Japa (slang)

Nigerian slang

JapaOrigin/etymology| Yoruba language

|

Meaning| To 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).

## Etymology

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The term Japa was originated from the Yoruba language, one of the major languages spoken in Nigeria.[5] In Yoruba, Japa loosely translates to "run away" or "escape." Over time, the term found its way into Nigerian slang and has become a colloquial expression used to convey the idea of swift and evasive action. It was popularized in 2020 after Naira Marley, a Nigeria singer, released his single titled "Japa".[6][7]

## Usage

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The term Japa is commonly used in various contexts to describe a rapid departure from a place, situation, or circumstance.[8] It is often employed humorously and is prevalent in discussions related to avoiding trouble, danger, or undesirable encounters.[9] The usage of "Japa" reflects the resourcefulness and adaptability of Nigerian youth in navigating challenging situations.[10][11]

## Cultural impact

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Japa has become a notable element of Nigerian pop culture, frequently appearing in music lyrics, movies, and social media conversations.[12] The term's popularity has extended beyond Nigeria's borders, with Nigerian diaspora communities also adopting it as part of their linguistic repertoire.[13][14]

## Examples

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* "I heard the party got raided by the police, so we all had to japa before they got there."
* "The traffic was so bad that I decided to japa and take a different route."

## See also

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* Brain drain from Nigeria
* Rùn (meme)

## References

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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.
5. ^ 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 2024-08-04. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
6. ^ "'Japa' - The Nigerian Student Emigration Syndrome | Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries". zodml.org. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
7. ^ Odinkalu, Chidi (January 2, 2023). "Japa: The verb that became a noun". Vanguard Nigeria. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
8. ^ "'Japa' Syndrome: Legitimacy Crisis, Emigration and Public Discontent in Nigeria | Oxford Political Review | Oxford Political Review". oxfordpoliticalreview.com. 2023-05-08. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
9. ^ Sodimu, Daniel (2023-03-30). "Nigeria's 'japa' brain drain will pose challenges". FrontierView. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
10. ^ Ayandayo, Babs (2022-09-27). "What Is The Meaning Of Japa In Nigeria?". rnn.ng. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
11. ^ "How "Japa" Became the Nigerian Buzzword for Emigration - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
12. ^ "Japa – the new trend driving Nigerians to study abroad?". thepienews.com. 2023-03-21. Archived from the original on 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
13. ^ "Nigerians and the japa syndrome". Punch Newspapers. 2023-02-06. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
14. ^ "Nigerian youths and the 'japa' syndrome". TheCable. 2021-09-29. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-08-25.

## External links

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Wiktionary has article related to: japa