The street slang ‘Idan’ has taken over Nigerian social media in recent times. Since its emergence in the vocabulary of numerous social media users, people have been curious about its meaning and origin.
The word ‘Idan’ first gained massive traction after a Twitter user published a thread discussing how president-elect Tinubu offered to help Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, through an intermediary, which Sowore reportedly declined. In the thread, the author referred to Sowore as ‘Idan,’ signifying a person who accomplishes a hard task.
However, ‘Idan’ is a slang that carries different meanings, depending on its context. This article highlights the key things people need to know about the slang.
Here are some facts about ‘Idan’:
1. ‘Idan’ is a dialectal word that originated from the Yoruba-speaking people of Nigeria.
2. When used as a slang, ‘Idan’ means a secret or underhanded deal. Any conversation where this slang is used alludes to some form of secrecy or illegal activity currently ongoing.
3. The use of ‘Idan’ suggests that a person is street-smart. This person may have dubious character, but they have excellent mental agility and expertise that make the impossible possible in difficult situations.
4. If used as a noun, ‘Idan’ refers to a highly revered person who is considered a “DON,” a godfather, or a bad(dest) guy.
5. Although many think that ‘Idan’ means magic, the word seeks to use logic and rationality instead of supernatural forces, such as in the context of magic.
Here are some phrases or sentences where ‘Idan’ may be used:
“OBA IDAN” – referring to a smart person
“ONI DAN” –referring to an illusionist
“Mofe pa IDAN” – which could mean, “I want to make the impossible possible.”
It is essential to recognize that ‘Idan’ carries both positive and negative intentions, depending on the context and its use. Thus, understanding where it appears is crucial to deciphering the message conveyed.
In conclusion, ‘Idan’ is a word that has evolved beyond its original dialectal roots, carrying a specific contextual meaning, and often used in informal conversations and social media discourse.
