/dɪs/
Definition:
In Nigerian Pidgin English, DIS is the equivalent of the English word “this.” It is used to point to or refer to something close to the speaker in place or time.
- Synonyms: “This” (Standard English), “Na DIS” (emphasized form)
- Antonyms: “Dat“ (that), “Dem“ (those)
Hear how native speakers pronounce DIS in the video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “DIS my new phone cost me arm and leg!”
- Formal: “The word ‘DIS’ functions as a demonstrative in Pidgin.”
- Idiomatic: “DIS life no balance at all!” (This life is unfair)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
“DIS” is a phonetic simplification of the English word “this.” As Nigerian Pidgin English evolved from English and indigenous languages during the colonial era, many English words were adapted based on how they sounded to local speakers. The “th” sound in English doesn’t naturally occur in most Nigerian languages, so it is often replaced with a “D” sound—resulting in “this” becoming “DIS.” This adaptation made the language more accessible and easier to pronounce for non-native English speakers.
Regional Usage:
“DIS” is widely used across Nigeria and in other West African countries where Pidgin English thrives, such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon. Whether spoken in the bustling streets of Lagos, the markets of Onitsha, or the beaches of Accra, “dis” is universally understood. It appears in music, movies, street conversations, and even on social media, demonstrating its cultural relevance and flexibility.
Use “DIS” in a sentence and share it in the comments. Example: “DIS one pass my power.”
Let’s see how you go use am for your own Tori!