'Dey Play', 'Idan', Other Popular Nigerian Slangs In 2023

With a population of over 200 million, Nigerians have a penchant for using distinctive words and phrases in their communication. The trend of creating new slangs continues to thrive, allowing individuals to engage in coded conversations with each other.


With a population of over 200 million, Nigerians have a penchant for using distinctive words and phrases in their communication.

The trend of creating new slangs continues to thrive, allowing individuals to engage in “coded” conversations with each other.

Here are some of the popular slangs that have become ingrained in the country’s culture in 2023:

1. Dey Play

This slang is widely adopted by Nigerian youths as a means of urging someone to stop deceiving themselves and to face reality.

2. Go to court

This slang, which gained prominence during the 2023 general election, was commonly used by Nigerian politicians. It suggests that opponents should seek legal redress in case they are dissatisfied with a particular election result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission. It is now also used in everyday arguments to urge someone to take legal action if they are unhappy with an outcome.

3. Idan
Idan, a Yoruba word meaning “magic”, gained popularity in 2023, even being used by President Bola Tinubu. It is used to describe someone as extraordinary, unique, special, influential, and powerful.

4. No Evidence

The popular Nigerian Afro-beats singer, Burna Boy, introduced the phrase ‘No Evidence’. The slang conveys the message that people may not believe what you say or recognize your hard work, regardless of your explanations. It is often paired with the phrase, ‘You go explain tire’.

5. Let the poor breathe

This slang gained prominence after President Tinubu used it in an address to Nigerians. It was used to directly appeal to Nigerian leaders to consider the plight of the poor, especially when formulating new policies that might adversely affect them.

6. On Colos

Colos, a shortened term for Colorado, refers to a potent drug mixture containing various substances, including cannabis. ‘On Colos’ is used when someone appears to be under the influence of drugs and not in the right state of mind. It is employed to dismiss statements that seem implausible, such as “You can build a five-story building in a day”, with the response “on colos”. However, the World Health Organization and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have cautioned Nigerian youths against consuming hard drugs.

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