John Doe

Joined about 1 month ago

Lamba Definitions by John Doe

41 definitions

1

A blunt and informal command meaning 'Get out', 'Go away', or 'Leave me alone'.

"If you no getat, I will deck you."

Pronunciation:/ɡɛˈtɑːt/
Origin:A corruption and contraction of the English phrase 'Get out'.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Get out, Leave, Comot
More Examples:
"Please just getat and leave me in peace."
Popularized by:A common, often aggressive, way to dismiss someone or tell them to leave, frequently used to avoid stress or confrontation.
2

A slang term popularized by the artist Portable, which can refer to 'movement' or carry various contextual meanings. It is often associated with street life and a certain energetic, chaotic vibe.

"The party get zazu."

Pronunciation:/zɑːˈzuː/
Origin:Popularized by the viral song 'Zazu Zeh' by Portable featuring Olamide and Poco Lee.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Movement, Energy, Vibe
More Examples:
"His dance style is full of zazu."
Popularized by:Became a massive viral slang in late 2021 and continued to be used. Its meaning is fluid and often depends on the context, but it generally signifies energy, movement, or a street-related concept.
3

A defiant mantra meaning 'Don't agree for anyone' or 'Don't give in to anyone'. It embodies a spirit of self-assurance, resilience, and a refusal to be intimidated, cheated, or suppressed.

"This year, the motto is: no gree for anybody."

Pronunciation:/noʊ ɡriː fɔːr ˈɛniˌbɒdi/
Origin:The phrase gained immense popularity in 2024, but its roots can be traced to a gospel song 'I no go gree' by Agartha Moses from over a decade ago. 'Gree' is a Pidgin word for 'agree'.
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Stand your ground, Don't back down, Be defiant
More Examples:
"Even if things are tough, no gree for anybody."
Popularized by:Became a viral rallying cry and anthem for Nigerians in early 2024, used to encourage steadfastness against personal, economic, and social challenges. It was so influential that it was incorporated into new songs and even prompted a warning from the Nigerian Police due to its potential to incite conflict.
4

A versatile Yoruba word that can mean 'sorry' in a sympathetic context, or 'well done' as a form of encouragement or acknowledgment of effort. The meaning is highly dependent on the context and tone.

"Pele o, I know say you try."

Pronunciation:/pɛˈlɛ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language, where it is a common expression of empathy or greeting.
Part of Speech:Interjection
Synonyms:Sorry, Well done
More Examples:
"Pele for the loss of your phone."
Popularized by:Widely used in southwestern Nigeria and by Yoruba speakers everywhere. It has also been integrated into general Nigerian Pidgin.
5

A Yoruba slang phrase meaning 'Drop something', usually a request for a tip, a gift, or money.

"Oga, mérùulè for your boys na."

Pronunciation:/meɪruːleɪ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Drop something, Give me a tip
More Examples:
Popularized by:Commonly used by people providing small services, or by beggars, to request a token of appreciation.
6

A traditional Yoruba tie-dye fabric known for its intricate patterns and deep indigo color.

"She wore a beautiful adire gown to the festival."

Pronunciation:/ɑːdiˈreɪ/
Origin:A Yoruba word referring to the specific resist-dyeing technique and the resulting patterned cloth.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Tie-dye cloth
More Examples:
Popularized by:A significant part of Yoruba cultural heritage and fashion. It has been recognized and included in the Oxford English Dictionary.
7

A term for an internet fraudster or the act of internet fraud itself. It is synonymous with online scams.

"He made his money from yahoo."

Pronunciation:/jɑːˈhuː/
Origin:The term originated from the early days of the internet when many scams were conducted via Yahoo! Mail. It has since become a general term for any online fraud.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Internet fraud, 419, Scam
More Examples:
"Many young boys are getting into yahoo."
Popularized by:A very well-known term in Nigeria, reflecting a significant social problem. It's often associated with 'Yahoo boys', the young men who perpetrate these scams.
8

An interrogative tag, similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?'. Used to seek confirmation or agreement.

"You go come, abi?"

