Fatima Abdullahi

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Lamba Definitions by Fatima Abdullahi

41 definitions

1

A loud, resounding slap.

"She gave him a hot woza on his face."

Pronunciation:/woʊˈzɑː/
Origin:An onomatopoeic word representing the sound of a slap.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Slap
More Examples:
Popularized by:A descriptive street slang for a slap.
2

An expression of affirmation, meaning 'Confirmed', 'spot on', 'exactly', or 'you nailed it'. It signifies finality and agreement.

"You talk am well, gbam!"

Pronunciation:/ɡbæm/
Origin:An onomatopoeic word, likely derived from the sound of a decisive impact. It is widely used in Nigerian Pidgin and has roots in Igbo culture.
Part of Speech:Interjection
Synonyms:Exactly, Spot on, Correct, Bam, Gbamsolutely
More Examples:
"That is the correct answer, gbam!"
Popularized by:Commonly used in everyday conversations, social media comments, and debates to show strong agreement with a statement. Its usage is widespread across different regions and age groups in Nigeria.
3

To throw away, discard, or waste something. It can also refer to something that is worthless or should be discarded.

"Just troway that rubbish."

Pronunciation:/troʊˈweɪ/
Origin:A Pidgin combination of 'throw' and 'away'.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Throw away, Discard
More Examples:
"Don't troway your opportunity."
Popularized by:A common Pidgin verb.
4

To turn off, stop, or extinguish something.

"Quench the light."

Pronunciation:/kwentʃ/
Origin:English word with extended Nigerian usage.
Part of Speech:verb
Synonyms:turn off, stop, extinguish
More Examples:
"The generator don quench."
"Make you quench that fire."
Popularized by:Common Nigerian usage.
Since:1980
5

An expression of disbelief or skepticism. It literally translates to 'if I hear' and is used to dismiss a claim as a lie or an exaggeration.

"Person 1: I just bought a Benz. Person 2: Iffa hear."

Pronunciation:/ˈɪfə hɪər/
Origin:A literal translation of a skeptical thought process into Pidgin English.
Part of Speech:Interjection Phrase
Synonyms:I don't believe you, That's a lie
More Examples:
"He said he would finish the work in one hour? Iffa hear."
Popularized by:A common and humorous way to express doubt about someone's statement.
6

A slang term for young ladies.

"The party was full of fine juves."

Pronunciation:/dʒuːv/
Origin:A shortened form of the English word 'juvenile'.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Young ladies, Girls
More Examples:
Popularized by:An informal way to refer to a group of young women.
7

An expression of skepticism, disbelief, or surprise. It translates to 'Is that so?' or 'Really?'.

"He said he'll give you one million naira? Na so?"

Pronunciation:/nɑː soʊ/
Origin:A Pidgin phrase where 'Na so' means 'It is so'. Adding a question intonation turns it into an expression of doubt.
Part of Speech:Interrogative Phrase
Synonyms:Really?, Is that so?, For real?
More Examples:
"Person 1: I'm the best player in the world. Person 2: Na so?"
Popularized by:A playful and common way to call out unbelievable claims, empty promises, or surprising news.
8

A Yoruba phrase meaning 'Speak Up' or 'Speak Louder'. It is a call to action, demanding that people voice their opinions and not be silent, especially in the face of injustice.

"This is not the time to be quiet, soro soke!"

Pronunciation:/soʊroʊ soʊkeɪ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Imperative Phrase
Synonyms:Speak up, Voice out
More Examples:
"The Soro Soke generation is demanding change."
Popularized by:Became a major rallying cry and hashtag during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria in October 2020. It represents a generation that refuses to be silenced.
9

To know, understand, or be knowledgeable about something.

"You sabi drive?"

Pronunciation:/sa.bi/
Origin:Portuguese 'saber' through Nigerian Pidgin.
Part of Speech:verb
Synonyms:know, understand, be familiar with
More Examples:
"I no sabi wetin happen."
"That guy sabi book well well."
Popularized by:Fundamental Pidgin verb.
Since:1950
10

A slang term meaning 'I am going' or 'Leave'.

"It's late, kawa."

Pronunciation:/ˈkɑːwə/
Origin:The origin is not specified.
Part of Speech:Verb/Interjection
Synonyms:I'm going, Leave
More Examples:
"Kawa from here."
Popularized by:An informal way to announce one's departure.
11

A Yoruba phrase meaning 'He/she is crazy' or 'insane'. Literally 'it snapped in the head'.

"For him to do that, o sán lórí."

