Emerging Slangs in Nigeria: Source, formation and Usage

Abstract

This paper explores the source originality of slangs, the process in their formation/semantics from the time of first mention to when they become widely used as slangs in the community. It also investigates the different contexts that engender the use of these slangs and why. Recent slangs were collected from youths within the age of 13-30 years in some arranged interview sessions with focus on contemporary slangs, meaning and their first mention. This population is drawn from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Students based at Onitsha-Awka axis of Anambra, Asaba, Aba, Lagos and Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Data is analysed descriptively. The review highlights the role of music lines, statements made by celebrities, errors by individuals, headlines, script lines and coinage as key sources that contribute to the evolution of slangs. Their transformation from first mention to full blown slangs are described in 3ways: direct transport, truncated and transformed mechanisms. It is believed that this study contributes to our broader comprehension of language as a dynamic and ever-changing system. It is also evident, given the 10 categorized usage that most of these slangs serve as coping strategy and expression of emotional effects and outburst caused by national instability, insecurity and hardship.