Chinedu Okafor

Joined about 1 month ago

Lamba Definitions by Chinedu Okafor

35 definitions

1

A slang verb meaning to have a seat or to sit down.

"Come kak for here."

Pronunciation:/kæk/
Origin:The origin is not specified, but it's a short, informal command.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Sit down, Siddon
More Examples:
Popularized by:Used in very informal settings.
2

The act of giving someone a suspicious, disapproving, or judgmental look, typically from the corner of one's eyes without turning the head.

"She gave me the side-eye when I said I liked her ex."

Pronunciation:/ˈsaɪdˌaɪ/
Origin:A globally recognized non-verbal cue that has been adopted into slang as a noun or verb to describe the specific action.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Suspicious look, Disapproving glance
More Examples:
"The criminal side-eye is a popular meme."
Popularized by:Popularized by memes and reaction images online. It's used in Nigerian social media to describe a look of skepticism or judgment.
3

A dare or a challenge, literally meaning 'You were not born well'. It implies that the person would not dare to do something because they lack the courage or audacity.

"Touch me, if dem born you well."

Pronunciation:/dɛm noʊ bɔːrn juː wɛl/
Origin:A common Nigerian English/Pidgin taunt.
Part of Speech:Threat/Dare
Synonyms:I dare you
More Examples:
"Dem no born you well to try that."
Popularized by:A classic and aggressive way to dare someone, suggesting they would face severe consequences if they proceed.
4

A Pidgin greeting or question meaning 'What's happening?', 'What's the latest gist?', or 'What's going on?'.

"My guy, wetin dey shele for your side?"

Pronunciation:/wɛˈtɪn deɪ ʃɛˈlɛ/
Origin:'Wetin' is Pidgin for 'what', 'dey' is a present tense marker, and 'shele' is a Yoruba word ('kilon shele?') meaning 'what is happening?'.
Part of Speech:Interrogative Phrase
Synonyms:What's up?, What's happening?, How far?, Wetin dey sup?
More Examples:
Popularized by:A very common and informal way to ask for updates or to greet someone.
5

A threat to get unpleasant, nasty, or violent with someone. It implies that the speaker will change their demeanor from peaceful to aggressive.

"If you touch my property again, I go change am for you."

Pronunciation:/aɪ ɡoʊ tʃeɪndʒ æm fɔːr juː/
Origin:A Pidgin English threat.
Part of Speech:Threat
Synonyms:I will deal with you, Don't mess with me
More Examples:
"Stop insulting me before I change am for you."
Popularized by:A common warning used in confrontations to signal that one's patience is running out.
6

Money, cash, or financial resources.

"I need ajeh to buy fuel."

Pronunciation:/a.dʒe/
Origin:Nigerian street slang.
Part of Speech:noun
Synonyms:money, cash, kudi, ego
More Examples:
"No ajeh, no movement."
"That guy get plenty ajeh."
Popularized by:Popular among Nigerian youth and in hip-hop culture.
Since:2000
7

Mother, an older woman, or a term of respect for women.

"Mama, how you dey?"

Pronunciation:/ma.ma/
Origin:Universal term adopted into Nigerian languages.
Part of Speech:noun
Synonyms:mother, mummy, ma
More Examples:
"My mama cook rice today."
"Mama Ngozi get fine shop."
Popularized by:Universal Nigerian usage.
Since:1900
8

A Yoruba phrase meaning 'Forget about it' or 'Ignore it'.

"He offended you, but just gbójú nbè."

Pronunciation:/ɡboʊdʒuː nbɛ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language, literally 'take your eyes off it'.
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Forget it, Ignore it, Fashi am
More Examples:
"Gbójú nbè, it's not worth your energy."
Popularized by:A common way to advise someone to let go of an issue.
9

A five-line nursery rhyme-style chant, based on the arithmetic table, used as a creative ploy to solicit money from people by offering blessings in return.

"The area boy started chanting '2 x 1 = 2 ni, asiri wa o ni tu o...' to get money from the car owner."

