Wetin You Dey Talk?

I just had to add a side story about language as concerns Warri.

Because Warri has all the different tribal groups it makes no sense for people to go around speaking these tribal languages in public. Chances are, the person you are asking how much the bread costs will simply not understand you. Therefore the common language used in Warri is Pidgin English (see earlier post for more explanation).

Warri pidgin is reputedly the truest and most slang form. I've heard a few Nigerians previously told me I haven't heard real pidgin until I've been to Warri.

Normally I only hear pidgin spoken by guys on campus at Ife when they get together. The girls might listen but always reply in regular English. Here in Warri it was a different story. Linda's family were all speaking pidgin to each other and I could only laugh.

I managed to write down a few gems and other useful phrases. My translations are approximate so no corrections you Nigerian ITKs out there.

Oyo State
- An acronym that means On Your Own. Oyo is also an actual state in the southwest of Nigeria. One of Linda’s sisters told me the teacher said in class "You have to do this exam Oyo state"

Wowo dey clap hand follow am
- You are so ugly that ugliness claps its hands as it follows you around to mock you

Eki na market
- When describing a person to say they are so pretty or desirable that they are very marketable to the opposite sex. This is in reference to a very popular local market where any produce you bring is likely to get sold.

Control me
- Call me. Not funny but very useful in Nigeria.

Denge, Yanga, Blow Guy
- All terms for someone who likes posing.