14 Popular Ghanaian Slangs And Their Meanings
To get to know how to pronounce these slangs, listen to this episode of the Slangs By Ghanaians podcast based on this blog topic:
https://anchor.fm/slangsbyghanaians/episodes/14-Popular-Ghanaian-Slangs-ej1fl5
Ever been on social media enjoying some good laughs and then come across a post that gets lots of likes and interactions? You quickly read the post and try to join in the fun but you don't understand the slangs being used. Frustrated, you click the "Translate to English" option. That doesn't help. It only gives you gibberish translation and increases your frustration.
You frantically read through all 486 comments hoping someone would give off the meaning of the post. Nobody does. At this point, you are pissed off to the roof. You are not only missing out on a good laugh but you also just wasted 45 minutes of your life reading through all those comments. You consider private messaging the person who made the post because at this point in your life, you're legit desperate.
Ahem. Don't do it. You will most probably be left on read. Sad. Instead, let's find out together what some of these Ghanaian slangs mean. Let's goooooo.
Before we begin, please note: Ghana is a beautiful country in West Africa with a diverse range of culture and language. And no, Africa is not a country, Africa is a continent.
Let's dive right into it! Here are 14 popular Ghanaian slangs and what they mean:
1. Eii
Pronunciation : /eɪ/
Other spellings : Ei, eyy, ey, eih
Eii is one of the most commonly used slangs in Ghana. We say eii when we are surprised or in awe.
Example: "Eii the vet just told me my dog has an STD."
If you are active on "Twitter Ghana" you have most probably come across tweets like:
"You're so fine ei."
OR
"Eyy ECG turn on our lights."
2. Charley
Pronunciation : / 'tʃaleɪ/
Other spellings: Chale, charle, charlie, tsale
Charley is a worldwide known Ghanaian slang. It is almost usually the first slang most Non-Ghanaians get to learn. Charley means friend, dude, pal or in some instances, bro.
Example: "Charley it's been a while I saw you. Let's link up."
Charley can also be used as a hyperbolic term in a statement. It basically gives the statement a bit more of exaggeration and effect. Usually, in this instance, Charley is "stretched".
Example: "Charleyyyyyyy your sister is really fine. I'm in love!"
3. Ong?
Pronunciation: Complex pronunciation available on podcast:
https://anchor.fm/slangsbyghanaians/episodes/14-Popular-Ghanaian-Slangs-ej1fl5
Other spellings: Ohn?
Example: “Ma please I need Ghc 200 to buy two textbooks. Social and Studies.”
“Social and Studies? You think I’m a fool ong?”
“Ong?” can also be used as a stand-alone expression.
Example: “I really don’t know why Esi did not accept that great job offer in Kumasi.”
“Honestly, I think she’s scared of change.”
“Ong?”
“Ong?” however is not exactly a popular Ghanaian slang on social media. It is used more orally than text-wise.
4. D for daben?
Pronunciation of Daben: /’dabɛn/
Other spellings: D for dabɛn, D for dab3n (Note: 3 is used in place of ɛ)
“Daben” is Twi for “when“. D for daben is used more frequently on social media to indicate a longing / desire / wish to own a thing one has always wanted.
The literal English translation of this term would be “W for when?”.
Usually, when Ghanaian couples post pictures and videos of themselves in romantic situations, we see “D for daben?” comments. In a way, the term can be said to be Ghana’s version of “God when?”
Basically, the term “D for daben?” is used when you desire to live the same life as someone else, in terms of what they have.
Example: “Hey Tracy. It’s been a while I heard from you.”
“Yeah sorry about that. I’m currently in Dubai for a one-month vacation.”
“You’re in Dubai? Eii. D for daben?”
5. Herh
Pronunciation: /Hɛ/
Other spellings: No other spellings available
“Herh” is a Ghanaian term that has no direct English translation. “Herh” is used as the preceding word in order to give more emphasis to the succeeding words in a statement.
Example: “Love your perfume. Smells like vanilla.”
“Herh speaking of vanilla, I’d really like some vanilla ice-cream right now.”
“Herh” can also be used in a derogatory manner or as a form of disrespect. Usually, older persons use this term on younger ones.
Example: “Herh! Come here. Where do you think you are going to?”
“Herh” is also used in situations were one is surprised or impressed. Usually, in such contexts, the term “herh” is “stretched.”
“Sheila just broke up with me. Herrrrrrhhhh.”
OR
“Herrrrrrrh Kwaku just did a hundred push-ups!”