Pronunciation:/oʊ sɑ̃n loʊriː/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Sentence
Synonyms:He is crazy, He is mad, O ti re e, Werey
More Examples:
"That guy o sán lórí."
Popularized by:A common way to describe someone who is acting erratically or irrationally.
12

Beautiful, attractive, or good-looking.

"That girl dey fine well well."

Pronunciation:/fain/
Origin:English word adopted into Nigerian slang.
Part of Speech:adjective
Synonyms:beautiful, pretty, handsome
More Examples:
"Your dress fine sha."
"The car fine die."
Popularized by:Universal Nigerian usage.
Since:1970
13

A formal Yoruba greeting meaning 'Hello'. It is a respectful way to greet someone, especially elders.

"Ẹ n lẹ, ma. How are you today?"

Pronunciation:/ɛ̃n lɛ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language. Yoruba culture places a strong emphasis on respectful greetings.
Part of Speech:Interjection
Synonyms:Hello
More Examples:
Popularized by:Essential for anyone interacting within Yoruba communities. The greeting is often accompanied by specific gestures of respect, such as women curtseying or kneeling, and men prostrating or bending.
14

A phrase meaning 'It's going to be massive' or 'It will be very loud/impressive'.

"The concert tonight, o ma loud gan!"

Pronunciation:/oʊ mɑː laʊd ɡæn/
Origin:A mix of Yoruba and English. 'O ma' (it will), 'loud' (English), 'gan' (Yoruba for 'very' or 'a lot').
Part of Speech:Sentence
Synonyms:It will be massive, It will be lit
More Examples:
"Her wedding o ma loud gan."
Popularized by:Used to predict that an event or something will be very big and impressive.
15

To study hard or cram for an exam. A popular slang among Nigerian students.

"I need to go and jack for my physics test tomorrow."

Pronunciation:/tuː dʒæk/
Origin:The origin is unclear, but it's a well-established slang in the academic environment.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Study hard, Cram, Read
More Examples:
"She jacked all night and still failed."
Popularized by:Widely used in universities and secondary schools to describe intense studying, especially before an exam.
16

A fool or a dunce.

"Don't mind him, he's an ò’tèy."

Pronunciation:/ɔːteɪ/
Origin:A Yoruba slang term for a foolish person.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Fool, Dunce, Mumu
More Examples:
Popularized by:An informal insult.
17

The Yoruba phrase for 'It is too expensive'. A key phrase used during bargaining.

"Ah, o ti wan ju! Reduce the price."

Pronunciation:/oʊ ti wɒn dʒu/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Sentence
Synonyms:It's too expensive
More Examples:
Popularized by:Commonly used in markets and shops to negotiate prices.
18

An acronym for 'Not Gonna Make It'. It is used to express a pessimistic or cynical outlook on a situation, particularly in the context of Nigeria's societal or political challenges.

"With the way things are going in this country, sometimes I just feel NGMI."

Pronunciation:/ɛn-dʒiː-ɛm-aɪ/
Origin:An acronym that originated in tech and crypto Twitter threads.
Part of Speech:Acronym
Synonyms:It's hopeless
More Examples:
"Another bad policy? We are NGMI."
Popularized by:Adopted into Nigerian online discourse to express a sense of despair or fear about the country's future prospects, especially when observing situations perceived as foolish or regressive.
19

A versatile verb meaning 'to be', 'to exist', or used as a continuous tense marker.

"I dey house."

Pronunciation:/de/
Origin:Nigerian Pidgin English from Portuguese 'estar'.
Part of Speech:verb
Synonyms:is, are, am
More Examples:
"The thing dey work."
"Where you dey?"
Popularized by:Fundamental Pidgin grammar element.
Since:1950
20

A slang phrase meaning 'the police have arrested him/her'.

"They caught the thief, and eke don carry am."

Pronunciation:/ɛkɛ dɔːn ˈkæri æm/
Origin:'Eke' is a slang term for police, and 'don carry am' is Pidgin for 'have taken him/her'.
Part of Speech:Sentence
Synonyms:Police have arrested him
More Examples:
Popularized by:A coded or informal way to report an arrest, common in street language.
21

A slang term used to humorously encourage someone to continue with an action or statement that is obviously a lie, an exaggeration, or a foolish act. It implies letting them proceed for entertainment value.

"He said he bought a private jet? Just allow, let him cook."

Pronunciation:/əˈlaʊ/
Origin:From the English word 'allow', repurposed in slang to mean 'let them be' or 'let them continue'.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Let him be, Gbewa, Bring
More Examples:
"She's telling an obvious lie, but just allow."
Popularized by:Became popular in early 2024, spread by X (Twitter) influencers and 'banger boys'. It's used in a playful, ironic way in social interactions.
22

A discreet slang term for a sex worker.

"He was asking for the contact of an OS online."

