Japa (slang)

Japa
Origin/etymologyYoruba language
MeaningTo escape, flee, or disappear quickly

Japa (/jɑːkpə/) is a Yoruba language word used as a Nigerian slang term that has gained widespread usage among Nigerian youths.[1][2] The term is used to describe the act of escaping, fleeing, or disappearing quickly from a situation, often in a hasty and urgent manner.[3][4] It is a combination of two words to form a word, Já means (break), Pa means (away).

  1. ^ Akinwotu, Emmanuel (January 19, 2023). "The trend of young Nigerians leaving their country in search of a better life". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  2. ^ Adetayo, Ayoola (2023-02-23). "Meaning of 'Japa' and how it became a popular slang for relocating out of Nigeria". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  3. ^ "Nigeria and Burden of Japa Syndrome - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
  4. ^ "Dey play, Wotowoto, Breakfast and oda popular slangs wey trend for 2022". BBC News Pidgin. 2022-12-26. Archived from the original on 2023-08-24. Retrieved 2023-08-25.