Gist (Nigerian term)

Gist is a term used in Nigerian English to refer to idle chat or gossip. It can also refer to a rumour or piece of gossip. The word can be used as a verb to mean to gossip or have a serious conversation.[1]

Gist
Origin/etymologyNigeria
MeaningIdle chat or gossip
Coined byNigerians

Etymology

The term "gist" is derived from the Nigerian English, where it is used to denote idle chat or gossip. The term has been included in the Oxford dictionary, acknowledging its widespread use in the Nigerian context.[2][3]

Usage

"Gist" is commonly used in everyday conversation in Nigeria. It is often used in the context of sharing news, rumours, or simply engaging in casual conversation. The term can also be used as a verb, as in "gisting", which means engaging in gossip or serious conversation.[4]

The term "gist" has permeated Nigerian popular culture and is often seen in various forms of media, including television, radio, and online platforms. There are numerous online platforms dedicated to sharing the "latest gist" or gossip from Nigeria. For example, the Naija Gist section of the online publication Naija News.[5]

Influence on Nigerian Media

The influence of "gist" on Nigerian media is significant.[6] Many online platforms and news outlets have sections dedicated to "gist", where they share the latest news, rumours, and gossip. This reflects the cultural importance of "gist" in Nigeria, where it serves as a means of communication and information dissemination.

Influence on Nigerian Literature

The term "gist" has also found its way into Nigerian literature. It is often used in literary works to depict conversations between characters, adding authenticity and depth to the dialogue. This further underscores the cultural significance of "gist" in Nigeria.[7]

See also

References
  1. Oyeleke, Sodiq (21 January 2020). "Full List: 29 Nigerian words in Oxford dictionary latest update". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  2. "War of words as Nigerian English recognised by Oxford English Dictionary". BBC News. 1 March 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  3. "'Okada', 'Kannywood', 27 other Nigerian words added to Oxford Dictionaries". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  4. Bamgbose, Dr Ganiu (7 January 2021). "Semantic variants of English words in Nigeria". Businessday NG. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  5. "Latest Gist & Gossip In Nigeria Today 16 October 2023". Naija News. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  6. Omoera, Osakue Stevenson; Aiwuyo, Oluranti Mary; Edemode, John O; Anyanwu, Bibian O (17 December 2018). "Impact of Social Media on the Writing Abilities of Ambrose Alli University Undergraduates in Ekpoma-Nigeria". GiST Education and Learning Research Journal. Institucion Universitaria Colombo Americana - UNICA (17): 59–80. doi:10.26817/16925777.412. ISSN 2248-8391. S2CID 158092644.
  7. Oyegoke, Bisi (1981). "A Review Article on Ground Work of Nigerian History". Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria. Historical Society of Nigeria. 11 (1/2): 75–88. ISSN 0018-2540. JSTOR 41857105. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
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