Cite this article as: Garba, M. I., & Mohammed, U. (2026). A linguistic analysis of neologisms among youths in Kano State. Sokoto Journal of Linguistics and Communication Studies (SOJOLICS), 2(2), 232-241. https://doi.org/10.36349/sojolics.2026.v02i02.021
By
Mustapha Ibrahim Garba1
08065951233
&
Umar Mohammed2
1&2Department of English and Linguistics
Federal University Dutse
08033161114
Abstract
This paper examines the
use of neologisms, jargons, and emerging terminologies amongyouths in Kano
State. The study aims to analyze selected lexical innovations and expressions
commonly employed by young people in various social environments. The research
adopts the Metaphor Theory proposed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980) as its
theoretical framework for analyzing the meanings and functions of these
expressions. A qualitative research design is employed, utilizing a
descriptive-analytic approach to collect, analyze, and interpret linguistic
data obtained from selected speech communities. The study focuses on how youths
create and use novel expressions to facilitate communication, express identity,
and convey meanings that differ from their conventional interpretations. It
further investigates the relationship between source and target domains in the
formation and interpretation of these neologisms. The findings reveal that
youths employ distinctive linguistic strategies in their interactions, often
assigning new meanings to existing words and creating innovative expressions to
suit specific communicative needs. The study also demonstrates that these
lexical innovations are influenced by the social environments in which they
occur. Such environments include police stations, homes, mobile phone markets, 'yangwanjo (second-hand
goods markets), drug-selling locations, motor parks, and transportation hubs
within Hausa-speaking communities in Kano State. The paper concludes that
neologisms constitute an important aspect of youth language, reflecting social
identity, creativity, cultural experiences, and evolving communicative
practices among young speakers.
Keywords: Neologisms, Youth Language, Jargons, Terminologies, Lexical
Innovation, Metaphor Theory, Kano State, Hausa Speech Community.
1.0 Introduction
This study examines the
terminologies and lexical innovations used by youths in different social
environments in Kano State. Sociolinguistics, broadly defined as the study of
the relationship between language and society, investigates how social factors such
as age, gender, ethnicity, social class, and region influence language use and
variation. According to William Labov, language variation is closely linked to
social identity and interaction, making sociolinguistics an important framework
for understanding linguistic behavior within communities.
Scholars such as Bell,
Holmes, Nunan, and Crystal have emphasized that language is dynamic and
continually shaped by social and cultural contexts. Sociolinguistic studies
therefore explore how speakers adapt language to express identity, group
membership, and social relationships. Among youths, this is often reflected in
the use of slang, jargon, code-switching, and newly coined expressions.
Youth terminology
provides valuable insight into contemporary social practices and cultural
trends. These expressions are influenced by factors such as peer-group
interaction, technology, social media, popular culture, and local linguistic
environments. This study seeks to describe and analyze selected terminologies
used by youths in Kano State and to demonstrate how such expressions function
as tools of communication, identity construction, and social interaction. The
findings are expected to contribute to the understanding of language variation,
linguistic innovation, and sociocultural dynamics within Hausa-speaking
communities.
2. Methodology
This study adopts a
qualitative research design using a descriptive-analytic approach to
investigate youth terminologies in selected social environments in Kano State.
The approach involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of
linguistic data to provide a detailed description of language use among youths.
According to Myers (1990), descriptive analysis focuses on how language
operates and is used by a particular group of speakers within a specific
context and period.
Data for the study were collected through observation and
semi-structured oral interviews conducted in selected environments where youth
terminologies are commonly used, including police stations, motor parks,
markets, and other social settings. Both male and female youths participated in
the study.
The research utilized both primary and secondary sources of data.
The primary data consisted of slang expressions, jargons, and other youth
terminologies gathered directly from respondents. Secondary data were obtained
from relevant books, journal articles, theses, and other scholarly publications
on youth language and sociolinguistics. The collected data were analyzed
descriptively to address the research objectives and explain the communicative
functions of youth terminologies within their social contexts.
