Igbo Words and Their Meanings.

Here are some Igbo words and what we turned them into. Have a good laugh.

NKALI is an Igbo word (a noun) that loosely translates to “to be greater than.” The world indeed operates on the principle of NKALI.

ABA N’ANYA is an Igbo word that translates  to “Aba stares a lot “ The word is usually employed in telling a man how long he’s been staring at a woman.

BIRI KAM BIRI is an Igbo word that loosely translates ‘to live and let live’ In a place like Lagos, do such words still hold water?

ANAYO is an Igbo word (noun, also verb, progressive) which without the Chukwu(God) part translates to ‘perpetually begging’ Haha! O mind.

IKEJI is an Igbo word which means tying up yams (in a barn). I didn’t call any name but if you tell Linda. Na you sabi.

UJUNWA is an Igbo word that means ‘extra child’ it’s an Igboman’s way of saying the child wasn’t planned. Modern day equivalent is MIRACLE a.k.a Mimi

NKIRUKA is an Igbo name that literally translates to the future is bright. The name has undergone some metamorphosis. Just in case you hear the name when you pass and a whistling accompanying it, then, your future is also bright.

EBERE (CHUKWU or CHI) means God’s mercy. Men usually do not go about pleading for God’s mercy in vain. Some men need to confess what they did o!

KAOSISOCHUKWU: Hmmm… There’s something about this name. Before the English translation, it is pertinent to state at this particular juncture that some people have adopted the funky version, Cossy. KAOSISOCHUKWU loosely translates to ‘As God wants it’. Is it a resignation to fate by a parent?

IKECHUKWU is an Igbo word(a noun) which translates to ‘God’s power’. However, when this name is mentioned today, a rapper with a bicycle seat shaped head comes to mind. I didn't mention any name oo!

OLUCHI:This means God’s work. Not every parent can call their child this name. It has to be obvious that God spent more time on the child usually a baby girl.

IKENNA: Father’s strength. There’s only one reason a father would brag this way. It is an Igbo man’s way of telling the world what he did to his wife before the child arrived.

IKODIYA: This translates to husband’s concubine. This is more of a fond name or nick name than a real name. Don’t be shocked, some Igbo women know their husbands’ mistresses and address them as Ikodiya.