/ˈkʊk ʃɒp/ Definition: A COOK SHOP is a small, informal restaurant or food stall that serves affordable local meals. These spots are common in markets, motor parks, and street corners, offering quick meals like rice, beans, soups, and stews. Synonyms: “Mama Put“, “Buka“, “Food joint”, “Canteen” Antonyms: “Big restaurant”, “Hotel” (used for upscale eateries in Nigeria), “Fast food” Hear how native speakers pronounce COOK SHOP in the...Read More
/kreɪz/ Definition: In pidgin English, particularly West African Pidgin, the word “CRAZE” is used as a slang or colloquial form of the English word “crazy.” It generally refers to someone acting irrationally, foolishly, or in a wild and uncontrolled manner. It is most often used to insult or mock someone’s behavior, either jokingly or seriously,...Read More
/dɑːdɑː/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DADA refers to “dreadlocks”—a hairstyle in which hair is matted or twisted into rope-like strands. It is commonly associated with spiritual, cultural, and personal expressions. Synonyms: “Locks”, “Dreads”, “Rasta hair” Antonyms: “Low cut”, “Permed hair”, “Bald head”, “Weave-on” Hear how native speakers pronounce DADA in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “See as your DADA fine like Fola own!” (Your...Read More
/ˈdænfoʊ/ Definition: DANFO is the name given to a small commercial bus, typically painted yellow with black stripes, used for public transportation in Nigeria, especially in Lagos. These buses operate on fixed routes and are known for their speed, affordability, and sometimes chaotic nature. Synonyms: “Molue“ (larger Lagos buses), “Korope“ (smaller commercial vans), “Trotro“ (Ghanaian commercial buses),“Buses” Antonyms: “Private car”, “Uber”, “BRT bus“ (modern transit...Read More
/dæʃ/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DASH means to give something away for free, usually as a gift, tip, or act of kindness. It can be used in various informal or social settings. Synonyms: “Give”, “Bribe” (context-dependent), “Tip”, “Freebie” Antonyms: “Collect”, “Sell”, “Charge”, “Demand payment” Hear how native speakers pronounce DASH in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “Oga, DASH me small money nah!” (Please, give me some...Read More
/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...Read More
/dɛm/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DEM functions as the third-person plural pronoun “them” in Standard English. It is used to refer to a group of people, animals, or things that have been previously mentioned or are understood from context. Synonyms: “Them” (English equivalent), “Those ones” Antonyms: “Us”, “Me”, “You” (singular) Hear how native speakers pronounce DEM in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “DEM...Read More
/dɛŋɡe/ Definition: In Nigerian street slang, DENGE means to pose, swag, or carry oneself with style and confidence. It describes a deliberate display of finesse, pride, or elegance, often in dressing, walking, or attitude. Synonyms: “Swag”, “Pose”, “Flex“, “Jaiye“ (Yoruba for enjoyment) Antonyms: “Shy”, “Lowkey“, “Hide”, “No swag” Hear how native speakers pronounce DENGE in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “Guy, why you dey DENGE like...Read More
/deɪ/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DEY is a pro-verb used to indicate a state of being or an action in progress. It is equivalent to “am,” “is,” or “are” in Standard English. The word can be used in various tenses and contexts. Synonyms: “Be” (in some contexts), “Stay” (for location) Antonyms: “No DEY” (not present/not doing), “Don finish” (completed action) Hear how...Read More
/ˈdiːa/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DIA means “there.” It is used to indicate a place, location, or position. It functions similarly to the English word “there” in both physical and abstract contexts. Synonyms: “There” (English equivalent), “Yonder“ (in some dialects) Antonyms: “Here” (“here”), “No dey“ (not present) Hear how native speakers pronounce DIA in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “Abeg, put my bag DIA!” (Please,...Read More
