From abeg to wahala, add some Naija swagger to your chat........

Because we Nigerians are natural born poets and actors. From the dross of the English language, Nigerians spin phrases of gold. In the hands of Nigerians, minor everyday incidents – a car cutting in front of you, say – explode into glorious, full theatre productions. This is a nation where even the most crude argument in a gas station over change is its own kind of poetry.
Until recently, few emojis have specifically targeted African users. But rapid growth in Nigeria’s tech scene is is spurring newcomers to carve their own niche in the global digital sticker industry, which is worth some $10 billion annually and dominated by players from Asia.

“As Nigerians, we didn’t quite connect with the humor in the emojis out there. A lot of the ones from Asia, for example, are usually quite fluffy, like a smiling cat or colorful teddy bear,” Atta Esin, co-founder of Abuja, Nigeria-based 3am media told BuzzFeed News.”I’m not a psychologist but I think they’re probably not useful to a lot of Nigerians,” he added by phone from the capital, Abuja.
So, let’s start with the basics:


1. Chai*

What it means: At its most basic, a cry of appreciation, awe or amazement. On the more complex end, it can be a 45-minute lecture from an elder relative on why not studying medicine/law/architecture is the path to failure and disgracing the family’s good name, all distilled into a single, disappointed word.
When to use it: Far more important is ~how~ to use it. Hands on your head, eyes wide open, dramatic body pose and make sure you really draaaaw out that sound. The delivery is 90% of it.
Pointy white crocodile shoes, though popular, are optional.

2. The kissing teeth

What it means: A bunch of emotions ranging from mild irritation to deep contempt.
When to use it: When something is beneath you even wasting your breath on it — but you want to let it be known anyway. Because “e no consine me” (it doesn’t concern me) might be a popular phrase but what Nigerian ever walked away from a situation without first venting their opinions on it? Best dished up with a side-eye.

3. The plea that’s not a plea - Abeg
What it means: Literally, I beg you (Biko is Igbo for please). In practice, the opposite of both those things.
When to use it: Ideally use this gentle word to preface aggressive dismissals. Don’t forget to show the hand too.


See more here: http://www.buzzfeed.com/monicamark/xx-emojis-only-nigerians-will-understand#.icAKnx4RNB

Source: Buzzfeed written by Monica Mark