6. Aahn ei
Pronunciation: Complex pronunciation of sound available on podcast (Link posted above).
Other spellings: Ahn ei, aann eii, aahnn ei
“Aahn ei” is used in a sarcastic or satirical context. When a person passes a statement that in one’s opinion is unnecessary or unintelligent, one can reply with “aahn ei”.
Example: “I don’t like women who work hard and make their own money. A woman belongs in the kitchen.”
“Aahn ei.”
7. Meyɛ very okay
Pronunciation of Meyɛ: /mɪjɛ/
Other spellings: Mey3 very okay (Note: 3 is used in place of ɛ).
“Meyɛ” is Twi for “I am”. So “meyɛ very okay”means “I am very okay”. The term is used when one is being ironic about his/her feelings.
Example: “Hey. I heard Lakers beat Blazers in the Playoffs. You’re a Blazers fan right?”
“Yeah.”
“Hahaha! Must really hurt.”
“Oh nah meyɛ very okay.”
8. No
Pronunciation: /Nu/
Other spellings: Nu
“No” or “Nu” is an Akan term which does not have a direct English translation; it places more emphasis on the words: “this“ and “that.”
Example: “Hey, did you hear? Nana Ekua from the science class is getting married.”
“Nana Ekua? Who’s that?”
“Oh don’t you remember her? That really pretty brilliant girl who always topped her class.”
“Oh yeah. That girl nu?”
9. Borga
Pronunciation: /bɔga/
Other spellings: Boga
“Borga” is a Ghanaian slang used to describe a man who just returned from overseas. Usually such a man dresses flamboyantly with chains and rings.
Example: “My uncle just returned from overseas.”
“Oh nice. The borga has landed!”
“Borga” is also an informal way of referring to a friend or someone close to one.
Example: “Don’t you have any food around? I’m starving.”
“I’ve got some rice in the fridge but we’ll eat that later in the evening.”
“Borga bring the food and let’s eat now!”
10. Anaa mebodam?
Pronunciation: Complex pronunciation available on podcast (link posted above).
Other spellings: Anaa mebɔdam? Anaa meebodam? Anaa meb)dam? (Note: “)” is used in place of ɔ)
The term “anaa mebodam?” directly translates to English as “or am I going mad?”. It is used when one is uncertain about a question one is asking.
Example: “You know Tasha Cobbs right?”
“Yeah.”
“Tasha Cobbs looks like the former gender minister, Nana Oye Lithur, anaa mebodam?”
11. Mtchew
Pronunciation: Complex pronunciation available on podcast (link posted above).
Other spellings: Tchew, tsw, mtch
“Mtchew” is a sound made when one is angry, annoyed or stressed.
Example: “I met your ex, Kwame. He said he is willing to clear your debt.”
“Mtchew. I don’t need his help!”
12. Wo destroyi the soul inside
Pronunciation: Complex pronunciation available on podcast (link posted above).
Other spellings: No other spellings available
The slang “Wo destroyi the soul inside” directly translates to English as “You are destroying the insides of the soul.” This slang is usually used in instances of trolling. When one is being trolled, others usually say “Wo destroyi the soul inside” to the person doing the trolling.
Example: “You really should take like five baths a day instead of two. You usually smell like a homeless aging pig.”
“Wow. Wo destroyi the soul inside.”
13. By heart
Pronunciation: /bʌɪ hat/
Other spellings: No other spellings available
Unlike what the original meaning of “by heart” stands for, with Ghanaian slangs, “by heart” means to do or say stuff in a careless or incautious manner.
Example: “Where are my keys? I left them on the table.”
“Go and ask that dumb and dirty maid of yours!”
“You really talk by heart, you know that?”
“By heart” can also mean to do stuff in an excessive manner.
Example: “I’m really hungry.”
“Didn’t you just eat three balls of banku and a full plate of jollof before that?”
“Yes so? Some ampesi won’t be bad right now.“
“Wow. You eat by heart!”
14. Dier
Pronunciation: /dɪə/
Other spellings: Dierrr, deɛ, de3
“Dier” does not have a direct meaning. It is used in different contexts mainly to give more emphasis to statements.
Example: “Ama’s party is this Saturdy. Coming?”
“Can’t. I don’t have any party clothes.”
“You dier just come. You can borrow my clothes.”
OR
“Do you want fufu or waakye for lunch?”
“As for me dierrr, anything goes.”
So there you have it! 14 popular Ghanaian slangs and their meanings. Now you are set and ready to take on the Ghanaian world of slangs.
hmm
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