African American Vernacular English Aave

A Yoruba-rooted exclamation Nigerians use to mark surprise, emphasis, or casual camaraderie — emotionally versatile but never vulgar.

The Nigerian expression for being genuinely broke, carrying solidarity and humor rather than shame about financial hardship.

Wahala means trouble or problems, but carries Nigerian versatility — acknowledging genuine difficulties while allowing playful, even affectionate uses depending on tone and context.

The Twi word Ghanaians use when calling out multiple people for foolishness—direct, adaptable, and centuries older than the internet.

An insult for foolishness that transforms completely based on delivery—warm tone signals affection between friends, harsh tone cuts deep.

A casual invitation into physical or social space, blending languages the way urban Kenyans naturally speak when formality isn't required.

The skeptical question that stops conversation mid-track — expressing disbelief and demanding clarification with an edge that says "you're going to need to convince me."

The Swahili grammatical construction meaning 'I have never'—foundational grammar for negating any experience across East Africa.

A casual farewell that promises future contact, used among Nairobi youth to signal belonging to the city's constantly evolving street language culture.

An attention-grabber that says "look at this"—casual, immediate, carrying the energy of something worth noticing right now.

Ghana's essential informal minibus network where knowing landmarks matters more than routes, moving millions daily despite being stigmatized as low-class transport.

Twi's "I love you" that exists in the language but rarely in practice—traditional culture shows love through actions, not words.