Pronunciation:/oʊ-ɛs/
Origin:An abbreviation, likely standing for 'Operating System' as a coded term, or another phrase known within specific online communities. Its primary function is subtlety.
Part of Speech:Noun
More Examples:
Popularized by:Gained traction in online spaces in 2024 as a way to discuss the sensitive topic of sex work without triggering content filters or direct judgment.
23

A term used to describe someone who is very beautiful, handsome, or stylish.

"Taiwo is the freshest of them all."

Pronunciation:/ˈfrɛʃɪst/
Origin:From the English word 'fresh', with the superlative '-est' added for emphasis.
Part of Speech:Adjective
Synonyms:Most beautiful, Most handsome, Most stylish
More Examples:
"You're looking freshest today."
Popularized by:A common compliment for someone's appearance.
24

A very common phrase meaning 'no problem', 'it's okay', or 'no worries'. It is used to express that a situation is fine or that no offense has been taken.

"You no fit come again? No wahala."

Pronunciation:/noʊ wɑːˈhɑːlə/
Origin:'Wahala' is a word of Hausa origin meaning 'trouble'. The phrase combines this with the English 'no' to create a widely understood expression of reassurance.
Part of Speech:Interjection Phrase
Synonyms:No problem, It's alright, No worries, Kosi wahala
More Examples:
"Thanks for the help. Response: No wahala."
Popularized by:One of the most ubiquitous phrases in Nigerian Pidgin, used across all regions and social strata to signify that all is well.
25

Boss, master, or person in authority.

"Good morning, oga."

Pronunciation:/o.ga/
Origin:Igbo language meaning 'master'.
Part of Speech:noun
Synonyms:boss, chief, master
More Examples:
"Oga wan see you."
"Na my oga be that."
Popularized by:Universal Nigerian term for authority figures.
Since:1960
26

A derogatory term for someone who is academically dull, unintelligent, or a blockhead.

"He failed the simple test, what an olodo."

Pronunciation:/oʊloʊdoʊ/
Origin:A Yoruba word for a dullard. 'Odo' means 'mortar' (for pounding yam), implying a head as hard and empty as a mortar.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Dullard, Idiot, Mumu
More Examples:
"Stop behaving like an olodo."
Popularized by:A common insult, especially in school settings, to describe someone who performs poorly in academics.
27

A slang term for butt or feces (shite).

"The baby did kaka in his diaper."

Pronunciation:/ˈkɑːkɑː/
Origin:Likely derived from a child-like or onomatopoeic word for feces, common in many languages.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Shit, Poo, Feces
More Examples:
Popularized by:An informal, somewhat crude term.
28

A mantra of calmness and resilience, encouraging composure in the midst of challenges. It means to stay calm, no matter the situation.

"Even if the price of fuel increases again, no panic."

Pronunciation:/noʊ ˈpænɪk/
Origin:An English phrase adopted as a slang mantra.
Part of Speech:Interjection Phrase
Synonyms:Stay calm, Don't worry, Take it easy
More Examples:
"My friend, just take it easy, no panic."
Popularized by:Became popular in 2024, often used in the context of Nigeria's difficult economic realities. It's frequently paired with phrases acknowledging hardship, like 'The economy go whine you, but no panic', embodying a spirit of perseverance.
29

To be tricked or duped.

"The marketer jè’gòo me into buying the fake product."

Pronunciation:/dʒɛɡoʊ/
Origin:A Yoruba slang term.
Part of Speech:Verb
Synonyms:Tricked, Duped, Scammed
More Examples:
Popularized by:Used to describe the experience of being deceived.
30

A versatile term used to plead or request something, meaning 'please' or 'I beg you'.

"Abeg, help me carry this bag."

Pronunciation:/a.bɛg/
Origin:Nigerian Pidgin, derived from English 'I beg'.
Part of Speech:interjection
Synonyms:biko, joor, I beg
More Examples:
"Abeg no vex."
"O boy, abeg, shift small."
Popularized by:Widespread, fundamental Pidgin term used by all Nigerians.
Since:1950
31

A Yoruba slang phrase meaning 'It’s serious' or 'It's tough'.

"The exam o leku."

Pronunciation:/oʊ leɪkuː/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Adjective Phrase
Synonyms:It's serious, It's tough
More Examples:
"This work o leku."
Popularized by:Used to describe a situation that is difficult or intense.
32

To be high on a substance, particularly marijuana. It often refers to the feeling of disorientation or the appearance of one's eyes when intoxicated.

"My eyes don dirty after that smoke."

