For centuries, this humor have travelled well over intervening cultures. Among writers who have joined this “bandwagon” is our very own Nigerian Teju Cole, in his Essays-Known and Strange Things.
But satirical dictionaries came into their own in the post-Victorian era. In 1913, Gustave Flaubert’s, posthumously published a satirical definitions with the title -Dictionary of Received Ideas.
All these, have one thing in common- lazy lines of brilliant wit.
Apparently I have always been entranced by the idea of a satirical dictionary. In this effort I try to recreate my experience with my travel around Nigeria to give punning but true definition. I hope most can relate with this:
AGBOKIM-Home to a flowing magic- can you hear the sound “abrakadabra”?
ARGUNGUN- Something fishy going on.
BAUCHI– just repeat “Bauchi”.
CHAPPAL WADDI-A little more altitude, a little less attitude.
EPE–O-fish-ially a tourist destination.
FARIN RUWA-cry me a River..
GURARA– Water e no get enemy!
IDANRE!-Nature’s romance! The land kisses the Skies and left onlookers speechless.
IKOGOSI – Make up your mind! You’re half way cold half way hot.
JEBBA-Where Mr Mungo finally Parked
JOS-Inactive volcanoes -active turmoils.
KAINJI-Dam it!
KAJURU -Castles & Fairytales!.
LUFASI PARK–a date with nature.
MOUNT PATTI– And the disciples gathered on Mount Patti. Sound biblical right?
MAMBILLA– Tea hot tea! Did I mention Tea?
NGWO– Tall pines, soft Okpa, enchanting waterfalls.
OWU– A wonder in the wilderness.
OBUDU– Ali in the wonderland.
OLUMO– Hiking goats and hiding places.
OSUN GROVES– Disney land of Orishas.
PLATEAU-Two! A table for Two!
RIYOM – Folded rocks laundry.
SHERE -granite rocks, hikers first love.
TARKWA BAY– Two Rastamen trying to sound Jamaican
UDI – Cool breeze. It’s kind of Coal in here.
WIKKI SPRING– Baba Blue!
YANKARI–Hausa say ‘Yankari’, Yoruba say ‘Ire a Kari’.
ZOO-Shhhh a minute silent to their bemoan their current state.
ZUMA – Rockstar-All Eyez on me
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MAYOWA BLADES the Founder of Naidrenalin Adventures, is a Russian trained Aeronautical Engineer and Adventure Travel writer.
