The Nigerian music maestro, Davido, coined the term “E choke.” Literally translating to “it chokes,” this phrase transcends its literal meaning to convey a sense of being overwhelmed — be it by excitement, surprise, or sheer disbelief - in response to something impressive or unexpected. For instance, upon witnessing an extraordinary performance or hearing astonishing news, one might exclaim, “E choke!”
The phrase surged into popular vernacular in December 2020, when Davido employed it in a social media post responding to praise for his latest album. Accompanied by a gesture of clutching his neck, Davido’s use of “e choke” vividly illustrated the sensation of being figuratively choked by overwhelming emotion. This expressive display resonated deeply with fans and quickly permeated Nigerian pop culture, becoming a staple in everyday conversations and online interactions.
In contemporary usage, “e choke” serves as a versatile exclamation. Whether reacting to an unexpected windfall, an awe-inspiring performance, or a jaw-dropping revelation, Nigerians deploy this phrase to encapsulate moments that leave them figuratively breathless. Its adaptability has also given rise to humorous variants like “e restrict my airflow” and “e clog my airspace,” further emphasizing the theme of being overwhelmed.
Expressions in English that resonate with “e choke” include:
I’m speechless.
This is mind-blowing.
I can’t handle this.
These phrases similarly convey a state of being so affected by an experience that one is momentarily at a loss for words or composure.
What began as an expression by a music icon has blossomed into a linguistic phenomenon.
“E choke” is predominantly positive, celebrating moments that leave one figuratively breathless due to their impact.
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