/mɑːˈleɪ/ Definition: MAALE is a street-style Nigerian Pidgin word used to refer to mother or mum. While it shares the same emotional and social weight as the word “mother” in English, “MAALE” carries an extra layer of local flavor, cultural reverence, and sometimes playful tone depending on context. It’s most often heard in informal conversations...Read More

/ˈmɑːɡɑː/ Definition: MAGA is a Nigerian pidgin slang used to describe someone who is easily deceived, manipulated, or swindled—essentially, a fool or victim. The term is often used in street language to refer to a person who is being taken advantage of, especially in financial or emotional scams. When someone says, “That MAGA don drop...Read More

/ˈmɑː.lɑːm/ Definition: MALLAM is a Hausa term commonly used across Northern Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. It is a title of respect, loosely equivalent to “Mister” in English, and is often used to address adult males, particularly those who are educated in Islamic or traditional knowledge. In Nigerian pidgin and everyday usage, “MALLAM”...Read More

/ˈmɑː.mə pʊt/ Definition: MAMA PUT is a popular Nigerian Pidgin term used to describe informal, roadside food vendors—usually run by women—who serve home-cooked local meals at affordable prices. The phrase itself is a direct reflection of how customers often place their orders by saying, “Mama, put rice and stew for me,” hence the term “MAMA...Read More

Pronunciation: (Mo-Yi-Mo-Yi) Meaning: A form of beans pie cooked in a pot. A popular delicacy in many West African countries Origin: This word originated in Nigeria and is commonly used to define this type of dish. Sentence: The lady’s Moi-moi is superb!Read More

Pronunciation: (Monkey-Tail) Meaning: An alcoholic cocktail from the essence of cannabis soaked in whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Rum or any from of distilled alcohol for a long period of time. It is believed to be a highly potent drink Origin: This word originated from the streets of Lagos and it’s popular within the ghettos of Lagos....Read More

Pronunciation: (Muh-Muh) Meaning: A foolish person, an idiot or a simpleton Origin: It is possible to argue the word’s origin between Ghana and Nigeria. However, it might have originated in Nigerian streets. Both nations, as well as a few other West African nations like Cameroon, make good use of this word Sentence: Look at this...Read More

Pronunciation: (Nah-Woah) Meaning: An exclamation! Often an equivalent of “Gosh! ,Wow! or Can you imagine?” in the English language Origin: This word originated from the streets of Lagos in Nigeria and sometimes spoken as “Na-Wa o!” Sentence:Na-Wa! Peter! What are you doing?Read More

Pronunciation: (Nai-Ja) Meaning: Nigeria, Nigerian Origin: The word originated from the streets of Nigeria and it’s a popular alternative to the name Nigeria. Sentence: I come from Naija.Read More

Pronunciation: (Ọ-De) Meaning: A fool, a retard Origin: This word originated from the streets of Lagos. The word is actually borrowed from the Yoruba language, predominately spoken in the Southwestern parts of Nigeria. Sentence: Look at this Ode. Similar word(s) – Mumu , Maga , JudeRead More