/ˈdʌn.diː/
Definition:
In Nigerian Pidgin English, DUNDEE (also sometimes spelled “Dundee United”) refers to someone considered foolish, gullible, or lacking in common sense. It’s often used to mock or describe a person who has made a silly or avoidable mistake.
- Synonyms: “Mumu“, “Olodo“, “Werey“, “Foolish person”
- Antonyms: “Sharp guy”, “Oga“ (respected person), “Intelligent person”
Hear how native speakers pronounce DUNDEE in the video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “Why you dey behave like DUNDEE?” (Why are you acting foolish?)
- Formal: “The term ‘DUNDEE’ is considered offensive in professional settings.”
- Idiomatic: “If scammer see DUNDEE, dem go smile!” (Scammers rejoice when they find gullible people)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The word “DUNDEE” is believed to have originated from the Scottish football club Dundee United. In the 1970s and 1980s, the team was not widely known for great performance in Nigeria, and their name began to be associated with being slow, poor-performing, or foolish. Over time, Nigerians repurposed the term as slang, stripping it of its original football context and turning it into a pejorative for anyone acting foolishly. The phrase “Dundee United” was commonly used before being shortened to simply “DUNDEE.”
Regional Usage:
“DUNDEE” is widely used in southern Nigeria, especially in Yoruba-speaking regions like Lagos, Ibadan, and Ogun. It is also understood in other parts of the country due to its popularity in Nollywood movies and Nigerian pop culture. In urban areas, it’s frequently used in humorous or confrontational conversations to tease or scold someone.
Now it’s your turn! Use “DUNDEE” in a sentence and drop it in the comments. Have you ever called someone a dundee before? Let’s gist!