No problem; it’s all good.
standard definition: No wahala" means "no problem" or "it's okay." It's used to say everything is fine.
Explanation:
“No wahala” is a phrase that combines the English word “no” with “wahala,” which is a Nigerian Pidgin word that means “trouble” or “problem” (Urban Dictionary). Adding “no” in front changes the meaning to “no problem” or “it’s all good” (Urban Dictionary). People in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa use it to show they feel calm and easygoing, like saying “no worries” or “don’t worry about it” in English. This phrase is now popular around the world because people often hear it in Nigerian movies, music, and on social media.
If you’re new to Nigerian Pidgin English, “wahala” (pronounced Wa-ha-la) is a word that means “problem” in normal English. Nigerian Pidgin English is spoken by lots of people in Nigeria, whether they went to school or not. It’s used in both formal and casual places and is very popular, even though it isn’t taught in schools (Abaku). According to Ebonku Abaku, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) even started a radio station in West Africa that broadcasts only in Pidgin English to show how popular it is. In his story, Abaku explains that “no wahala” is also a friendly way to say yes when someone asks for help. For example, in Nigeria, if someone asks you to do something, saying “no wahala” shows that you agree and are happy to help (Abaku).
Examples
Examples
1. Conversation Example:
• Person A: “Hey, sorry I didn’t return your call last night.”
• Person B: “No wahala, man.”
2. Conversation Example:
• Person A: “Can we meet tomorrow instead?”
• Person B: “Sure, no wahala!”
Text example
• Old text reply: “Person replying with: no wahala.
A girl using the term 'no wahala.
A TikToker teaching Nigerian slang.
Citation
Abaku, Ebonku. “When Saying No Wahala Causes Wahala: Communication Essentials.” LinkedIn, 16 July. 2021, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-saying-wahala-causes-communication-essentials-ebonku-abaku Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
“Wahala.” Urban Dictionary, 23 Apr. 2019, https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Wahala. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Bio:
My name is Onyinyechi Iwunze, and I am a student at Sacramento City College. I really love singing and dancing, especially when there is Nigerian or American music playing. I don’t like subjects like English, math, or history actually, I don’t even like school. I just go to school to get good grades and, hopefully, a good job in the future. I also like working out because it helps me stay in shape. Spending time with family and friends, especially my family, is very important to me, and I always enjoy those moments.