In Nigeria, greetings are more than just “hello” and “good morning.” They’re a complex art form, filled with slang, nuance, and hidden meaning. At the center of it all lies the legendary phrase: “How far?”
This iconic Nigerian slang is more than a simple question—it’s a versatile expression that can mean anything from “What’s up?” to “How are things going?” Depending on the tone, context, and facial expression, “How far?” can carry endless interpretations. But what truly separates the experts from the amateurs is the ability to decode the replies.
If you’ve ever been confused by someone’s response to “How far?” don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s break down 5 common replies and what they actually mean in Nigerian slang.
1. “I Dey.”
Literal meaning: I’m here.
Actual meaning: I’m surviving, but barely.
When someone replies with “I dey,” it means they’re alive, but life isn’t exactly smooth sailing. It’s the Nigerian equivalent of saying, “I’m hanging in there.” You might hear this from someone who’s tired, broke, or dealing with Nigeria’s daily chaos (think fuel scarcity, no light, and traffic).
When to use it:
When you’re not in the mood to explain your life story but still want to let people know you’re alive.
2. “We Thank God.”
Literal meaning: We are grateful to God.
Actual meaning: Things aren’t great, but we move.
This classic reply carries a deeper layer of Nigerian resilience. It’s what people say when life has thrown them lemons, but they’re determined to keep going. It’s both an expression of gratitude and a subtle acknowledgment of life’s struggles.
When to use it:
When things aren’t perfect, but you’re staying hopeful.
3. “E Dey.”
Literal meaning: It’s there.
Actual meaning: It depends on what you’re talking about.
“E dey” is a vague and flexible response that can mean anything from “It’s fine” to “Let’s just manage it.” This reply is often used to avoid giving too much information or when someone isn’t quite sure how to describe their situation.
When to use it:
When you want to keep things casual or avoid unnecessary explanations.
4. “I No Too Sure O.”
Literal meaning: I’m not too sure.
Actual meaning: I doubt it, but let’s see how it goes.
If you hear this, be prepared for disappointment. This reply is often a polite way of saying, “I don’t think that will happen” or “Don’t get your hopes up.” Nigerians are masters of managing expectations, and this phrase is a subtle warning that things might not pan out.
When to use it:
When you’re not confident about a plan but don’t want to sound too negative.
5. “No Wahala.”
Literal meaning: No problem.
Actual meaning: We’ll handle it, but I’m not making any promises.
This popular phrase can be reassuring—or sarcastic—depending on the context. Sometimes, “No wahala” means everything is under control. Other times, it means the opposite, and you’re on your own. It all depends on the tone.
When to use it:
When you want to sound calm, even if chaos is brewing behind the scenes.
The Hidden Power of ‘How Far?’
Asking “How far?” is more than just a greeting—it’s a window into Nigerian culture. It shows how Nigerians navigate life with humor, resilience, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Whether someone replies with “I dey” or “No wahala,” the beauty of Nigerian slang lies in its layers of meaning and unspoken context.
So, the next time you ask “How far?” be prepared to decode the reply like a pro. Who knows—you might just unlock the secret language of Nigeria’s everyday conversations.
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