The protest against police brutality in Nigeria left behind some words and phrases which have become popular with most Nigerians to date. Which of these words or phrases is your favourite?
1. WE MOVE
This phrase (which is usually used as a phrasal verb) simply means to continue an action.
The presence of the "verbalised" subject "we" makes it impossible to add another subject when using this phrase.
Example: We were attacked by hoodlums at Rumuokoro Junction while protesting police brutality. We move, regardless.
2. SELINA
–noun
black magic; voodoo
Example: In Port Harcourt, EndSARS protesters who didn't have selina were asked to stay behind.
3. SORO SOKE
–verb
i. To speak loudly or plainly
Example: This is not time to murmur; it's time to soro soke.
ii. To express one's opinion openly and unreservedly.
Example: The protesters were never afraid to soro soke when it was something they believed in strongly.
–adjective
bold; fearless; brave
Example: This is a soro soke generation, not an off-the-mic generation.
4. BUHARI HAS BEEN A BAD BOY
This implies that President Buhari has failed in his mandate as the leader of Nigeria.
This phrase was first used by a 21-year-old Nigerian girl during an interview with Hip TV. In her words, “Buhari has been a bad boy, and we will come for him next.”
5. WEREY WAN DISGUISE
This phrase is used when someone displays false attitude towards something in order to hide their true nature.
Example: SWAT is just a change of name; werey wan disguise.
6. FEM
This word became popular with Nigerian youth after Davido used it to title one of his singles. Most #EndSARS protesters used it instead of "shut up" to silence some politicians who addressed them for hours.
"Fem" is used as a verb to mean "shut up".
Example: Olu talks too much. I think he should fem.
7. WAHALA FOR WHO
–pidgin phrase
Trouble for someone
This expression is usually used to achieve humour and to indirectly get the attention of someone. If, for instance, you come across a girl flaunting her engagement ring unnecessarily, you can get her attention by saying "Wahala for who no get fiancé.” The girl will definitely look at your direction while you and your friends laugh about it.
8. NO DEY LOSE FOCUS
–pidgin phrase
To concentrate on the goal without wavering
This phrase came into existence when the #EndSARS protest was hijacked by hoodlums, giving rise to other criminal activities. It served as a constant reminder to protesters as regards the goal of the protest.
9. SELINA-TESTED
–adjective
If you are selina-tested, it means you have an invisible bulletproof vest on your body through voodoo practices.
Example: Selina-tested protesters led the protest in Port Harcourt.