(Re)constructing Nigerianisms through sarcasm and irony in selected Nigerian slangs and mannerisms

Abstract

Nigerian English, already nativized and domesticated in the socio-political culture of the country, has its distinct lexical features. The study, therefore, investigates the use of irony and sarcasm in selected Nigerian slang and mannerisms using Incongruity Theory to bring to the fore, the distinct Nigerian linguistic features, inherent in them. Neologisms, slang and Nigerianisms were purposively selected through observations in a university environment, churches and public spaces, the internet and the Nigerian music industry; only slang and neologisms that cover the major geo-political zones from socio-political, religious and educational areas are used for the analysis. The study concludes that sarcasm and irony are tools used to construct a distinct Nigerian discursive identity; with irony being used more than sarcasm. Sarcasm and irony are used to achieve intertextuality; non-Nigerians, who are not familiar with the contextual use of these Nigerianisms, might therefore be excluded from the ongoing discourse. Youths, however, also make use of these Nigerianisms to send a subtle message, correct social vices and indirectly document the socio-political events in the country. The research submits that most Nigerian lexical innovations and derivations are humorously construed through irony and sarcasm.