‘E dey pain dem’, ‘Bala Blu Bulaba’ other viral slang phrases of 2022

In 2022, when Nigerian skit performers and pranks make us laugh despite the economic crisis and unrest in the country, certain slang phrases are quickly adopted by people of all ages and classes.

Interestingly, unlike previous years, some Nigerian politicians are behind some of the most popular phrases trending in 2022.

Below, PREMIUM TIMES highlights a few.

It’s Painful

Starting the list, we have Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State Governor, to thank for this. In one of the political gatherings, Wike, while talking and mocking his political opponents, stated that his actions caused him pain.

With the help of Wike’s acclaimed live band, the energetic governor danced to the song “Wike Pepper Dem”.

In September, Nigerian dancehall artiste Timaya released a song titled “Sweet Us”, inspired by Wike’s favorite words.

The lyrics of the song say, “Same hurt, hurt…

I Just Use It

The APC Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, is the mastermind behind Emi Lo Kan.

At a June political meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while making a case for himself before the presidency of the APC at the beginning of the year, the former Lagos Governor claimed that he is the President in Yoruba.

“Emi Lokan” is a Yoruba phrase that translates to “It’s my turn”. The phrase was quickly picked up by supporters and critics who used and discussed the word on social media.

Nigerians today use Emi Lokan to refer to ‘ownership’ in a different context.

Singer Q Dot also released a song titled Emi Lo Kan in September.

Bala Blu Bulaba

“It’s a town hall, not Bala Blu Bulaba”, the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, allegedly told the people of Owerri during a town hall meeting in Imo State in November.

These words, which have no connotative meaning, are believed to be nonsense expressions.

This made the politician an internet joke on social media and a criticism condemned by netizens who tried to understand the meaning of the expression.

Some Nigerian skit makers have used this slang in their productions since then. Nigerians humorously use slang to convey what you are doing is absurd.

Japan

This is just beyond slang. As more Nigerians leave the country every day, the slang ‘Japa’, which means ‘to leave the country to seek a better life’, is widely used by Nigerians at home and abroad.

Almost at every turn, if a neighbor or colleague starts showing signs of moving, Nigerians ask, “Abi don’t you have Japa?”

We are outside

Thanks to Mr. Eazi, “we’re outsiders” has become a phrase often adopted by people who want to ‘pepper’ (taunt) others for being insiders.

On Friday nights, the people who embrace the city’s nightlife use this slang in every snap video or reel they upload, giving you a glimpse of how they ‘burn life’ (enjoy themselves).

Otilo said

Sope Otilo is a popular Nigerian Yoruba slang used when someone is being lied to, mocked, cheated or ridiculed for any reason.

Dancer Poco Lee popularized this slang because the song has been used in different and strange scenarios.

Some Nigerians use the term to signal that they have resigned from the workplace.

You’re Gonna Make Me Laugh (repopularized)

Yes, you’ve heard it before; This particular slang has no origin or origin, because it is street language that translates to “Are you kidding me.”

However, this slang which was even used continuously by the sister of this year’s Naija champion, Phyna, was popularized again by a viral hit song by Austine de Bull, real name Austine Emmanuel.

The Ogoni singer accidentally gave Nigerian content creators and social media users, especially on TikTok, a voice to accompany their videos on TikTok.

Dey Play

At least this slang started trending in late November.

Slang, which comes from the playwright Oga Sabinus, means to keep wasting time.

Slang now accompanies videos from people who want to show off their new achievements, property, house or car.

Slang “dey play” is a reverse motivation that causes others not to take life seriously.

Others are noted to mention

Nigerians always use many other slangs, some of which trended last year. This year, Nigerian content creators used slang like Omo, Pepper Dem, Something Hooge, Opor and Lori Iro.