Ah, Nigeria’s vocabulary culture has always been vibrant, and nothing captures this better than our timeless, classic slangs. These expressions tell stories of the days when “woke” was just a state of consciousness and “vibes” wasn’t part of everyone’s language. Here’s a throwback to five unforgettable Nigerian slangs that ruled the streets, from school corridors to neighbourhood hangouts.
1. Ghen Ghen
Translation: Drama incoming (from Early 2000s)
If you’ve ever been in a situation where tension filled the air, you’d know the perfect thing to say was, “Ghen ghen!” This slang was a playful expression of suspense, foreshadowing that something big (and maybe dramatic) was about to happen. Originating from the soundtracks of Nigerian movies and soaps where music heightened drama, “Ghen ghen!” was the go-to phrase when the tea was about to be spilled.
2. Omo See Groove!
Translation: Check out the vibe( From Late 90s to Early 2000s)
Back in the day, when Nigerians spotted a lit party, the only thing to say was, “Omo see groove!” The phrase was perfect for those flashy nights out, parties, and get-togethers that exuded vibe and fun. It was that shout of excitement when friends arrived at a party scene that had all the lights, music, and people in sync with the night’s energy. Today, we might say something like “mad vibe,” but nothing captured it like the original “Omo see groove!”
3. Wahala Dey
Translation: Trouble’s brewing ( From the early 2000s)
“Wahala dey” was the phrase when you sensed a problem on the horizon. Whether it was about sneaking out, getting caught in a sticky situation, or a neighbour finding out who broke their window, “Wahala dey” perfectly conveyed that sense of “Uh-oh.” It was usually said with a sense of humour, even though it hinted at some kind of trouble on the way. Today, “Wahala” remains, but back then, saying “Wahala dey” was just a tad bit cooler!
4. Gbagaun!
Translation: Grammar error alert (From the Mid 2000s)
If you made a grammatical error or tripped up on your English, expect to hear a loud “Gbagaun!” back in the day. It was like the Nigerian slang police for catching language slip-ups. Derived from the sound of something heavy dropping, “Gbagaun” was used humorously to let someone know they’d just committed a verbal faux pas. In today’s world of “no cap,” we might have a laugh, but nothing was as instantly iconic as hearing “Gbagaun!”
5. No Shaking!
Translation: No worries; I got this ( From the 90s)
“No shaking!” was a reassuring slang that meant, “I’ve got everything under control.” It was used to keep friends calm when a plan was solid or to let people know that whatever came, they weren’t stressed. It was the ultimate confidence booster, often used by guys when they wanted to appear unbothered or to reassure their friends during stressful situations. Even today, it’s nice to imagine someone saying “No shaking” as if they’re totally unphased by life’s little mishaps.
These slangs are nostalgic reminders of the days when our streets were filled with simpler phrases that captured complex emotions.