What is Sapa Sef?
Understanding The Term
Nigerians have the best slangs and have the ability to turn any adverse situation into something relatable or even funny. This is evident in our slangs, our music and our general outlook on life. Nigerians don't believe in stopping or giving up. In fact one of my favourite Nigerian slangs is 'We Move' as it captures the fiery Nigerian spirit.
Again, Nigerians are known to have a 'can do, never die, never give up spirit'. Nigerians are survivors. Wherever Nigerians are placed, they find a way to survive.
This is probably why we were erroneously termed 'the happiest people on earth'
Nigeria is a diverse country with a multiplicity of languages, cultures, ethnicities and peoples. In spite of this, it is virtually impossible to experience Nigeria without encountering Nigerian slangs and Nigerian pidgin English. Nigerians use slangs as a way of expression. Common Nigerian slangs include Japa; Sapa; Abi; Ehen; E choke; I Taya; Na so; Komot; Aza; Ment; Gbege; Yawa; Ajebo; Kolo or Kolo Mental; Amebo; For Your Mind; Wahala; Idan; O Por; Chop Breakfast; Tule; Ma Fo and so many others.
But, our focus is on the slang term 'Sapa'. What exactly is Sapa?
Sapa is a popular Nigerian slang term denoting poverty, lack, financial incapacity, financial hardship or financial destitution. Just like other Nigerian slangs, its use varies depending on the person, the mode of expression, the context and even the tone in which it is used. In short, just as there are various levels of poverty and need, there are various levels of Sapa. The slang can be used in a humorous context or a serious context.
The term is used in general discourse, song lyrics, and as a general expression or figure of speech.
Ehen, Se bi you don get wetin Sapa be abi?
Till next time, We Move!!!
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Did you know that Sapa has an equally popular distant 'cousin' named Japa? Japa is another common Nigerian slang used in popular discourse used to denote fleeing or escaping from a situation. It is popularly used to refer to a situation where one flees their country to seek for greener pastures elsewhere
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