If you’re new to Nigeria – or Nigerian Twitter, TikTok, or WhatsApp – you may find yourself constantly asking, “Wait, what does that mean?”

Nigerian slangs are more than just catchy phrases; they are a cultural expression, an emotional barometer, and an instant community badge.

From street corners in Lagos to hostel rooms in UNILAG, our slangs have lives of their own.

Let’s take a walk through some of the most iconic Nigerian slangs that deserve a space in the Oxford Dictionary – or maybe their own Naija Lexicon.

ALSO READ: Are You Truly Nigerian? Prove it with these 15 slangs and pidgin phrases

1. Wahala

Definition: Problem, trouble, stress.

In context:

– “No wahala” = No problem.

– “This your phone get wahala.” = Your phone is acting up.

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Why it deserves its own entry: It is versatile, poetic, and universally Nigerian. From lighthearted banter to serious drama, “wahala” fits every mood.

2. Shege

Definition: Intense suffering, often as a result of life or Nigerian government policies.

In context: “2023 showed me real shege.”

Bonus: “Shege pro max” = Maximum level of suffering.

Why it deserves a dictionary spot: It’s the pain, the struggle, and the spiritual sequel to “wahala.”

3. E choke

Definition: Something unbelievable, overwhelming, or astonishing, positive or negative.

Origin: Popularised by Davido.

In context: “That Benz you bought? E choke!”

Why it deserves a dictionary entry: It captures pure emotion in two words. No translation needed.

4. Omo

Definition: Literally “child,” but used to express surprise, frustration, or awe.

In context: “Omo, this life no balance.”

Why it belongs in a dictionary: “Omo” is punctuation, mood, and cultural commentary all rolled into one.

5. Sapa

Definition: Extreme financial hardship.

In context: “Sapa hold me, I no fit buy shawarma.”

Why it should be canonised: Because every Nigerian student or salary earner has encountered Sapa at least once.

6. Japa

Definition: To flee, escape, or relocate (especially abroad).

In context: “My guy don japa go Canada.”

Why it deserves its own entry: It’s the anthem of Gen Z Nigerians and the prayer point of many.

7. Yarn

Definition: To speak, gist, chat.

In context: “Abeg yarn me wetin happen for that party.”

Why it matters: It’s a slangy way of saying “communicate,” but cooler.

ALSO READ: 10 slangs only a Nigerian can understand [Pulse List]

8. See finish

Definition: When familiarity breeds disrespect.

In context: “She no dey greet me again, na see finish.”

Why it’s iconic: It names a phenomenon most cultures know but can’t quite describe.

9. Gbese

Definition: Debt or financial entanglement.

In context: “Omo that guy dey inside gbese after Detty December.”

Why it slaps: It sounds like trouble – and it is.

10. No dey carry me play

Definition: Don’t joke with me

In context: “I senior you oh, no dey carry me play.”

Why it deserves a spot: It’s a whole attitude in a sentence.

As you may already know, our world often equates self-worth with constant availability and compliance.

So, whether you like it or not, you must learn to say no in moments that deserve saying no, especially if you’re a Gen Z woman navigating the complexities of modern life.

But the question that often comes up is: Is it always easy to say no? How can you embrace the power of “no” without the accompanying guilt?

Here’s a detailed guide to help you learn to explore this salient power you have, but first, let’s talk about the struggle itself.

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Understanding the Struggle

The truth is that a significant number of Gen Z individuals find it challenging to set boundaries, and there are available studies to prove this. One recent study even found that 64% of Gen Z individuals reported difficulty in saying “no.” This struggle is often rooted in societal expectations that encourage women to be accommodating, leading to internalised guilt when asserting personal needs. But well, it’s possible to break away from this norm. You just need to learn a few strategies here and there, and you’ll be good to go. Here, let’s run you through some of the strategies for setting boundaries without guilt.

Reframe “No” as Self-Respect

It all begins with knowing the real meaning of no. Unlike what we’ve grown to believe, saying no isn’t selfish. Instead, it’s a declaration of self-respect. So, you must recognise that declining requests doesn’t necessarily make you disrespectful or rude. Instead, it allows you to prioritise your well-being and commitments that truly matter.

Start Small

Nothing beats starting small when making major life changes like this one. So, you can always begin by setting boundaries in low-stakes situations. This helps you build the confidence you need before moving to asserting yourself in other, more significant scenarios.

Use Clear and Compassionate Language

While it’s recommended to communicate boundaries, you must also learn to apply the tools of clarity and kindness while doing so. Don’t just leave the asker hanging. Instead, use polite but emphatic phrases like “I appreciate the offer, but I need to focus on my current priorities”. Phrases like this communicate your disagreement while conveying respect for both yourself and others.

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Anticipate Resistance

ALSO READ: 5 effective ways to teach kids boundaries without hard punishments

Understand that not everyone will respond positively to your boundaries, especially if they benefited from your previous compliance. So, they’ll resist. These resistances may come in different degrees, but you must stand firm, knowing that your needs are valid. In the end, everybody will come to terms with your boundaries because you really matter.

Practice Self-Compassion

It’s normal to feel discomfort when setting boundaries. Acknowledge these feelings without judgment and remind yourself of the importance of self-care. This way, you’ll more easily bear any feeling of discomfort knowing that you’re doing it in your best interest.

Have you ever wondered why some medications come with instructions to take them with food? You might think it’s just a suggestion, but there’s a good reason behind it. Some medicines work better, or are safer when taken with a meal.   

To be more clear, here’s why it’s important to take certain medications with food.

ALSO READ: NAFDAC calls on patent medicine dealers to stop selling inferior drugs

1. It helps prevent stomach irritation

Some medicines can be harsh on your stomach lining, leading to irritation, nausea, or even ulcers. Taking them with food helps create a protective layer in your stomach, reducing these risks.  

2. Food helps with absorption

Some medications need fat or certain nutrients in food to be properly absorbed into your bloodstream. Without food, they may not work as effectively. 

Examples of such medicines are the popular anti-malarial and anti-parasitic medications.

Eating before taking such medications can help slow down their movement through the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for more effective absorption and distribution of these medicines in the body.

3. It can help reduce nausea and vomiting

Certain medicines can make you feel queasy or even cause vomiting. Taking them with food can ease the discomfort by slowing down how quickly they enter your system.  

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4. Reduces blood sugar drops

Some medications, especially for diabetes, can lower blood sugar levels too much if taken on an empty stomach, leading to dizziness, weakness, or even fainting.  

5. It can reduce side effects of strong medications

Some treatments, like chemotherapy drugs, can be harsh on the body. Eating before taking them helps manage their side effects, making the experience less difficult.  

Now you know why you need to eat before taking certain medications. What this means is, whenever you are given any medication, ensure to follow the instructions before taking them.

This can help their effectiveness and not leave you with more problems than the one you’re trying to solve with the medication. 

Have you ever experienced side effects from taking medicine on an empty stomach?

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