3. Theoretical
Framework
The paper adopts Lakoff
and Johnson's (1980) metaphor theory which involves the mapping of meaning
between the source and the target domains. Every youth Slang is metaphorical in
nature, which processes the experience of one kind of thing in terms of another,
thereby creating a new meaning. Twenty Youths were interviewed based on a given
environment. This research matches the theory with regard to meaning and the
target domains that is why the researcher decided to use this theory as much
deserved framework. It also clarifies isolated meaning between the speaker and
listener.
4. Data
presentation and Analysis
This section presents
and analyses the data collected from the field. The study selectssixdifferent
social environments where youths are living and using some terminologies base
on the nature of their environment. This section presents and analyses six (6)
selected environments based on data collection from the field. The study
observes that the common features used by youths’ terminologies. The concerned
of this study examine some terminologies used by youths as follow:
4.1 Terminologies used
in Police Station
A police station
is a place where legislative activity is executed practical law works upon
citizens in a given places and a given situation. It is an environment where work
and various law enforcement functions are carried out. It serves as a base for
officers to handle criminal reports, investigate crimes, process arrests, and
provide community support. It often includes offices for administrative tasks,
interrogation rooms, and holding cells for detainees. For the purpose of this
study the researcher examines very few selected terminologies in police station
environments. Here are some are as follows:
|
S/N |
Terminologies |
Gloss |
Neologisms |
|
1a |
Agogo |
Wrist watch |
Handcuff |
|
1b |
babbandaaki |
big room |
Cell |
|
1c |
Umaraa |
Pilgrimage |
Detained (prison) |
|
1d |
Biila |
Home |
Abuja |
|
1e |
tambaye
shi |
Ask him |
Tortured |
The study examines the literal and figurative meanings of selected
terminologies used in police station environments. In Table 1(a), agogo ('wristwatch')
literally refers to a hand watch, but figuratively denotes handcuffs,
a restraining device used by law enforcement officers during arrests and
investigations.
In Table 1(b), babbanÉ—aki ('big room') literally
means a large room; however, figuratively it refers to a police cell,
a secure facility used for the temporary detention of suspects.
Similarly, in Table 1(c), Umara ('pilgrimage') is
figuratively used to refer to imprisonment or detention in a correctional
facility. In Table 1(d), Bila (Abuja), which literally denotes
Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, is metaphorically used to indicate that a
suspect has died during investigation or detention.
Furthermore, the expression tambayeshi ('ask
him') is used figuratively to refer to intensive interrogation or investigative
procedures, which may involve coercive measures aimed at obtaining information
from a suspect.
These examples illustrate how youths and law enforcement personnel
employ metaphorical and context-dependent expressions to convey specialized
meanings within police station environments.
4.2 Terminologies Used at Homes
Youth terminologies
refer to the specific language, jargon, or phrases commonly used by or about
young people.
|
S/N |
Terminology |
Gloss |
Neologism |
|
2a |
Cittaa |
Ginger |
Money |
|
2b |
Balaa |
Name |
Catastrophe |
|
2c |
Kingkong |
Name |
Poverty |
|
2d |
Kwal |
Coal |
Policemen |
|
2e |
Na
Jaki |
For
donkey |
Beating |
The data reveal the literal and figurative meanings of selected
terminologies used by youths in domestic settings. In Table 2(a), citta ('ginger')
is used figuratively to mean money, representing a semantic shift
from its original meaning. In Table 2(b), Bala, originally a
personal name, is metaphorically used to mean poverty (bala’i),
derived through the morphological process of final vowel deletion.
Similarly, in Table 2(c), Kingkong, originally a
proper name, is used figuratively to denote a catastrophe or
serious problem. In Table 2(d), kwal ('coal'), a loanword from
English into Hausa, literally refers to a mineral resource used for fuel and
energy. Figuratively, it is used to refer to policemen, owing to
the association with their dark uniforms and complexion.
Furthermore, in Table 2(e), the expression najaki ('for
a donkey') literally denotes possession by a donkey, but figuratively refers
to beating or punishment. These examples demonstrate the
creativity of youth language and the semantic extensions through which ordinary
words acquire new meanings in specific social contexts.
4.2.1 Terminologies used
by phone sellers.
