Its amazing how easily one can give themselves off with just a simple exclamation. You hear someone say 'Yo!' and you know at once that he's American. Someone yells 'Oy!', British. They say 'Eish', you definitely know they're South-african. And when you hear 'Ay...', you can tell they're the speedy tongued Latinos! And though our Naija peeps like to hide their national heritage when they're outside our shores, you can catch them by their exclamations. You doubt me? Fine, lemme prove it! Here's my list of expressions I'm very certain are exclusive to Nigerians(I said 'Nigerians' o, not those black kids born and raised overseas whose only tie to this great nation is their native name and the fact that they've once tasted ogbono soup!);
Ah!
The most commonly used exclamation in Nigeria. Everyone uses it! No matter your social class, religion or tribal background, so long as you're Naija born and bred, when shit hits the fan, you definitely yell....(complete the sentence)
Oho!
This one is especially common among the Ibos. Usually said when someone tries to prove a point, you disagree and another supports with an even stronger point that drives yours home. Its a shorter way of telling someone 'You see? I was right and you were wrong' except its more belittling.
Shoou!
Originally from the south-southern part of Nigeria, this usually expresses a surprised, baffled or startled feeling. If by any chance you happen to shove past a typical Warri or delta person aggressively or without apologizing, 8 out of 10 chances are you would be replied with 'Shoou! Wetin?!
Ehn!
Expect to hear this from any Nigerian you meet whenever you're having a conversation and the 'ibile' trait kicks in. It functions both as a question and an answer. Intensity of the reply depends on the statement it is directed to. Bad or shocking news gets a louder, startled 'Ehn?!', agreement to a statement gets either a heavy or light 'Ehn.'
Chai!
Used when you're screwed or expressing anxiety. If a typical naija person is caught between the devil or the deep blue sea, 'Chai' sure rolls out. Expect it also when the person is trying to express how agitating you are. Usually common among the Ibos though.
Kai!
Originally from our brothers in the north, this usually expresses reproach, warning or an indication to take caution. Now, it is generally used for all sorts of expression; sorrow, reproach, surprise, anger...basically almost anything. Case in point, 'Kai, stop it, I don't like it...'
Gboun!
Unique to the Yorubas, this expresses reproach or rebuke. Its the English equivalent of 'Shoo' or 'Hush'. Expect it with some eye-blinking gestures that definitely send the message home. Or if the person is very hands-on, a slap or two.
Tah!
The Ibo version of 'Kai!' Expect this one especially when you say something the person extremely disagrees with and is trying to show you how ridiculous you sound. Ibo people, you know you cannot deny this one. Abi dem de tok am for Yankee? Tah! Iffa hear!
Yeh!
The universal Naija word that means 'I'm hurt', 'I'm in trouble' or 'I have been caught unaware!' This one initially started with the Yorubas but quickly spread to every other part of the Naija dialect. No person who was bred on naija soil can deny ever using this one. And no other place except here is it used. My favorite phrase with this word though...'Yeh! Mo gbe!!'
Ehen!
The most versatile of all purely Naija expressions. Everyone and I do mean EVERYONE says it. Infact, it is the flagship word for every Naija-bred! It can be used to show so many forms of emotions; Surprise(Ehen?), Recall(Ehen...!), Realization(E...hen!), Inquiry(Ehen?!), Agreement(Ehen.), even denial (E-hen! E-hen!! E-heeeen!!!)! It works in virtually every forms of conversation. Infact, if you claim to be Nigerian and you have never said this word out of impulse, stop from this instant because that would be blasphemous of you.
Ehn! I said it! Coman beat me from Atlanta!!!
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