Nigeria word wahala now internationalised, see extract of how an English lady is using the word.

What other Nigerian word is also popular, I think go-slow is another one, and another one is area boys, can you think of others



What's 'Wahala'?

Just watching or rather listening to Call my Bluff on BBC 1 this morning. The word Wahala pricked my ears - surprised it's now in the dictionary. It's one of those convenient words that saves a lot of talking - can be used on it's own as a slang or exclamation - as a verb, noun, adjective etc - I still use it without thinking.

Originally a Yoruba word but now generally used in West Africa (mainly Nigeria) - means complexed, mixed up, difficult to sort out, confusion, trouble, problematic, argumentative. It's one of my favourite words - descibes so many people I have to deal with (especially some Lib Dems).

Had an email enquiring if I received my replacement vacuum withing two days - amazed such interest and pleased to say yes - by special delivery. Now to return the old one is 'Wahala'. Got to follow their long-winded procedure - waiting for special packaging so I get my refund. Until then it's stuck in a box on the landing in front of my flat door.

Don't have comments on my blog - have a special email box so anybody who wants to contact me can. I do reply (unless they're 'Wahala' rude or sarcy) but it sometimes takes me time to get round to them. Some of the emails are interesting. Noticed that the number of hits (and emails) depends on the subject matter. The days I write abut my life always get many hits - noticed that the two postings that generated the most hits.
Liberal Democrats own Cyberman and Islington - Gunners' new home - enough said.

Argos has just solved the problem of taps for my bathroom refit. Looking for them has been another 'Wahala'. Decided to buy my own taps with a shower mixer (washing my long hair is 'Wahala'). Unfortunately the bathroom walls are all plaster-board and old (sure they're not within the current standards guideline) so fixing a shower on the wall is impossible. Had to find the old fashioned cradle type with matching taps for the wash basin. Couldn't find them anywhere except way above my price range. The new Argos catalogue came out yesterday - my friend Robert found just what I was looking for and brought them round.

All the hype about the new 'The Big One' catalogue (it's certainly heavy). Robert said that yesterday the Argos store in Holloway Road (superstore) had balloons everywhere like a childrens' party with special bags for the new catalogue (very sensible - it's 'Wahala' carrying it). I'm presuming that now Index has closed down, Argos will get all their business.

Well everythings ready - I'm expecting 'Wahala' when they come to strip out my bathroom next Wednesday - they claim it will only take two days - we'll live to see. I'm concerned about having no loo and how they will get everything up and down stairs. I'm very curious to see what they find under the floorboards (a property over a 100 years old must have some secrets).

My son Sule called this morning - he's definitely a 'Walaha' person when it come to his and my relationship. Always wonder why he calls ( he's not one for quick chats) - usually involves needing me to do something at the last minute or picking my brain for something.

Since being made redundant he went to America and bought an embroidery machine (franchise arrangement). He set up a small business designing and making logo's and badges which is now taking off. I've kept out of it because I didn't want the 'Wahala'. It started via the so called 'Black Brothers network' with caps, tee-shirts, sweat shirts and hoodies. He created his own website 2cold - exciting to see his caps on MTV and his jackets on the Budget car adverts. Now through word of mouth he's developed into supplying some impressive corporate clients. The standard of work is first class. He even produces for Lib Dem Image (Lib Dem shop) - all above board so no conflict of interest for myself as a party member. Sells to a few local parties who contact him so they can make some profit toward their campaigning funds - some members in Southwark where he lives (Simon Hughes's constituency) also phone him for gear.

Now he's creating a corporate website - important so the two worlds don't clash. As he rightly says he can hardly put Lib Dem caps, Budget jackets and Mayfair clients on the same website as MTV - it sends out the wrong message. His corporate business will vanish overnight.

Now back to another 'Wahala' - the back garden. Going to put down the weedkiller but don't want to mistakenly poison the neighbours dogs.