Pronunciation:/a.bi/
Origin:Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:interjection
Synonyms:shey, not so?
More Examples:
"Na so dem dey do for una area, abi?"
"You no wan make I chop abi?"
Popularized by:Widespread in Southern Nigeria.
Since:1970
9

To be idle, passive, or to observe a situation without taking any action, especially when action is needed.

"While the country is facing challenges, we cannot just sidon look."

Pronunciation:/sɪdɔːn lʊk/
Origin:A Pidgin phrase where 'Sidon' means 'sit down' and 'look' is from English.
Part of Speech:Verb Phrase
Synonyms:Be passive, Be idle, Watch
More Examples:
"He just dey sidon look while his friends did all the work."
Popularized by:Used to criticize inaction or passivity. It was also the name of a political party (Sidon Look party) in a popular TV show by comedian Basketmouth.
10

Refers to people who follow a trend, support a team, or adopt an opinion simply because it is popular, not out of genuine interest or belief.

"He only started supporting that team after they won the league, what a bandwagon."

Pronunciation:/ˈbændˌwæɡən/
Origin:From the English idiom 'jump on the bandwagon'.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Trend-follower, Glory-hunter
More Examples:
"Don't just follow the bandwagon, think for yourself."
Popularized by:Used in Nigerian social media to criticize or describe conformity to popular trends, especially in sports, music, or politics.
11

A common Pidgin phrase meaning 'Alright', 'Let's go', or 'Hurry up', depending on the context. It is used to signal agreement, readiness, or to initiate an action.

"Are you ready? Oya nau, let's go."

Pronunciation:/ɔɪjɑː naʊ/
Origin:'Oya' is a Yoruba word used to urge or hasten, combined with the English 'now'.
Part of Speech:Interjection
Synonyms:Alright, Let's go, Okay
More Examples:
"Oya nau, start talking."
Popularized by:A fundamental and versatile phrase in Nigerian Pidgin, used to move conversations or activities forward.
12

The Yoruba phrase for 'I’m hungry'.

"Please, I need to eat, ebi n pa mi."

Pronunciation:/ebi n pa mi/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language, where 'ebi' means hunger, 'pa' means to kill or afflict, and 'mi' means me. It literally translates to 'hunger is killing me'.
Part of Speech:Sentence
Synonyms:I am hungry
More Examples:
Popularized by:A common way to express hunger in Yoruba-speaking areas.
13

Refers to lavish, extravagant, or ostentatious spending, especially 'spraying' money at parties or clubs.

"The club was all about dorime last night."

Pronunciation:/doʊriːˈmeɪ/
Origin:The term comes from the song 'Ameno' by the French new-age music project Era. The song's pseudo-Latin lyrics, particularly the word 'Dorime', became associated with a ritualistic vibe.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Lavish spending, Spraying money, Ballin'
More Examples:
"He is known for his dorime lifestyle."
Popularized by:In Nigerian clubs, the song 'Ameno' is often played when someone orders expensive drinks like champagne. This created an association between the song, its 'Dorime' chant, and lavish spending. It became a viral meme and slang.
14

A slang phrase meaning to go out with the intention of looking for romantic or sexual partners; to scout for girls or boys.

"Omo, I wan go browse for street tonight."

Pronunciation:/tuː braʊz ɒn ðə striːt/
Origin:A metaphorical use of the internet term 'browse', applied to the real-world activity of searching for a partner on the streets.
Part of Speech:Verb Phrase
Synonyms:Look for girls, Chase girls
More Examples:
Popularized by:A common slang among young men discussing their social activities.
15

An expression of surprise, disbelief, or amazement.

"Nawa for you o!"

Pronunciation:/na.wa/
Origin:Nigerian Pidgin exclamation.
Part of Speech:interjection
Synonyms:wow, amazing, unbelievable
More Examples:
"Nawa, wetin happen?"
"This one na nawa."
Popularized by:Universal Nigerian expression.
Since:1970
16

An acronym for 'Greatest Of All Time'. It is used to describe someone who is considered the absolute best in their field.

"Messi is the GOAT of football."

