/dɑːdɑː/
Definition:
In Nigerian Pidgin English, DADA refers to “dreadlocks”—a hairstyle in which hair is matted or twisted into rope-like strands. It is commonly associated with spiritual, cultural, and personal expressions.
- Synonyms: “Locks”, “Dreads”, “Rasta hair”
- Antonyms: “Low cut”, “Permed hair”, “Bald head”, “Weave-on”
Hear how native speakers pronounce DADA in the video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “See as your DADA fine like Fola own!” (Your dreadlocks looks as beautiful as Fola’s!)
- Formal: “The musician wore his DADA in thick, well-groomed strands.”
- Idiomatic: “DADA no be for weak people – e need patience!” (Dreadlocks require patience to maintain)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The word DADA has deep historical and cultural roots in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria. It is derived from indigenous languages where it often signifies naturally matted hair, commonly seen in children from birth. In Yoruba culture, “DADA” is a term used to describe children born with naturally locked hair, often believed to have spiritual significance. Such children are sometimes dedicated to deities like Olokun (God of wealth and the sea). Over time, “DADA” evolved to refer to intentional dreadlocks, especially with the rise of Rastafarian influence in Nigeria.
Regional Usage:
The term DADA is widely used across Nigeria, especially in urban and rural communities. It is prevalent in Yoruba-speaking areas, where cultural ties to the name are strongest. However, the term is recognized in Nigerian Pidgin across the country, from Lagos to Port Harcourt and Kano. The popularity of reggae and Rastafarian culture in Nigeria has reinforced its use among young people and artists. In some regions, “DADA” may also carry spiritual connotations, linking it to traditional belief systems.
You get DADA or you know person wey rock am well? Wetin you think about this hairstyle? Share your mind or make sentence like:
“That guy DADA reach him back – e dey ginger!”