Update - 20 Feb 2009: I stand corrected by those who know it is originally a Hausa word hijacked by virtually all the languages in Nigeria. It literally means suffering!
Labels: Nigeria, Personal

posted by Suz @ 2:45 PM

Can't think of anyone but Nigeria word in dictionary is good.

Nigeria's 'Baba-go-slow' one year on
By Andrew Walker
BBC News, Abuja


Even oyinbos are using Nigeria words to describe our president


Mr Yar'Adua vowed to carry out reforms

Some critics of Umaru Yar'Adua have given the Nigerian president a new nickname: "Baba-go-slow".
Most people called his predecessor Olusegun Obasanjo "Baba" - in reference to his fatherly style of governing.

Mr Yar'Adua has inherited a less-than respectful name after a year of seemingly little progress.

But is that really fair?

When he came to power in a flawed election last year, President Yar'Adua promised reforms, and lots of them.

The electoral system would be revolutionised, peace would be sought in the oil-rich Niger Delta, the murky oil industry would be reformed as well as the woefully inadequate power industry.

Originally a Yoruba word but now generally used in West Africa (mainly Nigeria)

I think wahala is originally Hausa/Arabic word borrowed by Yoruba?

Another word the International community is aware of is " Mugu "
Dictionary definition of “mugu”


mugun. a fool; (hence) a person who falls for a scam. Subjects: Nigeria, Crime & Prisons, Derogatory
Editorial Note: Outside of Nigeria, this term has become associated with the victims of the advance fee, 419, or money-cleaning scams. A similar term is magha.

Another Internationalised Naija word


Akátá is a word derived from the Yoruba people of West Africa and it simply means 'fox'. It is widely used loosely by African immigrants to the United States to describe African Americans and their descendants, and over time it has come to have derogatory connotations due to tensions between African immigrants and African Americans.


I can remember Wesley Snipes telling 2 Naija guys in that movie cant remember the name " cut out all that Akata shit "

Jarus:

I think wahala is originally Hausa/Arabic word borrowed by Yoruba?

Prove it or your Source

Phemzy:


Prove it or your Source

I said 'I think', not authoritatively. And my thinking stems from what I have heard people say.

"wahala" is definately from arabic but got adapted to yoruba language like other words as well.

wahal in arabic connotes a difficult situation,problematic situation or worrisome situation.

Once i lay my hands on a dictionary i would paste it here.

Yoruba words always have a derivative syllable like arabic and one can tell the origin which in arabic is called "asl".

There are a number of other arabic words like that which is commonly used in yoruba language today just like french and greek words which got adapted to english.

@ Poster
Well done. I 'm happy Nigeria is winning in an area. Three gbosa to Nigeria.

Lagosboy:

"wahala" is definately from arabic but got adapted to yoruba language like other words as well.

wahal in arabic connotes a difficult situation,problematic situation or worrisome situation.

Once i lay my hands on a dictionary i would paste it here.

Yoruba words always have a derivative syllable like arabic and one can tell the origin which in arabic is called "asl".

There are a number of other arabic words like that which is commonly used in yoruba language today just like french and greek words which got adapted to english.

Thank you Lagosboy.

There is something about Yoruba, they tends to pronounce anything (either the origin is from Yoruba or not) making it sound as if its from Yoruba.

jamace:

@ Poster
Well done. I 'm happy Nigeria is winning in an area. Three gbosa to Nigeria.

That's Naija's gift to the world

Lagosboy:

"wahala" is definately from arabic but got adapted to yoruba language like other words as well.

wahal in arabic connotes a difficult situation,problematic situation or worrisome situation.

Once i lay my hands on a dictionary i would paste it here.

Yoruba words always have a derivative syllable like arabic and one can tell the origin which in arabic is called "asl".

There are a number of other arabic words like that which is commonly used in yoruba language today just like french and greek words which got adapted to english.

I was also surprised when I first learnt that the word 'wahala' was not Yoruba

It bothers me alot that among all the so-called naija "gift" to the world, non of the words was positive when defined.

nuzo:

It bothers me alot that among all the so-called naija "gift" to the world, non of the words was positive when defined.

ROMLAO!!!