/hɪn/
Definition:
The term HIN is a gender-neutral third-person singular pronoun in Nigerian Pidgin. It is an acceptable substitute for “him,” “her,” or even “his,” when appropriate. Another example is the reduction of gender pronouns; unlike Standard English which identifies male and female pronouns, Nigerian Pidgin avoid gender distinction for easier and quicker speech.
For example:
- “HIN carry bag go market.” (He/She took the bag to the market.)
- “I no see HIN phone for table.” (I didn’t see his/her phone on the table.)
“HIN” eliminates the gender barrier and is useful and efficient when wanting to communicate possession, action, or when referring to another person. Culturally, it is understood and utilized throughout the entirety of Nigeria in regions where Pidgin is spoken. It permits flexibility, nonambiguity and convenience in casual nonacademic contexts. It can be especially useful in instances where one does not know or care whether the person is male or female.
Nigerian Pidgin has continued to exist and flourish as a lingua franca among a country of 500 plus languages in part for its simplicity.
- Synonyms: “Him,” “Her,” “His”
- Antonyms: “Dem,” “Me,” “You”
Listen to how HIN is pronounced in this short video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “Na HIN chop the food wey dem keep for fridge.” (He/She is the one who ate the food left in the fridge.)
- Formal: “He was the one who ate the food that was left in the fridge.”
- Idiomatic: “No worry, HIN go show face tomorrow.” (Don’t worry, he/she will appear tomorrow.)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The word “HIN” is an adaptive phonological variant derived from the English word “him,” and by extension, “his” or “her.” Over time, Nigerian Pidgin evolved as a bridge language between English and indigenous Nigerian tongues, and “HIN” emerged as a simplified, universally understandable pronoun.
Due to Nigeria’s multilingual structure, communication between different ethnic groups often required breaking English into more accessible, phonetically digestible forms. “HIN” fits this need, being easier to pronounce and remember than switching between gendered pronouns, especially in rapid speech.
Its use mirrors the economy of language found in many creoles and pidgins, where clarity and speed take precedence over grammatical complexity. It likely gained popularity through informal trading, urban markets, and interethnic communication in large cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri.
As Pidgin solidified into a common dialect, “HIN” became the go-to pronoun for both genders and all informal reference to a third person, streamlining conversations for millions of speakers.
Regional Usage:
“HIN” is used nationwide in Nigeria and is understood in virtually every region where Nigerian Pidgin is spoken. It is especially dominant in the South-South, South-West, and South-East regions. In Lagos, a multicultural and multilingual megacity, “HIN” is frequently heard in public transport, markets, radio shows, and street banter.
In Warri or Benin, you might hear:
“You no see wetin HIN do yesterday?”
(Did you not see what he/she did yesterday?)
In the North, where Hausa is more common, English and Pidgin are still spoken in urban areas, especially among younger people and in educational institutions. Here too, “HIN” is recognized, even though it might be used interchangeably with other local alternatives.
Its widespread understanding has made “HIN” one of the most stable and dependable parts of Nigerian Pidgin grammar. It’s used in music, comedy skits, street interviews, and even online memes. The unisex nature of “HIN” reflects Pidgin’s role as an inclusive and practical communication tool in a linguistically diverse nation.
Let’s have fun in the comments—make a sentence using “HIN” in Pidgin!