Pronunciation:/ɡoʊt/
Origin:A global acronym, not exclusively Nigerian.
Part of Speech:Acronym/Noun
Synonyms:The best, The greatest
More Examples:
"That artist is the GOAT."
Popularized by:Widely used in Nigerian social media and conversations, especially in sports and music, to praise exceptional individuals like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wizkid, or Davido.
17

A sudden feeling of disgust, aversion, or being turned off by a minor habit, trait, or action of someone, often in a romantic context.

"He was cute until he ran weirdly, and now I have the ick."

Pronunciation:/ɪk/
Origin:A global internet slang term that gained popularity on platforms like TikTok.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Turn-off, Aversion
More Examples:
"The way she chews her food gives me the ick."
Popularized by:Adopted into Nigerian online conversations to describe the specific, often irrational, feeling of being suddenly repulsed by someone you were previously attracted to.
18

To laugh or find something amusing.

"I laff tire for the joke."

Pronunciation:/laf/
Origin:Nigerian Pidgin spelling of 'laugh'.
Part of Speech:verb
Synonyms:laugh, giggle, chuckle
More Examples:
"Make you no laff me."
"That thing make me laff well well."
Popularized by:Common in Nigerian internet culture.
Since:2000
19

A phrase meaning 'it seems like' or 'it appears that'. It is used to express uncertainty, make a guess, or introduce a supposition.

"E be like say rain go fall today."

Pronunciation:/iː biː laɪk seɪ/
Origin:A classic Nigerian Pidgin phrase combining 'E be like' (Pidgin for 'it is like') and the English word 'say' (used here as a conjunction similar to 'that').
Part of Speech:Conjunctive Phrase
Synonyms:It seems, It looks like, I think
More Examples:
"E be like say you no understand wetin I dey talk."
Popularized by:A fundamental part of Pidgin grammar and conversation, used to hedge statements or express opinions without complete certainty.
20

A Yoruba phrase meaning 'It’s still there' or 'It’s still intact'. It signifies that something is present, available, or still in good condition.

"Is there still food? Yes, o wa nbe."

Pronunciation:/oʊ wɑː nbɛ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Sentence
Synonyms:It's available, It's intact
More Examples:
"After all these years, the friendship o wa nbe."
Popularized by:Used to confirm the presence or state of something.
21

A slang phrase with multiple meanings, including 'to get me high', 'to transition to a higher level', or 'to ginger me' (motivate me).

"Olamide gbemi trabaye with his newest hit."

Pronunciation:/ɡbɛmi trɑːbaɪjeɪ/
Origin:'Gbemi' is Yoruba for 'lift me'. 'Trabaye' is a slang term for getting high.
Part of Speech:Verb Phrase
Synonyms:Get me high, Lift me up, Ginger me
More Examples:
"This drink go gbemi trabaye."
Popularized by:Popularized in music and youth culture, it's a versatile phrase for expressing a desire to be elevated, either emotionally, mentally, or to a higher state of enjoyment.
22

A slang term meaning 'It’s inviting' or 'attractive'.

"The smell of the food is fanimorous."

Pronunciation:/fænɪˈmɔːrəs/
Origin:A creative, Yoruba-inflected English-sounding word, likely combining 'fani' (Yoruba: to draw or attract) with the English suffix '-morous'.
Part of Speech:Adjective
Synonyms:Inviting, Attractive, Appealing
More Examples:
Popularized by:A humorous and descriptive word for something appealing.
23

A term of endearment for a girlfriend, attractive woman, or close female friend.

"My babe dey fine well well."

Pronunciation:/beib/
Origin:English adoption into Nigerian slang.
Part of Speech:noun
Synonyms:baby, chick, girl
More Examples:
"That babe get sense."
"Babe, wetin dey sup?"
Popularized by:Widespread in Nigerian youth culture.
Since:1990
24

A slang phrase meaning 'Intimidate them', 'impress them', or 'show them'. It's a call to display superiority or excellence.

"Wear your best outfit to the party and paa won."