Pronunciation:See meaning for translation.
Origin:Rooted in Lagos street culture, where such creative rhymes are used by street performers or beggars to entertain and persuade people to give them money.
Part of Speech:Rhyme/Chant
More Examples:
Popularized by:Learned from a viral video of a street guy in Lagos on Instagram. It highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of street culture and how it spreads via social media.
10

A Yoruba slang phrase meaning 'It’s plenty', 'It's abundant', or 'It's numerous'.

"Money o yapa for his hand."

Pronunciation:/oʊ jɑːpɑː/
Origin:From the Yoruba language, where 'yapa' means to be abundant.
Part of Speech:Adjective Phrase
Synonyms:It's plenty, O por, Boku
More Examples:
"The problems for this country o yapa."
Popularized by:A popular slang to express that there is a lot of something.
11

A Yoruba phrase meaning 'Calling for trouble' or 'looking for trouble'.

"Arguing with that area boy is like fèsù l’óyàn."

Pronunciation:/fɛsʊ loʊjɑ̃n/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Verb Phrase
Synonyms:Looking for trouble
More Examples:
Popularized by:Used to describe someone who is deliberately provoking a dangerous situation.
12

To lie or to say something that is false.

"Stop to dey bale for me, I know the truth."

Pronunciation:/beɪl/
Origin:The exact origin is unclear, but it is a common slang term for falsehood. It might be a shortened or corrupted form of 'fabricate' or 'tell a tale'.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Lie, Fabu
More Examples:
"Everything he said was a bale."
Popularized by:Used in informal conversations to accuse someone of lying.
13

A philosophical phrase used to comment on the irony, absurdity, or unexpected complexities of life. It's an acknowledgment of life's unpredictable nature.

"The man stole from a church and got caught. Inside life."

Pronunciation:/ɪnˈsaɪd laɪf/
Origin:A Pidgin English phrase.
Part of Speech:Interjection Phrase
Synonyms:Such is life, E be things
More Examples:
"This government policy… inside life."
Popularized by:Popularized by artist Naira Marley, it's used to reflect on strange or unbelievable situations with a sense of resignation or amusement.
14

A slang greeting, a variation of 'What's up?'.

"Hey, wuz up?"

Pronunciation:/wʌz ʌp/
Origin:A phonetic spelling and corruption of the English phrase 'What's up?'.
Part of Speech:Interrogative Phrase
Synonyms:What's up?, How far?
More Examples:
Popularized by:An informal greeting used in casual conversations.
15

A celebration of enjoyment; a mindset and action of living life to the fullest, enjoying the best things, and not holding back on pleasure.

"Let’s chop life this weekend!"

Pronunciation:/tʃɒp laɪf/
Origin:A Pidgin phrase combining 'chop' (eat/enjoy) and 'life'.
Part of Speech:Verb Phrase
Synonyms:Enjoy life, Live it up
More Examples:
"Problem no dey finish, make we chop life."
Popularized by:A popular mantra that encourages enjoyment and a high quality of life. It's often associated with parties, vacations, and lavish spending.
16

A versatile exclamation used to express a wide range of strong emotions, including happiness, sadness, disappointment, or general surprise. It is similar in function to the Nigerian interjection 'Omo'.

"OHHH BROTHEERRR, I can't believe we won!"

Pronunciation:/oʊ brʌðər/
Origin:The origin is cited as being picked up from a Twitter mutual in 2022 and becoming a frequently used personal expression.
Part of Speech:Interjection
Synonyms:Omo, Wow, Oh my God
More Examples:
"He failed the test again? OHHH BROTHEERRR."
Popularized by:Its usage highlights the informal and highly expressive nature of Nigerian online communication, where interjections play a key role in conveying sentiment.
17

A term of praise for someone who is great, the best, or a 'badass' in their field. It signifies excellence and mastery.

"That musician is a badooo on the mic."

