/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
/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...Read More
/ˈdoʊdoʊ/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DODO refers to a meal made of fried ripe plantains. It is a popular delicacy enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or main meal accompaniment. Synonyms: “Fried plantain”, “Boli“ Antonyms: “Raw plantain”, “Boiled plantain” Hear how native speakers pronounce DODO in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “Mama, fry DODO make I chop with egg!” Formal: “DODO...Read More
/dɒn/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DON is an auxiliary verb used to indicate the present perfect tense. It functions similarly to “has” or “have” in Standard English, showing that an action has been completed or that a state has changed. Synonyms: Has, have, already, done Antonyms: Never, not yet, hasn’t, haven’t Hear how native...Read More
/ˈdɔːr.mɔt/ Definition: “DOORMOT” is a Nigerian Pidgin word derived from the English phrase “door mouth,” literally meaning the entrance of a door or the doorway to a house. In everyday use, it refers specifically to the space just outside or directly in front of a door, especially the main entrance to a home or compound....Read More
/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...Read More
/ˈɛ.ba/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin, EBA refers to a staple food made by mixing Garri (cassava flakes) with hot water to form a dough. It is typically eaten with a variety of soups such as Egusi, Okra, or Ogbono, and is swallowed rather than chewed. Synonyms: “Garri swallow”, “Cassava fufu“ Antonyms: “Rice”, “Bread” (non-swallow foods) Hear how native speakers pronounce EBA in...Read More
/ˈɛ.fɔ ˈri.rɔ/ Definition: EFO RIRO is a traditional Yoruba vegetable soup made primarily from spinach or other green leafy vegetables, typically cooked with ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, onions, palm oil, assorted meats, and seasonings. The name literally means “stirred leafy vegetable.” Synonyms: “Yoruba vegetable soup”, “Native spinach stew” Antonyms: “White soup“ (Ofe Nsala), “Bitterleaf soup” Hear how native speakers pronounce EFO...Read More
/ɛˈɡuːndʒeɪ/ Definition: EGUNJE is a Nigerian Pidgin slang word meaning a bribe. It refers to money or gifts given—often secretly or under the table—to someone in a position of power in order to influence their decision, bypass protocol, or gain favor. The term is commonly used in street conversations to describe acts of corruption. Synonyms:...Read More
/ɛˈɡuːsi suːp/ Definition: EGUSI SOUP is a popular Nigerian soup made from ground melon seeds (Egusi), usually cooked with leafy vegetables, assorted meats, stockfish, and seasonings. It is typically eaten with swallows such as eba, pounded yam, or fufu. In Nigerian homes, EGUSI SOUP is considered a rich and satisfying meal, loved for its creamy...Read More