Pronunciation:/pɑː wɒn/
Origin:A Yoruba phrase where 'pa' means 'kill' and 'won' means 'them'. It's used metaphorically to mean 'kill them' with style, success, etc.
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Impress them, Show them, Kill it
More Examples:
"When you get on stage, just paa won with your performance."
Popularized by:Popularized in music and street culture as a hype phrase.
25

A slang term meaning 'my brother', 'my guy', or 'my close friend'. It signifies a close associate or a trusted companion.

"How far, alobam?"

Pronunciation:/ɑːloʊˈbæm/
Origin:The exact origin is not specified in the text, but it emerged as a popular street slang.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:My guy, My brother, Padi
More Examples:
"Don't worry, my alobam will be there."
Popularized by:The term trended around 2021 and remains in use, signifying a bond of brotherhood and camaraderie, particularly in street culture.
26

Effortless style, charisma, and a good sense of fashion. It describes a person who carries themselves with confidence and looks stylish without trying too hard.

"That guy has too much steeze."

Pronunciation:/stiːz/
Origin:A portmanteau of the words 'style' and 'ease'.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Style, Charisma, Swag, Drip
More Examples:
"Her outfit is pure steeze."
Popularized by:Gained significant popularity in 2024, partly due to Nigerian comedian Taaooma's skits and the fashion displays at the Ojude Oba festival. It is often paired with 'Composure' to describe a person with both impeccable style and calm confidence.
27

Describes a person who acts like a know-it-all; someone who is presumptuous and claims to know more than they actually do.

"That girl is an over sabi, always correcting the teacher."

Pronunciation:/oʊvər ˈsæbi/
Origin:A Pidgin phrase combining the English 'over' with the Pidgin 'sabi' (to know).
Part of Speech:Noun/Adjective
Synonyms:Know-it-all, ITK (I Too Know)
More Examples:
"Don't be an over sabi, let the experts handle it."
Popularized by:A common term used to criticize people who are arrogant, meddlesome, or offer unsolicited and often incorrect advice.
28

An exhortation meaning 'Don't be slow', 'Don't waste time', 'Be sharp', or 'Stay alert'.

"This is a great opportunity, no dulling."

Pronunciation:/noʊ ˈdʌlɪŋ/
Origin:A Pidgin phrase combining 'No' with 'dulling' (from the English word 'dull').
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Be sharp, Don't waste time, Stay alert
More Examples:
"The party is starting, no dulling, let's go."
Popularized by:A very common motivational phrase used to encourage proactiveness and energy.
29

A strong, controversial, or provocative opinion that is likely to generate debate or disagreement.

"My hot take is that jollof rice is overrated."

Pronunciation:/hɒt teɪk/
Origin:A term from broader internet and media culture.
Part of Speech:Noun Phrase
Synonyms:Controversial opinion, Unpopular opinion
More Examples:
"He's known for his controversial hot takes on politics."
Popularized by:Adopted into Nigerian online discourse, particularly on platforms like Twitter (X), where users frequently share bold opinions to spark conversation.
30

A casual term of address for a friend, similar to 'guy' or 'dude'.

"O'boy, how far na?"

Pronunciation:/oʊˈbɔɪ/
Origin:A Pidgin adaptation of the English 'Oh, boy'.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Guy, Dude, Padi
More Examples:
"My O'boy from way back."
Popularized by:A very common way to address a male friend or peer.
31

A playful insult or piece of advice telling someone they need to get in touch with reality, be more down-to-earth, or disconnect from the internet and engage with the real world.

"You've been arguing with strangers on Twitter for 8 hours, you need to go touch grass."

Pronunciation:/tʌtʃ ɡrɑːs/
Origin:A global internet slang term.
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Get real, Get a life
More Examples:
"His ideas are so impractical, someone tell him to touch grass."
Popularized by:Adopted in Nigeria to tell someone they are being unrealistic, chronically online, or out of touch with everyday life. It highlights the tension between online and offline realities.
32

A stylized spelling of 'looks', used to describe unique, striking, and standout fashion styles or outfits.

"She served lewks at the movie premiere."

