In 2022, while Nigerian skitmakers and pranksters made us laugh even amidst the economic downturn and unrest in the country, some specific slang phrases were quickly adopted by people of all ages and classes.
Interestingly, unlike the previous years, some Nigerian politics were behind some of the most popular catchphrases that trended in 2022.Beginning the list, we have Nyesom Wike, the River State Governor, to thank for this one. During one of his political gatherings, Wike, while addressing and ridiculing his political enemies, expressed that his actions caused pain to them.
The chorus of the lyrics read, “As e dey sweet us, e dey pain dem…As e dey pain dem, omo e dey sweet us.”At a June political gathering in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while making a case for himself ahead of the APC presidential primary earlier in the year, the former Governor of Lagos claimed that it was his turn to become President in Yoruba.“Emi Lokan” is a Yoruba phrase translated as “It is my turn”.
It made the politician the butt of internet jokes on social media and criticism condemned by netizens trying to grasp any possible meaning of the expression. At almost every turn, once your neighbour or colleague starts displaying signs of relocation, Nigerians ask, “Abi you don dey Japa ?”Thanks to Mr Eazi, “we outside” became a phrase often adopted by people that want to ‘pepper’ another for being an indoor person.On a Friday night, those who embrace the city’s nightlife use this slang on every snap video or reel uploaded, giving you a glimpse of how they are ‘chopping life’ .