10 Classic Nigerian Pidgin Proverbs And Their Meanings

You have to admit that Nigerian pidgin is interesting, particularly when you are listening to people wey sabi am well. It just seems to roll off the tongue like silk. Naija Pidgin has sort of become a full fledged language in itself, it is complete with proverbs of it's own. Check out 10 of them after the cut.


1. Craze no hard to form, na the trekking be wahala.

    Meaning: Easier said than done.

2. No matter how hot your temper be, e no fit boil beans.

    Meaning: Calm down, your temper won’t solve the problem.

3. Chicken wey run from Borno go Ibadan go still end up inside pot of soup.

    Meaning: You can’t run away from your destiny.

4. Today’s newspaper na tomorrow Suya wrap.

    Meaningn: Keep calm! Nothing lasts forever.

5. Cow wey dey in a hurry to go America go come back as corn beef.

    Meaning: Just be patient. Let the game come to you. Don’t rush!

6. Akara and moin moin get the same parent, na wetin dem pass through make         dem different.

    Meaning: How you start doesn’t matter, what matters is how you finish.

7. Leave matter for Mathias and Sabi for Sabinus.

    Meaning: Give everyone what they deserve.

8. The difference between kpekere and plantain chips na packaging.

     Meaning: Don’t judge based on appearance alone.

9. Escort me, Escort me, na im slave trade take start.

    Meaning: Serious things sometimes start like a joke.

10. If person too tey for party e go follow dem wash plate
      Meaning: Don't overstay your welcome.

 Do you agree with the translations? Drop your comments below.


Cover image via Niyidaram