90% of students in Warri use slang every day, but how many still know a single Nigerian proverb?” A 2024 study in Warri revealed that most students now use modern slang, rather than proverbs.
Gen Z slang, such as “sapa,” “japa,” and “omo,” has taken over school halls, group chats, and social media.
But as these words rise, are we letting go of the profound wisdom in Nigerian proverbs, or are they just taking a new form?
What Gen Z Slang Sounds Like
To Gen Z, slang is more than just talk. It shows who they are. It’s a way of saying, “This is who I am,” without having to explain too much.
In a world filled with quick messages, memes, and trends that change overnight, young people need language that moves just as fast. That’s what Gen Z slang gives them.
What Slang Means to Young People
For many young Nigerians, slang is like a secret handshake. It helps them connect instantly. It shows that they’re part of the same world.
If you say “omo, sapa don hold me,” and your friend laughs or nods, you’ve already shared something. It’s quick, simple, and powerful.
Slang also allows them to express complex feelings in just a few words. Instead of saying, “I’m under financial stress,” they just say, “Sapa dey.” It makes life easier.
Popular Nigerian Gen Z Slang Words
Here are some common Gen Z slang terms used across Nigeria today:
- Sapa: This means being broke or out of money. It’s used a lot in jokes, but it reflects real financial struggles.
- Japa: A Yoruba word that means to run away or escape. Now it’s widely used when talking about leaving the country for better opportunities.
- Omo: Originally means “child” in Yoruba, but now is used to express surprise, stress, or anything emotional. (“Omo! I forgot to submit!”)
- Wahala: Means trouble or stress. Often used in everyday conversations. (“No wahala” means “no problem”)
- Aza: A slang term for bank account number. (“Send me your aza”)
- No cap: Means “no lie” or “I’m serious.”
- Vibe: Means a mood or feeling. (“This party has a good vibe.”)
Why They Speak Like This
So, why do young Nigerians use Gen Z slang so much? One reason is speed. Life moves quickly now, and slang helps them keep up. It also helps them fit in.
In a world ruled by trends and internet culture, speaking like your peers makes you feel like part of the group.
Another reason is creativity. Young people enjoy playing with words, mixing languages (such as Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, and English), and inventing new meanings.
And finally, slang feels real. It shows what they’re going through, from everyday struggles (sapa) to dreams of moving abroad (japa). It’s honest, even when it’s funny.
Why Our Proverbs Matter
Our parents and grandparents didn’t just talk; they told stories in one line:
- “A child who says his mother won’t sleep will also not sleep.”
- “The lizard that jumped from a high tree nodded its head; it knew what it had done.”
These proverbs play a role in Nigerian culture. They taught respect, patience, hard work, and many other valuable lessons. Every tribe in Nigeria has a rich store of these sayings.
However, today, many young people no longer use them. Some don’t understand them. And when Gen Z slang takes over most conversations, proverbs slowly fade away.
The Good Side: How Gen Z Slang Is Giving Proverbs New Life
Not everything about the rise of Gen Z slang is bad for Nigerian proverbs. In fact, in some ways, it’s helping bring them back, just in a different form.
Young people today love to play with words. Sometimes, they take old proverbs and add slang to make them sound fresh or funny. For example:
- “Na who no get sapa fit say ‘cut your coat according to your size.’”
- “Japa, because ‘a toad does not run in the daytime for nothing.’”
These remixes retain the original meaning while updating it to sound more modern and relatable. It’s one way Gen Z shows that they haven’t forgotten the proverbs; they’re just making them their own.
Additionally, because slang spreads rapidly on social media, more people encounter these old sayings in new forms.
A tweet or meme with a proverb-slang mix can go viral, reminding thousands of young people about phrases they might have heard as kids.
Some even use proverbs to sound funny or in TikTok skits, WhatsApp stories, or Instagram captions. It’s not the same as before, but it’s still a form of keeping culture alive.
So while proverbs may not sound like they used to, they’re not entirely lost. Gen Z is just twisting them, turning old wisdom into something that fits today’s world.
READ MORE
- Tribal Marks & Hair Beads: Identity in the Age of Influencers
- What to Wear & Expect at a Nigerian Traditional Ceremony [2025 Guide]
- Traditional Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa Dances: Cultural Heritage Through Movement
- The Roles of Proverbs in Nigerian Culture: Wisdom Passed Down Through Generations
The Bad Side: Losing the Depth in Our Words
While Gen Z slang is fun and creative, it’s also pushing traditional Nigerian proverbs into the background.
Many young people now speak mostly in short, trendy slang and hardly use or even understand proverbs. That’s a significant loss.
Proverbs are more than just old sayings. They are part of being cultured in Nigeria. They carry deep meaning, cultural history, and life lessons.
When someone says, “A child who doesn’t listen will feel the rod,” they’re not just talking, they’re teaching. But today, these lessons are often replaced with phrases like “no cap” or “it’s giving.”
As slang spreads, fewer young people learn the proverbs passed down by elders. Some don’t hear them at home.
Others find them “too long,” “too deep,” or “too old-school.” This weakens the link between generations. It also makes it harder for culture and values to be passed on through language.
There’s also the risk of losing meaning. Slang changes fast, and many words fade within months. Proverbs, on the other hand, last for generations. When we lose them, we lose a stable part of our identity.
Keeping the Balance: How We Can Save Proverbs Without Fighting Slang
Social Media Can Help
Proverbs can go viral, too. Just like slang trends on TikTok and Instagram, people can post videos, memes, and skits using Nigerian proverbs. When young people see them often, they’ll remember and enjoy them more.
Schools Should Teach Proverbs Better
In many schools, proverbs are just part of boring lessons. But teachers can make it fun through songs, drama, and group talks. This way, students won’t forget the deep meaning behind them.
Families Must Pass Proverbs Down
Parents and grandparents should keep sharing proverbs at home. Children learn fast when they hear wise sayings in real-life moments—during meals, chores, or when giving advice.
Conclusion
Gen Z slang isn’t the enemy of Nigerian proverbs. Both can exist together if we try. Slang keeps things fresh.
Proverbs keep our roots strong. With help from schools, families, and social media, we can enjoy the best of both.
Showcase Nigeria Through Your Lens – Join Our Open Call for Creators
Are you a photographer, videographer, or content creator passionate about capturing Nigeria’s beauty, from fashion runways and cultural festivals to tourist landmarks and local events? Our Open Call for Content Creators in Nigeria is your opportunity to get featured, collaborate, and bring authentic Nigerian stories to life. Whether you’re into travel, lifestyle, or visual storytelling, we want to see Nigeria through your eyes.
Explore more on how influencer culture is shaping life in Nigeria.
FAQs
1. What Is Gen Z Slang?
Gen Z slang is the modern way young people communicate using short, trendy words like “sapa,” “japa,” and “vibe.”
2. Why Are Nigerian Proverbs Fading?
Many young people no longer hear or use proverbs as often as they once did. They find slang easier and faster to use.
3. Can Slang And Proverbs Work Together?
Yes, slang and proverbs can be used in conjunction with each other. One is new and playful, the other is wise and deep. They can balance each other.