Nigeria is a country full of humor, creativity, and culture — and that shows even in the nicknames people give each other. These names are not just random labels; they often capture someone’s personality, habits, or even physical features.
From the Yoruba man everyone calls Baba London to the university “layabout” who somehow passes his exams, these nicknames are part of everyday Nigerian life — sometimes funny, sometimes brutal, but always memorable.
Here’s a deep dive into some of the funniest Nigerian nicknames and what they really mean.
Nigerian Nicknames – Street-Style Nicknames
Homeboy
This is for the young man (now in his 20s) who spent his teenage years dreaming about life in America. He’s watched every American urban movie — New Jack City, White Men Can’t Jump, Poetic Justice, 8 Mile — and can quote lines from all of them.
Back in the day, he wore dirty baggy jeans with one leg folded up, walking like he was moonwalking. Today, he enjoys his “own kind of smoke” and still fantasizes about how life would have been if he had made it to Yankee (USA) or Jand (UK).
My Guy
If you’re called My Guy, you’re the type who always shares drinks or cigarettes with your friends in the evening. You hang out talking endlessly about the newest car cruising through Allen Avenue, Ikeja, or the latest gist from Festac. And every time you see your guys?
The greeting is always the same: “How farrr?”
Paddy Mi / Eeyan Mi
This is the Yoruba version of My Guy. But instead of cars and street gist, you’re probably discussing Tinubu, LASTMA, local politics, or the latest celebrity photos in OVATION magazine.
Nigerian Nicknames Based on Looks
Shorty
This nickname is for someone short — boy or girl. Shorty is usually the funny, loud friend, but if you push too hard, they can get mean. Nigerians love to poke fun at height, and while calling someone by their physical trait isn’t exactly polite, it happens all the time.
Baba Giga
This one is the opposite of Shorty — Baba Giga means “Big Father,” but it’s used for a guy who is abnormally tall. Instead of it being an insult, it’s almost cool. The only problem? Baba Giga might be totally useless — just tall, loud, and misbehaving.
Lepa
This is the nickname for a skinny girl. She’s so slim she looks like she might break if you hug her too tightly. Nigerian men often joke about Lepa girls — teasing them, yet secretly admiring their slender frame.
Orobo
The opposite of Lepa. Orobo is a chubby, curvy girl. Men pretend to mock her size but, truthfully, many admire her. Her “mountainous” curves and confidence make her secretly desirable.
Mama Apati
This one? Be careful! It’s used for very fat women — but unlike Orobo, it’s not flattering. Calling someone Mama Apati can get you slapped — or worse, her children might show up ready to “teach you a lesson.”
Campus Nicknames
Akowe
This is the rural Yoruba boy who came to the city to “further his education.” Life happens — and he ends up becoming a vulcanizer or carpenter instead. Despite being almost 27, his small stature makes him look like a secondary school boy.
He’s secretly dating Bisi, the girl selling ewa agoyin (beans), and when Bisi gets pregnant, Akowe must find a tiny one-room “face-me-I-face-you” apartment.
Layabout
Every Nigerian university has a Layabout. He attends every concert, every show, knows all the campus gossip… yet somehow passes his exams better than some “serious” students.
But there’s also the other kind of Layabout — the one who fails, piles up carryovers, and eventually stays longer in school than planned.
Effeco
This is university slang for a bookworm. Effecos are glued to their books, avoiding parties or social life. They pass their exams, but sometimes they’re not even the smartest in class — they just read everything, store it in their heads, and speak very little to avoid “losing” their stored knowledge.
NFA (No Future Ambition)
The secondary school version of Layabout. He’s late to school, hates books, and doesn’t wash his uniform regularly. He might bribe teachers during exams or dream of being a footballer, but for now? School isn’t his thing.
Nicknames for ‘Big Men’ and Pretenders
Chairman
This “Chairman” has no real direction but is called that by his friends because they hope to “tap” from his small wealth. He spends more than he can afford to keep up the title, then goes home to quarrel with his wife.
Sometimes, Chairman thinks he’s the leader of the “boys,” but really? They’re just using him.
Mr. Chairman
The real deal — a genuine company boss, politician, or wealthy businessman. His kids are abroad, and he might even be corrupt, but at least he’s a legit “big man.”
Oloye
Literally “Chief” in Yoruba. Friends might call a broke man this nickname to make him “feel important.” He wears danshiki like he’s royalty, but in reality, he’s probably chasing government contracts he’ll never complete.
Godfather
This one is dangerous. Usually an illiterate or semi-literate who got rich through politics. He’s violent, ruthless, and can influence elections before they even happen.
Tribal & Cultural Nicknames
Nna
An Igbo guy — always loud, colorful in dressing, and wearing sunglasses even at night. People find him funny, even if it’s just his accent.
Aboki
This nickname is for the Hausa man selling water, fixing shoes, or working security in Lagos. For him, Lagos is London. He sends money home, builds a house, and sometimes becomes a successful trader. But beware — if there’s religious tension, this “friendly Aboki” might become hostile.
Yoruba-Yoruba
The Yoruba boy who speaks Yoruba to everyone, even if they don’t understand. To him, Yoruba is a universal language.
Foreign Dreams & Titles
Baba London
A Yoruba man who once lived in the UK. He brags about his “London days” while living in Lagos, managing his properties, and scolding tenants about rent.
Otunba & Igwe
These are traditional titles — Otunba for Yoruba, Igwe for Igbo. But in Lagos, broke men use these names too, turning what should be royal titles into running jokes.
Other Funny Nicknames
- Alaye – The area boy who fights for no reason. His eyes are always red.
- Ogbologbo – Another word for Alaye, but don’t ever call him this to his face.
- O-Boy! – A playful nickname for a boy his parents weren’t expecting.
- Baby – A girl named after a doll — and still loves it at age 25.
- Omoba/Princess – The “prince” and “princess” who realize later in life that their names don’t match reality.
- Bomboy – The stubborn Igbo boy who later insists on being called his real name, Chukwuka.
- Pepperless & Opeke – Names for “posh” or “streetwise” girls, often used teasingly.
Final Thoughts
Nicknames in Nigeria are more than just names — they’re stories, they’re jokes, and they’re a big part of the culture. Some are sweet, others are savage, but all are unforgettable.
Next time you hear someone being called “Alaye,” “Chairman,” or “Mama Apati,” you’ll know there’s more behind that name than meets the eye.
