/ˈtʃoʊkoʊ/
Definition:
In Nigerian Pidgin, “CHOKO” refers to a crazy, foolish, or mentally unstable person. It can be used playfully among friends or as a serious insult, depending on context.
- Synonyms: “Werey“ (crazy person), “Mumu“ (fool), “Olodo“ (dullard)
- Antonyms: “Sensible person”, “Oga” (respected person), “Sharp guy” (intelligent person)
Hear how native speakers pronounce CHOKO in the video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “Ah! This guy na CHOKO o, he dey talk anyhow!” (This guy is crazy, he talks nonsense!)
- Formal: “The term ‘CHOKO’ is often used to describe erratic behavior in Nigerian Pidgin.”
- Idiomatic: “If you no get sense, people go call you CHOKO.” (If you lack wisdom, people will call you a fool.)
Cultural Context:
Origin: The word “CHOKO” likely comes from:
- Nigerian street slang, blending sounds to create a catchy insult
- Possible influence from “Chook” (to poke/stab), suggesting someone whose mind is “poked” (unstable)
- Local language adaptations, as similar-sounding words in Yoruba or Igbo may imply foolishness
It became popular in Lagos and spread through music, comedy skits, and everyday insults.
Regional Usage:
- Lagos & South-West: Most common, often used in playful or heated arguments
- South-East: Understood but less frequently used (similar to “Onye nzuzu” in Igbo)
- North: Rarely used, except in pidgin-speaking circles
- Online: Popular in social media banter and memes
You don see CHOKO before? Wetin be the craziest thing wey person do make you call am CHOKO? Share your story or make sentence like:
“That driver wey jump traffic light na real CHOKO!”