Africa News blog
African business, politics and lifestyle
Oga den dey chop money
When someone tells you “noting shaking” he means all is well — in Pidgin English, the
Nigerian lingua franca that is attracting new attention thanks to a Lagos radio presenter.
If someone bumps into your car in the rush hour and you want to avoid the hassle of a
police report or even a fist fight, you would simply say: “No wahalah” — “No problem.”
“Wet ting you dey do?” means “What you have done?”
“I de go chop.” means “I will get something to eat.”
“Make una stop dey thiefing abeg.” means “Stop stealing”
“Oga den dey chop money wello welloo!” means, “Our leaders are very corrupt!”
Pidgin English is the lingua franca for bargaining in markets, taxis and bars in most
parts of the country.
