/dʒuːmæn/
Definition:
JUMAN is a Nigerian Pidgin slang used to describe a socially awkward or naïve man—typically someone who is clueless about social cues, lacks confidence in interactions, especially with women, and often behaves in an unrefined or unintentionally embarrassing way. It is a term often used among youth to mock or playfully tease someone who doesn’t quite fit in with modern “street-smart” behavior.
A JUMAN is the opposite of a “sharp guy.” While the sharp guy knows how to read a room, navigate conversations, and carry himself with a bit of swagger, the JUMAN is often awkward, unpolished, and unaware of the social rules he’s breaking.
In conversation, someone might say, “That guy be JUMAN, him no even sabi toast babe.” Or, “Abeg no go dey act JUMAN for this party.”
Being called a JUMAN isn’t always malicious—it can be playful, especially when friends use it to tease someone still learning how to handle themselves socially. However, in some contexts, it carries a more serious undertone of being out of touch or too inexperienced to handle adult or street-level interactions. The term reflects not just naivety but a lack of situational awareness that can be costly in social or romantic settings.
Listen to how JUMAN is pronounced in this short video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “Abeg no JUMAN for here o!” (Don’t act awkward here)
- Formal (Adapted): “He displayed social ineptitude”
- Idiomatic: “JUMAN no be sickness but e dey pain” (Being clueless isn’t an illness but it hurts)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The origin of JUMAN in Nigerian Pidgin appears to be a play on English and local pronunciation, likely a combination of “junior man” or “jungle man”—terms that imply inexperience or primitiveness. Over time, this morphed into “JUMAN,” used to describe someone who is behind socially, either due to shyness, naivety, or lack of exposure.
It became more common in urban youth slang through street interactions, online banter, and meme culture. The rise of Nigerian Twitter and TikTok, especially in comedy skits that mock awkward romantic encounters or “toasting fails,” helped normalize the use of “JUMAN” to describe guys who embarrass themselves trying to be suave.
Interestingly, the term isn’t limited to romantic scenarios. A JUMA could also be someone who doesn’t know how to dress, speaks awkwardly, or behaves nervously in social gatherings. As Nigerian pop culture continues to evolve, “JUMAN” has become a way to contrast those who are “current” with those who are socially behind or out of sync with trends.
Its humorous tone makes it more acceptable in casual use, though some may find it insulting when used harshly.
Regional Usage:
“JUMAN” is most commonly used in urban centers such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Benin City, where young people are more in tune with social media-driven slang and street culture. It is part of the evolving Pidgin vocabulary that blends humor, sarcasm, and cultural criticism.
In Southwestern Nigeria, particularly among Yoruba youth, “JUMAN” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mumu” or “bush boy”, especially in settings like campuses or night hangouts where social polish is expected. In the Southeast, the term may appear less frequently, but similar words exist in local dialects for socially inept people.
The North might not use “JUMAN” widely, but the idea of a socially awkward man is recognized—often described with other local expressions or Hausa-Pidgin alternatives. Still, thanks to social media and Nollywood, the term is spreading beyond city boundaries.
Among diaspora Nigerians, especially second-generation youth who engage with Nigerian pop culture online, “JUMAN” is gaining traction in jokes, skits, and banter. Its playful tone and easy pronunciation make it adaptable across regions and platforms.
Wetin be your own definition of JUMAN? Drop your sentence with the word “JUMAN” in the comments and let’s gist!