The etymology of “para” in Nigerian slang is believed to trace back to the English word “paranoid.”
From its roots in “paranoid” to its current status as a staple in Nigerian Pidgin, “para” may have succeeded in adopting a street-level significance. In other words, “para” resonates with the emotional pulse of the streets.
The link between ‘paranoid’ and the Nigerian Pidgin version ‘para,’ (meaning - going haywire or going gaga) lies in their shared connotation of mental instability, erratic behaviour or disturbed thinking.
In everyday language in Nigeria, ‘para’ may encompass a broader range of irrational behaviours, emotional outbursts or intense reactions to provocation. These can manifest in various ways including being overly sensitive, aggressive or quick-tempered.
In modern Nigerian society, “para” has permeated various facets of communication, from music to social media. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like “No para for me” or “Why you dey para?” in daily interactions, signalling a person’s emotional state or cautioning against overreaction.
“Para” can sometimes mask the seriousness of irrational behaviour, reducing it to a joke or light-hearted comment.
While “para” is uniquely Nigerian in its usage and connotation, several English idiomatic expressions capture similar sentiments:
To flip out: To lose control or become extremely angry.
To go off: To suddenly become very angry or agitated.
To lose one’s cool: To become angry or upset.
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