria. This patter simply means ‘plentiful’ but it is never used ad such in the streets.

On the streets, it is used to acknowledge that something is great or makes sense and when the slang is said to you, it means they’re proud of you. The phrase was popularized by Nigerian street artistes.

8. Gbe Body eh: the next thing that will probably come to your kind after reading this is ‘Gbese Gbese’ from Zlatan & Burna Boys collab ‘Killin dem’..

This slang has a couple of meanings, in contemporary Yoruba, it means ‘move away’. But now it is a very popular dance move, where you have to jump up & throw one leg in the air showing agility.

However, the slang has been used lately for a much more deeper meaning depending on the particular context it is used. It could now mean, to make a significant move or change in your life, either financially, economically etc…

9. Osha Pra Pra: Tee Blaq & Yovi are responsible for this one #lol. In 2017 they released different songs emphasizing on the word osha pra pra.

The slang simply means something New, Fresh. It is widely accepted and used NY youths to describe the acquisition of brand bee things.

10. Baddest: this phrase is used to describe something or someone Tough and Cool. The slang has been around for a while and is synonymous to our very own indigenous rapper Adedeji Olamide better known as Olamide or Badoo/ Badosneh.

11. Oshey Baddest : popularly used by Nigeria’s cross dresser Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju we all know him as Bobrisky.

The phrase is basically used hype someone or something. When I say oshey you say baddest.

12. Na dem De Rush Us: this Locution enacted from the Nollywood movie John The Baptist. The slang was said by the character Chijoke, played by Charles Inojie while shooting his shot at a lady ‘Kate’, character played by Ruth Kadiri.

Fine boys like us, we no dey too look for women like that, na dem de rush us….

13. Na Dem: this slang trend evolves around deceit, fraud, lies. It centred on Relationships, Politicians, Fraudsters etc.

14. I Deserve some Accolades : another one from Nollywood actor Charles Inojie. Meaning to be recognized or respected in whatever you do, big or small.

When one has outdone himself or excelled exceedingly in a task, he/she should be applauded, it is just a way of asking for appraisal.

15. Pepper Dem/Pepper Dem Gang : another one by Olamide Badoo.. This slangs describes state of success that goes beyond peoples expectations, the kind of success that makes people want to envy you.

The slang was adapted as the Theme for the 2019 Big Brother Naija Edition. Also used by Zlatan in his song ‘Bolanle’.

16. Small Girl Big God: originally these phrase was used as a form of Gods appreciation, as also described by Simi in her song Small thing.

It was later hijacked and it became a sarcastic praise to young ladies who date wealthy older men (Sugar Daddies) in order to afford things she can’t afford for herself. It is primarily another name for runs girls.

Most of these slangs originated from the street of Lagos and have been in existence for a long time. They have only gone viral because of celebrity influence and constant usage of them..

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