Pronunciation:/luːks/
Origin:A creative respelling of 'looks' to add emphasis.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Looks, Outfits, Styles
More Examples:
"Her Instagram is full of amazing lewks."
Popularized by:Used in fashion-conscious circles on Nigerian social media to compliment or describe particularly impressive or well-put-together outfits.
33

A large, lavish, and lively party, typically a wedding, birthday, or funeral celebration, characterized by abundant food, music, dancing, and guests wearing uniform attire (aso-ebi).

"We are going for an owambe this Saturday."

Pronunciation:/oʊwæmˈbeɪ/
Origin:A Yoruba word that loosely translates to 'it is there', implying that 'the party is happening there'.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Party, Celebration
More Examples:
"Lagos is the capital of owambe parties."
Popularized by:A cornerstone of Nigerian, especially Yoruba, social life. The term is synonymous with the Nigerian party culture.
34

To eat food or consume something.

"Make we go chop rice."

Pronunciation:/tʃɔp/
Origin:Nigerian Pidgin English.
Part of Speech:verb
Synonyms:eat, consume, munch
More Examples:
"I wan chop small."
"You don chop today?"
Popularized by:Universal Nigerian term.
Since:1960
35

A Yoruba word meaning 'bring it' or 'bring it on'. In slang, it is used in a similar way to 'Allow', encouraging someone to continue with their exaggerated story or performance for amusement.

"He's boasting about his fake achievements, just gbewa."

Pronunciation:/ɡbeɪwɑː/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Allow, Bring it on
More Examples:
Popularized by:Popularized alongside 'Allow' in early 2024 by online personalities.
36

The Yoruba phrase for 'Yes'.

"Are you coming? Bẹẹ ni."

Pronunciation:/bɛ̃ː ni/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Adverb
Synonyms:Yes
More Examples:
Popularized by:A basic affirmative response in Yoruba.
37

Magnetic charm, romantic appeal, or the ability to effortlessly attract others through smooth talk and confidence.

"That guy has mad rizz, all the girls like him."

Pronunciation:/rɪz/
Origin:A global Gen Z slang term, shortened from 'charisma'.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Charm, Game, Charisma
More Examples:
"He tried to rizz her up at the party."
Popularized by:Widely adopted by Nigerian youth in 2024, integrating seamlessly into local conversations about dating and social interactions. It highlights the influence of global internet culture on Nigerian slang.
38

A slang term for a 'guy man', a street-smart person, or a general term for a person, usually male.

"Alayé, how far na?"

Pronunciation:/ɑːlɑːjeɪ/
Origin:A Yoruba word meaning 'owner of the world', but its slang usage is different.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Guy man, Guy, Oga
More Examples:
"That alayé is very sharp."
Popularized by:A very common term of address in Lagos and other urban areas.
39

A motivational phrase meaning 'life goes on' or 'we move forward', used to express resilience and the determination to move on from challenges, disappointments, or setbacks.

"I failed the exam, but we meuuve."

Pronunciation:/wiː muːv/
Origin:The phrase originated from Vee Adeyele, a housemate in the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show, who said 'we move' in her British accent during a quarrel, which sounded like 'we meuuve'.
Part of Speech:Declarative Phrase
Synonyms:We move, Life goes on
More Examples:
"The relationship ended, but it is what it is, we meuuve."
Popularized by:Became a viral motivational slang and meme after the BBNaija show. It is used to encourage perseverance and a positive outlook despite difficulties.
40

The Yoruba phrase for 'My name is...'.

"Orukọ mi ni Tunde."

Pronunciation:/oʊrukoʊ mi ni/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Sentence
Synonyms:My name is
More Examples:
Popularized by:A basic phrase for introductions.
41

To lack intellect in a certain situation; to be unserious or to fail at something due to a lack of focus or intelligence.

"He jonesed the entire presentation."

Pronunciation:/dʒoʊnz/
Origin:The origin is not specified, but it's a slang verb.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Fail, Mess up
More Examples:
"Stop to dey jones and focus."
Popularized by:Used in informal settings to describe someone's failure or lack of seriousness.

User Statistics

Total Lamba:41
Total Votes:1368
Average Votes:33

Most Popular Lamba

Getat

A blunt and informal command meaning 'Get out', 'Go away', or 'Leave me alone'.

53 votes