Pronunciation:/bɑːˈduː/
Origin:A slang term popularized by Nigerian rapper Olamide, who is often referred to as 'Olamide Baddo'.
Part of Speech:Noun/Adjective
Synonyms:The best, Badass, Baddest, GOAT
More Examples:
"You solved the problem in minutes? You be badooo!"
Popularized by:Widely used to hail or praise someone for their exceptional skills or achievements.
18

A hopeful and optimistic phrase meaning 'It will be well' or 'Everything will be alright'.

"No worry, e go be."

Pronunciation:/iː ɡoʊ biː/
Origin:A Pidgin English phrase expressing faith in a positive future outcome.
Part of Speech:Declarative Phrase
Synonyms:It will be okay, E go better
More Examples:
"Things are hard now, but I believe e go be."
Popularized by:A common expression of encouragement and hope, used to reassure oneself or others during difficult times.
19

In slang, it refers to a fellow person who understands and relates to your 'cruise' (fun/vibe), or a stranger you share a moment of camaraderie with.

"You are a fellow comrade for laughing at that joke."

Pronunciation:/ˈkɒmreɪd/
Origin:From the English word 'comrade', but repurposed in slang to mean a kindred spirit in fun or mischief, rather than its political meaning.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Fellow, Kindred spirit, G
More Examples:
"Shout out to all my comrades online."
Popularized by:Used to acknowledge someone who shares a similar sense of humor or vibe.
20

To carry or take everything at once; to finish something completely.

"He saw the food and decided to gbe’tán."

Pronunciation:/ɡbeɪtɑːn/
Origin:A Yoruba slang phrase.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Take all, Finish completely
More Examples:
Popularized by:Used to describe taking something in its entirety.
21

A Yoruba phrase meaning 'carry your body'. It's a command to move, to dance, or sometimes to get out of the way.

"When the music starts, gbe bodi e!"

Pronunciation:/ɡbeɪ boʊdi ɛ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language, but popularized in Pidgin as 'Gbe body e'.
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Move your body, Dance, Park well
More Examples:
"Gbe bodi e from my front."
Popularized by:Popularized by artists like Zlatan Ibile, it's a very common phrase in Afrobeats music and at parties, encouraging people to dance.
22

A slang term for the United Kingdom. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any developed country abroad.

"My brother is living in Jand now."

Pronunciation:/dʒænd/
Origin:The origin is not definitively known, but it has been a long-standing slang term for the UK.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:UK, Abroad
More Examples:
"She's planning to jand after her studies."
Popularized by:Commonly used when discussing travel or emigration. The phrase 'I Don Jand' means 'I have relocated abroad'.
23

A slang verb meaning to relax or to have patience.

"Just pam, everything will be fine."

Pronunciation:/pæm/
Origin:The origin is not specified.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Relax, Calm down, Peche
More Examples:
Popularized by:An informal instruction to calm down.
24

The Yoruba phrase for 'I am fine'. It is a common response to 'Bawo ni?'.

"Bawo ni? Mo wa daadaa."

Pronunciation:/moʊ wa daːdaː/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Sentence
Synonyms:I am fine, I dey
More Examples:
Popularized by:A standard reply to a greeting.
25

A slang term for a close or tight friend. It's a term of endearment and camaraderie.

"You are my gee."

Pronunciation:/dʒiː/
Origin:Shortened from 'gangster' or 'guy', originating from American hip-hop culture.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Friend, Padi, Guy, Comrade
More Examples:
"Thanks G, I appreciate it."
Popularized by:Widely adopted in Nigeria as a casual and cool way to refer to a close friend.
26

A Yoruba phrase meaning something is 'Too sophisticated', 'so dope', or 'mind-blowing'.

"His vocabulary o ta lénu."

Pronunciation:/oʊ tɑː leɪnuː/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Adjective Phrase
Synonyms:Sophisticated, Dope, Impressive
More Examples:
"The design of the house o ta lénu."
Popularized by:Used to express that something is exceptionally impressive or complex.
27

A Yoruba phrase describing something as 'Rugged & Durable'. Literally 'it fell and did not break'.

"This Nokia phone, o bólè ko fo."

