Certain colloquial English expressions have been naturalised into Nigerian culture and local context. This has led to a difference in the meaning of these expressions in Nigerian settings compared to their usage in Western settings.
Understanding these differences is crucial for Nigerians traveling or living abroad, as seemingly harmless expressions at home may lead to misunderstandings or even legal trouble in different cultural contexts.
Here are some English expressions that Nigerians commonly use but which could be interpreted as insulting or inappropriate in other cultural contexts:
1. Abuse
In the Nigerian setting, “abuse” often refers to verbal insults or disrespectful language, which can be used in statements such as “Don’t abuse me!” meaning “Don’t insult me.”
However, in many Western countries, “abuse” generally implies serious physical, emotional, or domestic violence. Referring to verbal arguments as “abuse” could, therefore, imply much more serious situations.
2. Bastard
Nigerians sometimes use “bastard” jokingly or casually to describe a person who is acting out of the norms, misbehaving, or behaving like the black sheep of a family. For instance, in reprimanding a child, Nigerian parents can call their child “a bastard” or tell such a child “to stop behaving like a bastard.”
In some English-speaking countries, using this expression can be regarded as a strong insult implying illegitimacy or a serious personal offense.
3. How was your night?
In Nigeria, “How was your night?” is a friendly way to greet someone in the morning and ask if they slept well.
However, in many Western cultures, asking “How was your night?” can be seen as overly personal or may imply curiosity about someone’s nighttime activities, especially in a romantic or intimate context. In formal settings or among acquaintances, this question might come off as intrusive.
4. Foolish/Stupid/Idiot
Nigerians often use these words in expressions such as “Don’t be foolish” or “You’re stupid for saying that” as a mild reprimand or to jokingly criticize someone’s behaviour, even in friendly contexts in Nigeria. Nevertheless, “foolish/stupid / idiot ” can be seen as highly derogatory, implying incompetence or lack of intelligence in other countries.
5. Fat
Nigerians may describe someone as “fat” without intending offense, using it purely as a descriptor.
In Western countries, however, describing someone as “fat” is usually offensive and is associated with body shaming.
Read Also: How to improve your spoken English
6. Lazy
Lazy is often used casually in Nigeria to describe someone who might not be putting in full effort, sometimes in a joking way. In other countries, “lazy” can be a harsh insult, implying a lack of character or work ethic. This term might be offensive if used casually with someone unfamiliar.
7. Guy or Babe
“Guy” and “babe” are often used casually in Nigeria to address friends or peers, regardless of gender. However, in some cultures, addressing someone you don’t know well as “guy” or “babe” might be seen as overly familiar or inappropriate, especially in formal or professional settings.
8. Common sense
In Nigeria, telling someone to “use your common sense” is often a way to say “think logically.”
However, this phrase might be seen as demeaning or condescending in other cultures, as it implies the person is not thinking properly, which can insult their intelligence.
9. Be a man
This phrase is often used to encourage resilience or assertiveness, especially among males.
Using this phrase in cultures with a focus on gender equality and mental health awareness could be seen as dismissive of emotional expression or as enforcing harmful masculinity stereotypes.
10. Stop behaving like a girl
This expression is sometimes used in Nigeria to tell someone (often male) to “stop acting timid or emotional” and can imply they should be more assertive or confident.
However, in many other cultures, especially in Western countries where gender sensitivity is high, this phrase can be perceived as sexist and insulting, reinforcing negative stereotypes about gender roles. It could be seen as demeaning to both men and women by implying that “like a girl” means weak, overly sensitive, or inadequate.
The expressions above show how cultural differences in language usage can lead to misunderstandings or unintended offense, especially in contexts where certain terms carry stronger meanings than in Nigeria.