Mobile phones are sold
in various locations across Kano State, including markets, shopping centres,
and retail outlets. However, buyers and sellers often converge in specialized
markets dedicated to phone-related transactions. One of the most prominent phone
markets in Kano is the Farm Centre Market, located along Gyadi-Gyadi–Zaria
Road. For the purpose of this study, selected terminologies used by youths
within this commercial environment were examined. The examples are presented
below:
|
S/N |
Terminology |
Gloss |
Neologism |
|
3a |
Zane |
Drawing |
Price |
|
3b |
Zabo |
Guinea
Fowl |
Default |
|
3c |
Kilin |
Clean |
Normal |
|
3d |
Tsalle |
Jumping |
Stolen |
|
3e |
Jefaffiya |
Thrown
Item |
Stolen
item |
The table presents the literal and figurative meanings of selected
terminologies used by phone sellers. In Table 3(a), zane ('drawing')
is figuratively used to refer to a specific price assigned to a phone. In Table
3(b), zabo ('guinea fowl') is used figuratively to describe a
defective phone with issues such as screen damage, battery faults, sensor
malfunction, or charging-port problems, making it difficult to sell.
Similarly, in Table 3(c), kilin ('clean') denotes
a phone that is in excellent physical and functional condition. In Table
3(d), tsalle ('jumping') is metaphorically used to refer to a
stolen phone obtained through illegal means. Likewise, in Table 3(e), jefaffiya ('thrown
away item') and the expression jefominitaakayi ('it was thrown
away') are figuratively used to indicate that a phone has been stolen or
illicitly acquired.
These examples illustrate how phone sellers employ specialized
terminologies to facilitate communication and identify the condition, value,
and legality of mobile phones within the market environment.
4.2.2 Terminologies used
at 'Yan Gwanjo
Yan gwanjo refers to a
second-hand clothing market where used clothes are sold at relatively
affordable prices. In some local contexts, such markets are also referred to
as Okrika or Okrika market. The term Okrika specifically
denotes imported second-hand clothing items sold within these markets.
Morphologically, these expressions illustrate lexical borrowing
and semantic extension in Hausa youth and market discourse. Such markets are
widely patronized due to their low cost and diverse range of clothing
materials.
|
S/N |
Terminology |
Gloss |
Neologisms |
|
4a |
Anda |
Below |
Low quality |
|
4b |
Na samane |
The best ones |
Best customer |
|
4c |
Kwashe ne |
Left over |
Chief |
|
4d |
Kudinsabo |
Price per new |
Commission |
|
4e |
Karciya |
Scratching |
The best goods |
The table presents the literal and figurative meanings of selected
terminologies used in Yan Gwanjo (second-hand clothing
markets). In Table 4(a), anda ('under') is a borrowed lexical
item from English under, which in this context figuratively refers
to brand-new clothes positioned below first- and second-class categories.
In Table 4(b), nasama ne ('the one on top') is
used to describe customers who consistently purchase new clothes, thereby
indexing high purchasing preference and distinguishing them from buyers of
second-hand items.
In Table 4(c), kwashe ne ('leftover') refers to
unsold clothes remaining after a sales period or event, often sold at
discounted prices, representing residual stock in the market.
In Table 4(d), kudinsabo ('new price') denotes an
informal commission or percentage given to an intermediary who brings customers
to the seller, reflecting an extra-market transactional arrangement.
In Table 4(e), karciya ('squeezing') figuratively
refers to high-quality or premium clothes that are well-preserved, nearly new,
and free from significant defects such as stains or tears.
These terms demonstrate morphological borrowing, semantic shift,
and contextual reclassification within the discourse of Yan Gwanjo markets.
Terminologies used at
Motor Park Station
Motor Park is a place
where cars, Lories, vehicles and buses are used for transportation of both
humans, animals, and goods.in these environments some terminologies are used by
youths it depends on a gender who are living in such environment.
|
S/N |
Terminology |
Gloss |
Neologisms |
|
5a |
Jarka |
Gallon |
Free of charge |
|
5b |
Gurgu |
Lame |
incomplete |
|
5c |
Aljihu |
Pocket |
Misconduct |
|
5d |
Zabo |
Guineafowl |
Wanderer |
|
|
|
|
|
The study examines selected terminologies used in motor park
settings, highlighting their literal and figurative meanings. In Table
5(a), jarka ('gallon') is figuratively used to refer to a
passenger who occupies a seat in a vehicle without paying fare, often due to a
personal relationship with the driver.
