THE use of slang is an exciting communication feature in Nigeria with its dynamic language environment and vibrant culture, as such now and again new crops of words gain widespread usage among the populace and pop culture.

Every year, a new set of slang emerges, reflecting the nation’s youthful spirit, inventiveness, and adaptability. Nigeria is among the countries with a youthful population.

Over time some of these slangs become mainstream and find their way into official settings, adding to what is called ‘Nigerian English.’ In 2020 a number of Nigerian English words became internationally recognised when they were added to the Oxford dictionary.

They include, ‘Gist’, ‘Ember Month’, ‘K-leg’, ‘Send forth, ‘Okada,’ ‘Danfo’, ‘Non-indigene’, ‘Guber’, ‘Tokunbo’, ‘MamaPut’, ‘Kannywood’, ‘Next Tomorrow’ among others.

Sometimes some of these slangs are remergence or words taking new connotations.

The ICIR compiles some slangs that trended on social media in the first half of 2024 and what they mean.

‘No gree for anybody’

A few days after the year started, this slang became viral, leading many individuals to declare that 2024 is the year to stick to one’s principles and resist giving in to pressure from others. The meaning of ‘no gree for anybody’ was understood to be a personal commitment to never give in but to resist forces and individuals that could undermine one’s goals and ambitions.  Example, ‘this 2024, no gree for anybody’.

‘Fold’

Just like the original meaning, which means to bend, bring to a close/end, wrap, and so on, “fold” as a slang term expresses the original meaning in human form; to give up.

It is often used when someone gives up during an argument or conflict with another person. For example: ‘After evidence were brought against him he folded and even deactivated his social media account.’

‘Ate’

This is used to commend and show enthusiasm for someone who has excelled in something. ‘He ate the interview’.it’s also used to compliment appearance. ‘She ate up the look with that orange dress and curly wig.’

‘Rizz’

It refers to an effortless charm and attractiveness, particularly in romantic or flirtatious situations. It’s used to characterise someone’s elegant seduction abilities and capacity to draw others in. For example, ‘The man’s rizz needs to be studied.‘

‘Delulu’

It is derived from the word delusion. It is used to characterise someone with excessively idealistic or unrealistic fantasies. For example: ‘I will continue living in my delulu till I get everything I want.’

‘Steeze’

Steeze combines comfort of wear with style and carriage. It is frequently used to indicate that someone has good sense of style and presents oneself well in the context of fashion. If a person exudes confidence and dresses elegantly, you might consider them to have an appearance full of steeze. For example: ‘despite complaining about being low on cash, his steeze was still top notch.’ Steaze is one of those words that made a comeback.

‘Composure’

This is often used alongside steeze. It refers to keeping your cool under pressure. When the terms steeze and composure are used in the same sentence, it suggests that what is being said is portraying a person who not only maintains their cool under duress but also looks nice doing it. For example: ‘No matter the storm, always maintain composure.’

‘Go warm eba’

This is used to tell someone to keep quiet or get out during an argument or any conversation. It means they should find something else to do with their time or life. For example: Your opinions are really pointless, please go warm eba.’ Eba is a Nigerian meal made from cassava – garri. The phrase literally means go and reheat garri.

‘Walk with me’

This is used to tell someone to pay attention to what they are talking about or doing at the point in time. It is often used when someone wants to give an explainer of an issue or trend. For example: ‘ Janet is trending, the timeline is scattered, and you don’t know what’s going on, I’m going to give you the full gist, just walk with me.’

I am sat / I plaster

I’m sat’ is another slang used when someone wants to listen to a gossip, gist or story. It used to indicate their interest in the development.