Pronunciation:/ˈdɜːrti/
Origin:A metaphorical use of the word 'dirty'.
Part of Speech:Adjective
Synonyms:High, Intoxicated
More Examples:
"He was acting strange because he was dirty."
Popularized by:A street slang for being intoxicated.
33

A term for touts, street hustlers, or individuals who forcefully collect money from commercial vehicle operators, often at bus stops and motor parks in urban areas like Lagos.

"The danfo driver had to pay the agbero before he could load passengers."

Pronunciation:/ɑːɡbɛˈroʊ/
Origin:A Yoruba word used to describe these specific street individuals. They are often associated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Tout, Area boy
More Examples:
Popularized by:A well-known and often feared figure in Lagos street life. The term has been included in the Oxford English Dictionary.
34

The Yoruba words for 'Thank you'. 'E se' is the formal version used when addressing elders or showing respect, while 'O se' is the informal version for peers or younger people.

"E se, daddy, for the gift."

Pronunciation:/ɛ ʃeɪ/, /oʊ ʃeɪ/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language, reflecting the culture's emphasis on politeness and respect.
Part of Speech:Interjection
Synonyms:Thank you
More Examples:
"O se, my friend, for the help."
Popularized by:A fundamental phrase for expressing gratitude in Yoruba-speaking regions.
35

Refers to unnecessary, excessive, or exploitative expenses, often from third parties. It implies being charged unfairly or being taken advantage of financially.

"I don commot my hand for anything wey go attract billings."

Pronunciation:/ˈbɪlɪŋ/
Origin:From the English word 'billing', but used in a negative context in Nigerian slang.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Excessive charges, Exploitation
More Examples:
"Dating a high-maintenance girl comes with a lot of billing."
Popularized by:A common term used to complain about high costs or financial exploitation, especially in relationships or service transactions.
36

A phrase meaning 'to give someone a slap'.

"If you misbehave, I will wozam slap."

Pronunciation:/woʊˈzæm slæp/
Origin:A combination of the slang 'Woza' (slap) and the Pidgin structure 'am' (him/her).
Part of Speech:Verb Phrase
Synonyms:Slap him/her
More Examples:
Popularized by:A street slang phrase used to describe the action of slapping someone.
37

A term for an attractive, confident, and stylish woman. It refers to a woman that other women aspire to be like.

"She's a real baddie, always on her A-game."

Pronunciation:/ˈbædi/
Origin:A global slang term, originating from AAVE and popularized on social media.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Hot girl, Slay queen
More Examples:
"All her friends are baddies."
Popularized by:Adopted into Nigerian slang to describe a woman who is not only physically attractive but also independent, successful, and self-assured.
38

An expression of strong agreement, meaning 'Yes, of course' or 'Exactly'.

"Is this the right way? Ehn ehn naw!"

Pronunciation:/ɛ̃ ɛ̃ naʊ/
Origin:A Pidgin phrase where 'Ehn ehn' signifies agreement and 'Naw' adds emphasis.
Part of Speech:Interjection
Synonyms:Yes, of course, Exactly
More Examples:
Popularized by:Popularized by social media comedian Pastor Remote. It is often associated with a meme of a young boy chewing groundnut and is used to show enthusiastic concordance.
39

An onomatopoeic slang, primarily from Igbo culture, representing the sound of heavy, powerful footsteps, like those of an elephant. It is used to convey a sense of power, impact, or an imposing presence.

"When the oga entered the room, na so we hear gwo gwo gwo."

Pronunciation:/ɡwoʊ ɡwoʊ ɡwoʊ/
Origin:The phrase has roots in Igbo culture and was featured in a song by highlife musician Mike Ejeagha many years ago.
Part of Speech:Onomatopoeia
More Examples:
"He has a powerful presence, a real gwo gwo gwo."
Popularized by:It was repopularized and went viral in 2024 after being used in a skit by Nigerian comedian Brain Jotter, demonstrating how comedy can revive and spread traditional expressions to a new generation.
40

The Yoruba phrase for 'No'.

"Do you want more food? Ra ra."

Pronunciation:/ra ra/
Origin:Directly from the Yoruba language.
Part of Speech:Adverb
Synonyms:No
More Examples:
Popularized by:A basic negative response in Yoruba.
41

A failure; someone who lacks intellect or messes things up.

"That guy is a complete joneser."

Pronunciation:/ˈdʒoʊnzər/
Origin:A derivative of the slang verb 'to jones', meaning to fail or act unseriously.
Part of Speech:Noun
Synonyms:Failure, Loser
More Examples:
Popularized by:An informal insult for someone perceived as a failure.

User Statistics

Total Lamba:41
Total Votes:1148
Average Votes:28

Most Popular Lamba

Woza

A loud, resounding slap.

53 votes