Talk the Talk: Hilarious Lagos Slangs to Get You Fitting Right In!

Lagos, Nigeria's bustling economic heartbeat, isn't just known for its traffic and hustle; it's a linguistic playground. If you're new to the city, or just trying to keep up with the cool kids, you'll need a crash course in Lagos slang. It's the secret sauce that makes conversations here so unique.

Here are five essential terms to get you started on your journey to speaking like a true Lagosian:

1. "Wahala"

Definition: The state of experiencing pain, distress or hardship.

What it really means: It means trouble or a problem. If someone says "no wahala," it could mean no problem or yes. If someone says "wahala dey," it means there is a problem.

How to use it: " I don't want wahala o" meaning — I don't want any issues.

2. "Ehen"

Definition: An interjection with a meaning that changes based on context, tone, and the preceding dialogue. It can be used to express understanding, agreement, a prompt to continue, surprise, or even a rhetorical question.

What it really means: It means "I get it", "go on", "yes", "say what?", "and so?", "as i was saying".

How to use it: "Ehen, what were you saying about that man?"

3. "Abeg"

Definition: It is used to preface a polite request, make a plea, or even express disagreement with a situation.

What it really means: It means please.

How to use it: "Abeg, help me give her the bag".

4. "Omo"

Definition: It is used as an exclamation to express surprise or stress, or as a friendly way to start a conversation. It also means child in Yoruba.

What it really means: It can be used to refer to a child. It also means "Oh my!" Or "Mehn".

How to use it: "Omo, the cost of petrol is so high these days."

5. "Abi"

Definition: It functions as a discourse marker to seek confirmation or agreement.

What it really means: It means "right?" or "isn't it?"

How to use it: "The house is very beautiful abi?"

There you have it! Incorporate these five into your vocabulary, and you're well on your way to earning your Lagos street cred.

Want to discover more street slang? Check out our Lagos travel guide: Between Bridge and Beach today!