Lagos, often referred to as LasGidi, has a unique street culture with a variety of slangs and phrases commonly used by its residents.
Apart from the general "English ” and “Pidgin" that almost everyone speaks in LasGidi there are some words that are spoken very frequently and they are known as “slangs" some call it street language too. Either ways it's cool.
Below are a few popular slangs picked up from the streets of LasGidi and their meanings
Gobe/Gbege: When you come across this term, it signifies trouble or a problem. You might often hear someone say, "See me see Gbege or Gobe," using this expression to emphasize that there's a misunderstanding or issue that they want everyone to be aware of. In tense situations involving this phrase, it's advisable to involve a local who is familiar with Lagos culture to act as a mediator. It can also be used humorously or as an exclamation.
Aproko: This is a term used for people aho don't mind their business, always trying to pty or constantly prying in affairs unconcerned to them.
Oyinbo: If you are a lightskinned person in Lagos, irrespective of the part of Lagos you are in, you are bound to come across this slang. It is the Nigerian street term for a light skinned person and no harm is intended. when this slang is used. It just simply means that you speak like a white person or you're light skinned.
Abi/shey/ba/Shebi: This serves as a form of verbal punctuations. When the statement made is a question rather than just a statement. An example is “Shey you are hearing”, this can also be “You are not going àbí? ”.
Quick tip: Except it's a question, you cannot end your statement with these words, it's a sin.
Chairman/Big Boss/Twaleee!!: This is a common word amongst the police officers, security men, street boys and even in certain stores. This is a form of salutation that means you are a respected person and the usual way to respond to this is to either a wave as a sign of greeting or drop a little amount of money ranging from 500 Naira to 1000 Naira as a form of acknowledgement. These days it can be used when you have forgotten the name of the person, it is commonly used for guys.
Butty: This usually means one born with a silver spoon or one who hasn't experienced a little bit of hardship, one who has money to spend. The opposite would be Ajepako which refers to someone who is streetwise or wasn’t born with much. Another form of this slang would be ”ajebutter” or ”Ajebo”.
Agbero: This refers to a gang of street "individuals" , usually males, who roam the streets of Lagos, controlling traffic, harassing people, charging individuals for parking space at the market. They usually mind their business except they feel you are intruding or you are easy prey for them to make money. Sometimes people mix them up with bus conductors.
Ehen: This is one of the slangs that has a different interpretation based on pronunciation and the context in which it was used. It can be “Oh, I remember !” “Continue talking”, “As I was saying”,“No, that's not it”, “I said it !”, “are you serious?”
Tear Rubber/Chacha : This means whatever you are being shown is brand new. It's associated only with new things, as long as it looks or smells new, it's called tear rubber.
Mugu/Mumu: This slangs mean “fool” and can be used in several forms. An Example is “you just dey mumu anyhow ”, this means the individual has been or is being foolish . This phrase is common among Lagos drivers in traffic and mostly friends, some times they mean no harm but sometimes...
Whether it's s your first time in Lagos or you reside you reside here, you'll agree that one of the great and fun things you'll notice flying and jumping around. slangs are pretty common. They can even be heard in songs, jingles and various marketing strategies. Slang is a language and you need to be aware so you don't get confused
