10 Common Slangs Nigeria Mechanics Will Always Use To Confuse You

In Nigeria, nothing reigns supreme, like the use of slang. Almost everything has slang for it in Nigeria. It’s the Nigerian way of catching cruise; it’s what keeps the ball rolling in the country. Nigerian mechanics have their slangs that’ll always confuse you. If you don’t pay attention, you might not get what they are trying to say.

To avoid confusion the next time you visit the mechanic, here are the commonly used slangs by Nigerian mechanics you should always keep in mind.  

1. FO-GA-9-ZA

When you hear a Nigerian mechanic say this word, just know they meant “Vulcanizer.” It’s a term used to refer to tyre technicians in Nigeria. Interestingly, the actual term for tyre repairers is not vulcaniser. Vulcanizer is a chemical reaction that occurs when a tyre is made from rubber and sulphur. The actual name for tyre repairers is “Tyre Technicians.” But it’s Nigeria, and anything goes.

2. TURTLE

This is the name Nigerian mechanics will call the only pedal that makes your car move fast. The actual word for the pedal is “Throttle.” Turtle is the name of the animal that lives underwater. The throttle is the car’s gas pedal; it makes every car move forward when it’s in driving gear. So, when you hear a mechanic say “turtle”, know that they are talking about “throttle.”

3. MEKO

Meko is the short word  they use when they mean “mechanic.” Your Nigerian automobile technician will comfortably use the word “meko” when they mean mechanic. So, when you hear it, just know they’re talking about an automobile technician.

4. TUBOR

Tubor is what Nigerian mechanics will call Turbocharger. A turbocharger is a device in a first induction car that allows cars to convert waste gas to more power. It allows your car to go faster. So, when you hear “Tubor,” know they are talking about a turbocharger.

5. THUMB START

Thumb start is what Nigerian mechanics say when referring to cars that start with a push button. When you Nigerian mechanic says, “thumbstart cars”, know they are talking about push-to-start cars. The correct word is “Push-To-Start.” No need to correct them; it’s okay knowing what they mean.

6. INDOMIE

This one is almost strange. Because, when a mechanic tells you to change the indomie of your car, what does that even mean? Does it mean that cars are made with indomie? Well, the content of the catalytic converter in every car is made up of strands that are in noodle-like shapes.

7. JEEP

Nigerian mechanics do not just use this one. Many Nigerians use it. Most Nigerians have the problem of referring to every SUV as a jeep. 

Jeep is, in fact, an automobile manufacturer. They were the first car company that produces the first off-road vehicle. So, the right word for cars that are not sedans or compact cars is SUV and not Jeep. SUV means sports utility vehicle. 

8. REWIRE

Rewire is the word used by Nigerian mechanics to refer to the person that rewires the electrical aspect of the car. The correct term for them is “automotive wiring technician.” So, once a car mechanic directs you to a “rewire”, know that this is who they’re talking about.

9. V4 ENGINE

The V4 engine is the term Nigerian mechanics use when they mean “4-Cylinder Engine” or “Inline Four Engine.” So when you hear a V4 engine, know that this is what they’re talking about. However, V4 engines are only found in motorcycles, for example, Ducati V4R, Aprilia RSV4, and Honda VFR. 

10. BOW JOINT

When you hear your mechanic say, “bow joint.” Know they are referring to “Ball Joint.” The ball joint is the device in your car that allows the steering to move in different directions. They also ensure they remain attached to the vehicle. The device allows your car wheel to move up and down as needed.

Conclusion

Knowing the correct words and terms for the slang used by Nigerian mechanics will save you confusion when they start using them. You don’t necessarily need to correct them. Knowing the correct words/terms for yourself is enough.