Words Nigerians Have Turned Upside Down for No Reason

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Language is alive and constantly evolving. But in Nigeria, we've taken it a step further: we've given English a complete makeover. From childhood to adulthood, Nigerians have invented, twisted, and repurposed English words into something uniquely our own. Some of these words make sense in context; others? Well, let’s just say we turned them upside down — for no reason at all.

In this post, we’re going to explore some of the most hilarious and widely accepted words Nigerians have redefined. Whether you're Nigerian or simply fascinated by language, this list will leave you laughing, nodding in agreement, or just plain confused.

1. Jangleover

Correct Word: Swing
Nigerian Remix: Jangleover
"Mummy, I want to climb the jangleover!"

Ask any Nigerian who grew up around playgrounds, and they’ll tell you the word jangleover was their go-to name for swings. No one knows where it came from, but it stuck. Try saying "swing" to a Nigerian child and you might get blank stares. Say "jangleover," and it's game on.

2. BlomBlom

Correct Word: Balloon
Nigerian Remix: BlomBlom
"Uncle, buy me blomblom for the party!"

Blomblom is every Nigerian child's favorite party item. From birthday celebrations to church events, no event is complete without colorful blombloms floating around. Balloon? What is that? In Nigeria, it’s blomblom or nothing.

3. Dollbaby

Correct Word: Doll
Nigerian Remix: Dollbaby
"Aunty, I want a dollbaby for Christmas!"

Why settle for "doll" when you can make it sound sweeter and fancier with dollbaby? Whether it's Barbie or some off-brand plastic figurine, every little girl in Nigeria has hugged a dollbaby in her life. Bonus: sometimes, dollbaby is used as a romantic nickname for loved ones. Talk about versatile!

4. Off the Light

Correct Phrase: Turn off the light
Nigerian Remix: Off the light
"Abeg, off the light, make we sleep."

Nigerians have no time for long grammar. We prefer our instructions short and effective. So instead of saying "please turn off the light," we simply say off the light. It may sound wrong, but it works—efficient communication at its best.

5. Sorry

Correct Word: Sorry (Apology)
Nigerian Usage: Sympathy, Sarcasm, Shade, and More
"You fell? Aww sorry o, na ground go teach you sense."

"Sorry" in Nigeria is a multi-purpose word. We use it for apologies, to express sympathy, and even to throw premium shade. Someone failed an exam? Sorry o. Your team lost a match? Sorry o. You fell into a gutter? Sorry o, but also, we warned you.

6. Dash

Correct Word: Dash (Run Quickly)
Nigerian Remix: Gift/Bribe
"Oga, dash me something na."

In Nigeria, "dash" doesn’t mean to run. It means give me something for free. Whether it's money, food, or recharge card, dash is the word that unlocks freebies. It can also mean bribe in some cases. Either way, someone is receiving something with a smile.

7. Go-Slow

Correct Word: Traffic Jam
Nigerian Remix: Go-Slow
"There was serious go-slow on 3rd Mainland Bridge."

Traffic jams are so common in Nigerian cities that we had to rename them. "Traffic jam" sounds too foreign. We call it go-slow, because, well, you’re still moving—just at a snail's pace. Sometimes, you're not moving at all, but we still call it go-slow out of respect.

8. Flashing

Correct Word: Flashing (Light)
Nigerian Remix: Missed Call
"I was flashing you since morning."

Here, flashing means giving someone a missed call on purpose—usually to get their attention without spending airtime. It's a national habit. Airtime is expensive, so Nigerians mastered the art of flash and wait for callback.

9. How Far?

Correct Word: How far? (Distance)
Nigerian Remix: What's up?/Hello?
"Guy, how far?"

"How far?" is not a question about distance. It’s our way of saying what's up, how are you, what's going on? If you reply with actual distance, people will think something is wrong with you.

10. They Have Carried Light

Correct Phrase: Power Outage
Nigerian Remix: They have carried light
"Ah! NEPA don carry light again."

Electricity is a constant struggle in Nigeria, so we’ve developed colorful expressions for it. When there's a power outage, we say they have carried light as if NEPA (now PHCN) is a thief in the night. When power returns, it’s Up NEPA! shouted with joy like we just won a lottery.

11. I’m Coming

Correct Phrase: I’ll be right back
Nigerian Remix: I’m leaving temporarily
"I’m coming" (and they disappear for 3 hours)

In Nigeria, "I'm coming" doesn't mean someone is on their way to you. It means they are leaving, but plan to return—eventually. It's the most misunderstood phrase by foreigners visiting Nigeria.

12. I’m Managing

Correct Phrase: I’m okay / I’m surviving
Nigerian Remix: I’m broke, tired, but alive
"We just dey manage, thank God."

Ask a Nigerian how they’re doing, and you'll often hear "I’m managing." It means things are rough, but I’m alive and pushing forward. It's humility, honesty, and subtle prayer all rolled into one response.

Conclusion: English is Now Nigerian

Nigerians don’t just speak English. We own it, mold it, and give it flavor. From "blomblom" to "dash me," our unique twist on language adds humor and personality to daily life. These words may not be in the dictionary, but they live rent-free in every Nigerian’s mind.

So the next time someone asks you "how far?", don't correct their grammar. Just smile and reply: We dey. We dey manage.

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Hashtags:

#NigerianEnglish #NigerianSlang #BlomBlom #Jangleover #Dollbaby #OffTheLight #GoSlow #UpNEPA #NaijaHumor #MadeInNigeria #EnglishRemix #NaijaBlog #NigerianCulture

Want More?

Did we miss your favorite Nigerian remix of English? Drop it in the comments or share with a friend who calls balloon blomblom. Stay tuned for part two of this list—because in Nigeria, the remix never ends.

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