You dey form / Forming (How did “you dey form” come about? See more…)

 While “You dey form” or “Forming” originates from the English word “form,” its adaptation in Nigerian Pidgin conveys a distinct meaning: to pretend, feign, or put on airs.

The English word “form” denotes the act of shaping or creating something. In Nigerian Pidgin, this term has been recontextualized to describe behaviour that is perceived as insincere or pretentious. When someone is “forming,” they are seen as adopting a façade or behaving in a manner that is not genuine, often to impress others or to mask their true feelings or status.

For instance, if a friend who usually enjoys local delicacies suddenly expresses a preference for foreign cuisine in a bid to appear sophisticated, one might say, “Why you dey form?” — questioning the authenticity of their behaviour.

“Forming” is often viewed negatively, as it suggests a departure from one’s true self in favour of a contrived persona.

Several English idioms capture the essence of “forming” as understood in Nigerian Pidgin:

Putting on airs: Behaving in a way that shows one thinks they are superior.

Faking it: Pretending to be something one is not.

Being pretentious: Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.