Look sharp
‘Look sharp’ doesn’t mean dressing well! See more…
‘Look sharp’ is an idiom which means ‘ordering somebody to hurry.’ But the Nigerian version of the idiom emphasizes physical appearance with regard to wearing smart clothes. In international communication, this doesn’t guarantee mutual understanding.
Be a Devil
(Why people seem to shy away from Manchester United Football Club (Man U). See more…
A name with a negative connotation can have a positive meaning depending on the context. ‘Red Devils’ is a good name which in a way has a connection with the phrase ‘be a devil.’ ‘Be a Devil’ or ‘Red Devils’ does not in any way suggest a connection with the Devil or Satan. The moniker ‘Red Devils’ underscores aggressiveness, and fierce-playing style; an unrelenting spirit that propels Man U to achieve great heights.
Bank holiday
(Is ‘Bank Holiday’ a holiday for bankers only? See more…)
‘Bank holiday’ used to be a holiday observed by bankers many years ago. During that period, banking formed the major part of economic activities. At that time, allowing bankers to go on a holiday forced other businesses to close down. But over time, ‘bank holiday’ became synonymous with any other public holiday in which people stay away from work.
Go-getter
Goal-getter
(Which is correct? See more…)
In Nigeria and perhaps beyond, football fans appreciate footballers that score goals. Therefore, fans describe goalscorers as ‘goal-getters.’
Many people have embraced this expression as the correct term, due to the popularity given to it by the game of football. In other words, the spelling that appeals to most people is ‘goal-getter’ which in literal translation is: ‘getting goals’ or ‘scoring goals’ in football.
However, ‘go-getter’ (and not ‘goal-getter’) is the more traditional, and well-established idiom that is widely accepted. ‘Go-getter’ simply means the hunger to succeed; to achieve goals. In formal terms, it is encouraged to use ‘go-getter’
Rest assured
Be rest assured
(which is correct? See more…)
“Be rest assured” is not standard usage among native speakers of English. Unfortunately, that is the popular Nigerian English.
Many authorities throw their weights behind ‘rest assured,’ and describe it as the correct option. It is a fixed phrase or expression that is used to reassure somebody about something; it also means certainty, guarantee, etc. A simple way to look at it is to say:
‘You rest (your mind) with the assurance that things will be fine.’ Hence ‘rest assured.’
On the ground
On ground
(which is correct? See more…)
The phrases ‘on the ground’ and ‘On ground’ are often confused due to their similar wording. ‘On ground’ is a blunder many people make including presenters, broadcasters, public speakers, among others.
On the other hand, ‘on the ground’ is a standard expression. What makes the difference is the definite article ‘the.’
‘On the ground’ is the correct phrase commonly used to refer to a situation or condition as it exists in reality especially in contexts like discussions about social issues or business situations. It conveys a sense of being directly involved or present in a specific situation.
Jokes / joke apart
Joking apart
(which is correct? See more…)
The common rendering of the phrase in Nigeria and perhaps other countries is ‘jokes apart.’ But according to the authorities, the correct idiom is “joking apart.”
To date
Till date
(which is correct? See more…)
No matter how strange it may sound, ‘to date’ is a better choice. It is a standard expression. ‘Till date’ is considered non-standard in most formal or professional contexts or communications.
I am
Am
(Any difference? See more…)
Many Nigerians think ‘I am’ (shortened as ‘I’m’) is the same as ‘am.’ Therefore, they wrongly use both ‘I’m’ and ‘am’ interchangeably.
The contracted form of ‘I am’ is ‘I’m.’ It is not ‘am.’ In other words, ‘I’m’ is the abridged way of saying ‘I am.’ It is regrettable that ‘am’ is increasingly becoming common usage pattern in formal settings.
Communication experts have stated that the use of ‘I am’ or ‘I’m’ should be encouraged in formal settings rather than ‘am.’ What happens in most cases is that people throw away the ‘I’ in ‘I am’ and think ‘am’ is the same as ‘I am.’
So, you see people making statements such as:
“Am coming.”
Instead of:
“I’m coming.”
Or:
“I am coming.”
And the likes
And the like
(which is correct? See more…)
Language purists advocate that ‘and the like’ is the more traditional expression which means ‘and things similar to what has been mentioned.’
But what is popular in most Nigerian conversations is, ‘and the likes.’ Perhaps the logical reason for adopting this wrong expression flows from sentence structures such as:
“The likes of John and Jude are rare.”
Authorities point out that it is correct to say, for instance:
“Cake, bread and the like are sweet.”
But it is wrong to say:
Cake, bread and the likes are sweet.
God-sent / Godsent
Godsend
(which is correct? See more…)
‘Godsend’ is the right choice, and it refers to a person or thing that is considered a blessing.
But many Nigerians speak from the understanding that ‘God sent’ someone as a blessing to them. This has led to the wrong conclusion that anyone that God is using for the good of mankind must be a ‘godsent.’ This perspective is wrong.
Anyone that God has sent to be a blessing to the people should be regarded as a ‘godsend’ or ‘heaven-sent,’ but definitely not a ‘godsent.’
“More grease to your elbow” is wrong! (See more…)
Many Nigerians believe that the elbow joint is comparable to other machine parts that become more flexible when grease or oil is applied to them. Hence the expression, “more grease to your elbow.”
Another school of thought suggests that, since ‘elbow grease’ means ‘hard work,’ it is not out of place to say: ‘more grease to your elbow.’
As practicable as these viewpoints may be, they are misleading comparisons, and the expression - ‘more grease to your elbow’ - is wrong.
The correct expression is, “more power to your elbow.” It is a particularly British expression that is used to appreciate people’s efforts. While grease might imply smooth operation or ease, the original phrase uses ‘power’ to convey energy and strength.
Make a killing
Make a kill
(Which is correct? See more…)
When the conversation is centred around earning a large amount of money, often surprisingly in a business deal, “make a killing” is the correct expression.
Many Nigerians use “make a kill” in this context. The confusion may stem from the fact that both phrases have identical word order and rhythm, similar sound, and phrase structure.
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