In Table 5(b), gurgu ('lame') denotes a passenger
who pays an incomplete or negotiated transport fare, reflecting partial
compliance with payment expectations. In Table 5(c), aljihu ('pocket')
refers to a passenger who sits beside the driver, a position considered
improper within motor park norms.
In Table 5(d), zabo ('guinea fowl') describes a
passenger who delays vehicle departure by waiting for additional passengers
until the vehicle is fully loaded. These expressions demonstrate semantic
extension and contextual redefinition of lexical items within motor park
discourse.
Terminologies used by
Drugs sellers
Drug sellers refer to
individuals or entities that sell Drugs. They use to sell drug in order to
supply to permaceuticals clinics, hospital and many other places. However
sometime some drugs are delivered out of order or illegally. Below are some
examples of some drugs that are harmful, danger, risk and prohibited. They are
selling illegally:
|
S/N |
Terminology |
Gloss |
Neologisms |
|
6a |
Zogale |
Moringa |
Marijuana |
|
6b |
Dan-bulu |
Blue
(Colour) |
Tablet |
|
6c |
Bulet |
Bullet |
Wine |
|
6d |
Audu |
Name
of Person |
Syrup |
|
6e |
Kankara |
Ice
Block |
Cocaine |
|
6f |
Koko |
Pap |
Cocaine Syrup |
|
6g |
Abinci |
Food |
Solution |
|
6h |
Fara |
White |
Drugs |
|
6i |
Madara |
Milk |
Syrup |
|
6j |
Fanta |
Fanta
Drink |
Drugs injection |
The study identifies selected terminologies used in drug-selling
environments, highlighting their literal and figurative meanings. In Table
6(a), zogale ('moringa') is used as a coded slang term for
marijuana and other illicit substances, reflecting covert lexical substitution
in drug-related discourse.
In Table 6(b), danbulu ('blue substance') refers
figuratively to psychoactive or medicinal substances, often blue-coloured
tablets or drugs such as refenor or strepsils used for intoxication or abuse.
In Table 6(c), bulet ('bullet') is metaphorically
extended to denote alcoholic beverages, including wine and related intoxicants.
In Table 6(d), Audu, originally a personal name, is used to refer
to syrup-based drugs such as codeine or promethazine-containing cough mixtures.
In Table 6(e), kankara ('ice block') figuratively
denotes hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin, while in Table 6(f), koko ('pap/akamu')
is used to refer to cocaine syrup in coded drug terminology.
In Table 6(g), abinci ('food') functions as a
disguised term for marijuana (makari) within drug slang. In Table
6(h), fara ('white') refers to capsules or tablets, while in
Table 6(i), madara ('milk') denotes cocaine or similar
substances. In Table 6(j), fanta (a soft drink) is used
metaphorically to refer to injectable drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
Findings
The findings of this
study reveal the productivity and creativity of youth terminologies, including
slang and jargon used across different social contexts. It was observed that
youths employ distinct lexical items to encode meaning and facilitate communication
within specific environments. The data indicate that such terminologies are
systematically used in diverse settings, including police stations, homes,
phone-selling markets, Yan Gwanjo markets, drug-related
environments, and motor parks.
Conclusion
The study concludes that
youth terminologies constitute a dynamic aspect of linguistic innovation used
for effective communication within specific social groups and environments. It
demonstrates that youths strategically deploy language to construct identity,
express group membership, and negotiate social meaning. These terminologies
reflect broader sociolinguistic variables such as peer affiliation, cultural
background, occupational setting, and social status.
Recommendations
This study is limited by
its scope, focusing only on selected youth environments within Kano Metropolis
and data collected within a restricted period. It is therefore recommended that
further studies should expand the scope to include additional social contexts
and broader geographical areas. Future research should also explore other
dimensions of sociolinguistics and lexical innovation to deepen understanding
of youth language practices in Nigeria and beyond.
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