Dynamism in Naija Slang Trends: From Japa to Achalugo, I Will Marry You
If there is one thing Nigerians do best, it is creating words that capture the essence of our culture and hustle. Over the past few years, Naija slang has been trending across social media, becoming more than just a language to a movement.
Flavour’s Tweet: Achalugo, can you share?
Fan’s Response: No Odogwu I cannot.
Flavour’s Reply: Ngwanu. Bye. Odogwu must reach everybody. No be only you like better thing.
Jokes about money now have deeper reflections about life and societies in Nigeria, these words have defined the pattern of our conversations, and our lives. Buckle up as I take you through the dynamic evolution of Naija slang, from 2018 all the way to 2025.
Japa – The Escape Anthem (2018-2020)
Let’s start with a phrase that has practically became a national anthem. Japa whichs means to escape or to relocate abroad, became popular between 2018 and 2020. Due to Nigeria’s economic challenges and the dreams of greener pastures abroad, Japa was not just a slang, it was a call to action.
Those who wanted to leave for better opportunities abroad or just escape the struggle in Nigeria, all found a relative spirit in this term. It was everywhere, from memes to serious conversations about migration. Japa, they said is just pack your bags and get out.
Sapa – Laughing Through the Struggle (2021)
In 2021, we found ourselves embracing a new reality, where Sapa ruled the social media. Sapa which refers to being broke or struggling financially, became so popular and it was almost a badge of honour for those living from pay check to pay check.
As usual, Nigerians reversed the situation, Sapa was not all gloom to Nigerians, it was a joke. A meme. A way to laugh through the pain. People joked about Sapa catching them or laughing about how empty their wallets were and suddenly, it was everywhere. Sapa was not just a word, it was a mood.
E Choke – When You Can’t Believe It (2020)
In 2020, E choke was born, and believe me, it left everyone speechless. It was coined by music superstar Davido, it was trending across the internet to express shock, excitement, or the overwhelming feeling of something too good (or too crazy) to believe. E choke was often used to hype up something huge or react to a viral moment, and it quickly became a main word mostly uses in the Naija online space. No event was complete without a the word E choke, especially when something wild was going down.
Steeze – The Swagger Era (2019-2021 till date)
Before all this excitement in 2024 and 2025, there was Steeze, which was used from 2019 to 2021. Looking back at the early 2010s, Steeze means style or swagger. It was the word you used to describe someone’s drip, when they were looking too fresh to handle. The term was popular especially in the Naija rap and Afrobeats scenes. It is still being used among Nigerian youths.
On Colos – When You’re Just Not Holding Back (2023)
In 2023, something a little more reckless hit the streets, it was On Colos. On Colos refers to when someone is acting irrationally, almost out of control. You might have heard it in viral videos where people jokingly accuse others of being On Colos.
It became the usual word for when someone was doing something that seemed out of character or too wild. In parties or in a public setting, if someone was doing too much, you would hear Ah, you are on colos! and everyone would start laughing.
Dey Play – When You’re Mocking Someone for Not Being Serious (2023-2024)
Dey Play also came our way and It was not just a slang, it came with an entire attitude. Dey play took over our social media platforms late 2023 and into early 2024. It began as a meme and it was used to mock people who were not serious about life or success.
If you saw someone not serious, you would hit them with Dey play. It became a viral catchphrase on TikTok and Twitter, especially for those determined to show that success isn’t for the lazy. If you were not grinding, then you were playing, and the internet was present to call it out.
Read also: Is Nigeria Becoming the Global Capital of Poverty?
No Gree for Anybody – Standing Firm in Your Lane (2022-2023)
One phrase that became a slogan on social media was This Year No Gree for Anybody. It was all about resilience, not backing down, and standing your ground. It was widely used in motivational contents, especially on social media, where people encouraged each other to be relentless in the pursuit of their goals. It was not just a catchphrase, it was a belief that says, “I won’t let anyone stop me from doing what I want.”
Achalugo, I Will Marry You & Odogwu Panranran – Love and Laughter (2025)
Just recently, another pair of catchphrase captured the hearts of across social media. Achalugo, I will marry you and Odogwu Panranran took off from the movie Love in Every Word by Omoni Oboli. These words were filled with humour and affection and it quickly became a viral sensation when actor Uzor Arukwe’s character used them in the movie.
On March 22, 2025, singer Flavour humorously participated in the Odogwu Paranran and Achalugo trend on Twitter, responding to a fan who said No, Odogwu I cannot after he asked Achalugo, can you share?.
Flavour’s Tweet: Achalugo, can you share?
Fan’s Response: No Odogwu I cannot.
Flavour’s Reply: Ngwanu. Bye. Odogwu must reach everybody. No be only you like better thing.
These slangs are more than words, they are our moods, our languages, and our being. So, let us keep using this words. After all, in Naija, we don’t just speak, we express.
Read also: Oxford English Dictionary Embraces Nigerian Vibes – New Words, New Vibes!
