NIGERIAN ENGLISH FLEXICON

ARMY: It is not unusual to hear Nigerians refer to a single soldier as “army” especially when speaking a local language. Don’t let this confuse you. Nigerians have over the years, as a result of generally harsh economic conditions, mastered the art of economy so that instead of having to say “Army officer” all the meaning is compressed into the first word alone. That practice has been certified as “Climate-compliant”, for the simple reason that it reduces the emission of hot air.

CHAIRMAN: Originally associated with the administration of Local Governments and with social events (which in Nigeria are supposed to have a “High Table” filled with the most important persons present and manned by a “Chairman”), Chairman has suffered massive devaluation in recent years, and is now an informal term of respect used to address young male acquaintances, and strangers. Think of it as the Nigerian equivalent of Britain’s “Mate”. A famous Nigerian beer advert has borrowed this term you will encounter billboards bearing a giant bottle of beer headlined with a single word: “Chairman”. (Note: whatever you do don’t ever hail a young woman “Chairwoman.’ She will not appreciate it)

H-FACTOR: No, this is not a talent show- at least not in this sense. It is the habit, commonly found in south-western Nigeria, of inserting an H-sound in front of every vowel sound, or deleting the H-sound wherever it is found; so that ‘Orange” becomes “Hoh-range” and a House becomes a “Ouse”.

TRANSFORMER: If you hear this word please do not waste your time thinking about Hollywood or the famous movie that goes by the name. “Transformer”- a term you will come across a lot- has a social meaning. It is a piece of machinery found in every neighborhood; it determines whether or not you would have to endure the merciless din of a generator all night long. It helps to have an idea where the ‘transformer’ in your neighborhood is located. “Go and hug a transformer”- as a variation of “Go to Hell!”- is now a popular expressions amongst young Nigerians.

‘K’: Coined from the word OKAY (slang). It is a polite way of ending conversation that you are no longer interested in. it can also be used to shut one up.

‘OF LIFE’: It is not uncommon to hear people use the phrase ‘of life’ when making statements. It is used to lay emphasis on the importance of a thing or person. For example ‘my boo of life’ or ‘meat of life’

GBAGUN: In everyday speaking, to Gbagun is to commit a grammatical atrocity. In other words, a person who says “you didn’t came to my party” will be accused of Gbagun

“WHY ALWAYS ME?’: New trend introduced by the Italian Footballer Mario Balotelli who  after scoring a goal in a match raised his jersey up and beneath it was a shirt with the question inscribed on it. This question was directed at the press who had recently been on Balotelli’s case (criticizing him). It is now commonly used when one has achieved a great feat or when one is being antagonized.

‘ARE YOU A LEARNER?’: It is a slang introduced by a Nigerian musician, Olamide. Usually a statement made when a foolish statement, suggestion or question is raised. It can also be used when someone has done something incredibly stupid.

MY OGA AT THE TOP: it is a slang originated from an interview with an NSDC Commandant who after being asked a question that he couldn’t give an answer to would refer to his Oga at the top. The slang started in March 2013 and is one of the most famous slangs used now. Oga at the top is now also used refer to God during sermons. It is one of the top trending slangs; songs about it have been released by musicians. It is also not uncommon to see young people wear shirts with the inscription or references made to it during comedy shows.  LOL