A new year means a new slang, and in 2023 alone, Nigerian pop stars, comedians and politicians, including the president, were behind some of the most viral ones.
While some slangs that dominated this year’s collection were brand new, others that trended in 2022 appear to have a longer shelf life, making it into 2023.
In this article, Newslodge highlights Nigerian viral slogans in 2023.
blue bullet
President Bola Tinubu created this jargon during the election period.
Tinubu was believed to be babbling during a campaign in Owerri, Imo State, when he said: “It is a town hall, different from Bala Blue Bulaba.”
These words, which had no connotative meaning, would not be quickly forgotten. And that is why today you hear Nigerians saying: “In this Bala Blue administration, some of us eat once a day.”
Osim
‘Osim’ is more than a mere translation of “He said” or “He is telling me” in English. Like most slang, its meaning transcends a literal interpretation and depends largely on context and expression.
Primarily used to convey disbelief or skepticism towards someone’s claim or assertion, ‘Osim’ is a nuanced linguistic tool.
It’s a way to point out inconsistencies without being confrontational. It’s relatable because we’ve all been in situations where we’ve doubted someone’s story or claims. Examples: ‘Wicked Forest Adventure Osim Picnic’, ‘Bad-Tempered Osim Mood Swing’, ‘Underfunded Osim Network’.
Idan
Idan is a Yoruba word with various meanings depending on the context.
It could refer to someone who is held in high regard and considered to have power, wealth, influence, and more attributes. You could also claim that a person is street smart.
But in 2023, Nigerians used Idan to show their respect and admiration for people they hold in high esteem.
Examples: Idans withdraw money without queuing at ATMs; Lagos Idan does not fail the exam. Na The question should be corrected yes. If IDAN is 25 years old, the parents will move out of their home; IDAN does not require votes to win elections; IDAN continues to win.
Only play
The phrase ‘Just Dey play’ is in strong competition for the title of the most uttered expression in the country in 2023.
It’s a way of telling someone to stop fooling themselves and be more realistic.
Nigerian comedian Mr Funny, also known as Oga Sabinus, popularized the term in his sketches.
Examples: “You pin your baby’s chat, Pablo pin your baby on a wall today, just play.”
“You’re in a serious relationship and you have a best friend, just play.”
Let the poor breathe
This expression originated during President Tinubu’s interview during the election period, where he said: “Let the poor breathe; Don’t suffocate them.”
In August, Senate President Godswill Akpabio used the term during a preliminary legislative session. The slang is a reminder that low-income people should not be oppressed.
Over time, several spin-offs have emerged, such as ‘Let the single Breath’. Example: ‘You use your baby as a screensaver; Let the singles breathe.
Rich man Pikin Go think Di…
This slang, which has been trending since October, illustrates the realities between rich and poor.
The slang is often accompanied by images of something peculiar to the poor masses that the rich few cannot relate to or vice versa.
Example: “I’m going to the farm, the rich man thinks about an adventure.”
In Colos
The word ‘Colos’ is derived from ‘Colorado’, a hard drug derived from the synthetic mixture of several drugs, including cannabis.
It is used to ask if someone is of sound mind. For example, “Are you in colos?” So when a person behaves abnormally, they are simply asked: “Are you in Colos?
You are going to explain Tire; No evidence
‘Go and explain the tire; “There is no evidence,” a Burna Boy catchphrase, appeared in question five of an exam written by 400-level students of the Department of History and International Studies in August.
It simply means that your explanation will only be valid if you have evidence.
Edibles and floating berries
This is a lofty name for the popular combination of garri and groundnut. It became a trend on social media when an advertisement by Garri went viral.
The slang elevated the classic ‘sapa’ experience with Garri and peanuts by describing it as “floating edibles and berries.”
Why settle for the usual suffering when you can make it look silly?
And don cast
E don cast is a Nigerian slang term for someone exposed, disappointed or deceived.
E don cast was a line in a chorus in Shallipopi and Zerry DL’s song, Puff and Pass. Additionally, Burna Boy used the slang in his 2022 hit song “Last Last.”
Example: ‘E don casting, Madame don catch husband and maid to go to bed’.
Sope Otilo
Sope Otilo is a popular Nigerian Yoruba slang used when someone has been deceived, mocked, scammed or ridiculed for any reason.
Dancer Poco Lee popularized this slang because his song has been used in different and strange settings.
Breakfast
“Breakfast” slang is not new to many Nigerians, especially those on Twitter.
Breakfast is usually the first meal of the day, but this definition does not apply in the context of a romantic relationship, at least in Nigeria.
Breakfast is often described as a sad and emotional moment in a relationship when a man or woman suddenly breaks up with their partner. It has been trending since last year when Burna Boy released his song ‘Last Last’ in 2022.
Understanding the bride
The “understanding girlfriend” describes women who accept the least from their partners and often settle for less than they deserve. However, over time this definition has changed drastically.
Honorable mentions
Interestingly, 2023 witnessed the emergence of several phrases and slangs that gained prominence in Nigerian pop culture. For example, the term “purr” gained widespread popularity following Ilebayi’s victory on BBNaija.
Furthermore, songs such as ‘Billionaire’, ‘Happy Mumu’, ‘Ashawo no be Work’, ‘Fine Mama’ and ‘Iyeme’ from Stanley Okorie’s Nollywood soundtracks have become notable trends on TikTok, contributing significantly to the pop culture of 2023.
Let us not overlook the now famous statement: ‘What God cannot do, does not exist’, which originated in the “New Season Prophetic Declaration and Prayers” (NSPPD) by renowned Nigerian pastor Jerry Eze on YouTube, has been become a mantra for many Nigerian Christians.