/dæt/
Definition:
In Nigerian Pidgin English, DAT is the equivalent of the English word “that.” It is a demonstrative pronoun used to refer to something specific or previously mentioned in conversation.
- Synonyms: “That” (English equivalent), “Dis“ (this)
- Antonyms: “Dis“ (this), “Here” (when contrasting location)
Hear how native speakers pronounce DAT in the video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “DAT food wey you cook yesterday sweet well-well!”
- Formal: “The word ‘DAT’ functions similarly to ‘that’ in Standard English.”
- Idiomatic: “Na DAT one dey cause wahala!” (That’s the one causing trouble!)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The word “DAT” is a phonetic simplification of the English word “that.” Like many elements in Pidgin English, it evolved from contact between English speakers and indigenous African languages during the colonial era. Pidgin developed as a practical tool for communication between people who spoke different native tongues. Over time, Pidgin became a language of its own, adopting simpler phonetic forms such as “DAT” to replace English terms, making the language more accessible and fluid for everyday conversation.
Regional Usage:
“DAT” is used widely across West Africa, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. In Nigeria, it’s common in all geopolitical zones—from Lagos to Enugu to Kaduna. It cuts across urban and rural communities and appears in music, Nollywood films, social media posts, and everyday speech.
Your turn! Use the word “DAT” in a sentence and drop it in the comments. Example: “Na DAT girl wey dance pass for party.” Who or what you wan talk about today? Let’s vibe!