Pronunciation:/oʊ boʊleɪ koʊ foʊ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Adjective Phrase
Synonyms:Rugged, Durable, Strong
More Examples:
Popularized by:A descriptive phrase for items that are strong and long-lasting.
28

To hurry, move quickly, or be in a state of urgency.

"No rush me for work."

Pronunciation:/rʌʃ/
Origin:English word with Nigerian contextual usage.
Part of Speech:verb
Synonyms:hurry, speed, race
More Examples:
"I dey rush go market."
"Why you dey rush like this?"
Popularized by:Universal Nigerian usage.
Since:1970
29

A Yoruba slang phrase meaning 'Don't Dull' or 'Don't be slow'. It's an encouragement to be lively, sharp, and engaged.

"This party is just starting, má goor!"

Pronunciation:/mɑː ɡɔːr/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Don't dull, No dulling, Be sharp
More Examples:
Popularized by:Commonly used in informal Yoruba conversations and street language to motivate someone to be more energetic or proactive.
30

To intimidate or to be aggressive.

"Stop doing fórífórí for the small boy."

Pronunciation:/foʊriːfoʊriː/
Origin:A Yoruba slang term.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Intimidate, Bully
More Examples:
Popularized by:Describes an intimidating or bullying behavior.
31

To be awake, smart, and alert.

"In this business, you have to o jáá."

Pronunciation:/oʊ dʒɑː/
Origin:A Yoruba slang term.
Part of Speech:Adjective
Synonyms:Be smart, Be alert, O soji
More Examples:
Popularized by:Similar to 'o soji', it describes a state of alertness and intelligence.
32

A common threat, meaning 'Do you want to get beaten up?' or 'Are you looking for trouble?'. 'Collect' in this context means to receive a beating or some form of punishment.

"Keep talking to me like that, you wan collect?"

Pronunciation:/juː wɒn kəˈlɛkt/
Origin:A Pidgin English threat.
Part of Speech:Interrogative Phrase
Synonyms:Do you want a beating?, Are you looking for trouble?
More Examples:
"The conductor was arguing with the passenger, asking him 'you wan collect?'"
Popularized by:A widely understood phrase used to warn someone to stop their provocative behavior. The severity of the threat depends on the speaker and the situation.
33

A term meaning 'a Nigerian child' or someone who is proudly Nigerian. It is an expression of national identity and pride.

"Even in Canada, he still be omo Naija."

Pronunciation:/oʊmoʊ naɪdʒə/
Origin:'Omo' is a Yoruba word for 'child', and 'Naija' is a popular slang term for Nigeria. The phrase combines these to mean 'Child of Nigeria'.
Part of Speech:Noun Phrase
Synonyms:Nigerian, Naija person
More Examples:
"We are all Omo Naija, we need to support each other."
Popularized by:Used frequently in conversations about identity, culture, and national pride, especially among Nigerians in the diaspora. It reflects a growing sense of unity and cultural pride.
34

Refers to a specific type of doughnut that uses condensed milk as a filling or topping instead of traditional jam or glaze.

"I'm craving that milky doughnut I saw on TikTok."

Pronunciation:/ˈmɪlki ˈdoʊnʌt/
Origin:A descriptive name for a food item.
Part of Speech:Noun
More Examples:
"Every baker is making milky doughnut now."
Popularized by:Became a viral food trend on TikTok and other social media platforms in Nigeria around March 2024. Many food vendors and bakers capitalized on the trend, using the hashtag to advertise their products.
35

The act of being overly familiar with someone, especially a person of higher status, often with the intention of gaining favor, attention, or clout.

"Stop famzing the celebrity, he doesn't know you."

Pronunciation:/ˈfæmzɪŋ/
Origin:A Nigerian English slang verb derived from 'familiar'.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Clout-chasing, Sucking up
More Examples:
"She is always famzing the rich kids in school."
Popularized by:A common term used to describe sycophantic or clout-chasing behavior.

User Statistics

Total Lamba:35
Total Votes:1058
Average Votes:30

Most Popular Lamba

Kak

A slang verb meaning to have a seat or to sit down.

54 votes