Wahala dey for business world, abi? Sometimes you dey hear people talk about “runs,” “wayo,” or “tokunbo” and you just dey scratch your head like, wetin all dis one mean?
Understand Wetin Dem Mean
Nigeria get im own special way of talking when it come to business. E no be say na bad thing, na just how una language dey evolve. Many times, these words dem dey use dey make things sound more direct, or sometimes, dem dey use am to make things sound better than wetin e be. For example, when somebody talk say dem get “clean” product, e no mean say e fresh from the factory like “cha-cha” or “tear rubber” goods. E fit mean say na factory refurbished, so you gats know wetin you dey buy.
Common Naija Business Slangs
- Aba: This one dey refer to something wey no get good quality, or low grade. E dey come from Aba town wey known for manufacturing, but sometimes the quality no dey high.
- Clean: E no mean say clean like prayer. For business, e fit mean say the product don pass through some checking and e look like new, even if na second hand.
- Cha-cha / Tear Rubber: Dis one na brand new. If something be “cha-cha” or “tear rubber,” e mean say e never use before, direct from the factory.
- Tokunbo: Na foreign used goods wey dem import. Most common for cars, but e fit be any item wey dem don use outside before dem bring am come Nigeria.
- Wayo: This one na scam or trick. If somebody dey do “wayo,” e mean say dem dey try to deceive you. E related to “419” small.
- Wahala: Dis one na trouble. If you dey enter “wahala,” e mean say you dey face serious problem for business.
- Runs: For business context, “runs” sometimes mean say na business transaction, or how somebody dey do legit business. But sometimes, e fit get other meaning for street talk.
- Gbanjo: E mean say something cheap. Like dem dey sell am for low price.
- Japan / China: Dis one dey show the origin and quality. “Japan” na original product, e dey high quality. “China” sometimes mean new but e no get that top quality, maybe lower grade.
Why You Gats Understand Dis Yanrin
If you wan do business for Nigeria, e no go pass make you sabi wetin people dey talk. You no gats dey fear. Understanding dis kind language go help you avoid “wayo,” you go sabi if person dey try to “trick” you, and you go fit negotiate better. E also show say you respect the local way of doing things.
For example, if you dey buy car, and seller tell you say e get “tokunbo” engine, but e look “clean,” you know say e no be brand new. If person offer you deal wey sound too good to be true, e fit be “wayo,” so you need to tread carefully. Sabi these terms go help you make better decisions, save your money, and build better relationships with your customers and partners. No let language be wahala for your business growth.
How To Learn More
Plenty resources dey online and even books wey dem write for Pidgin English business terms. You fit search for “Pidgin English business dictionary” or ask people wey dey around you. Listening to how people talk for market, for office, or even for transport go help you pick up more words. E no too hard, abeg. Just dey listen and dey ask questions. Your business go better.
