Body-shaming is so ingrained into our vocabulary and subconscious that even words that are blatantly insulting have been normalized. And people say them like they didn’t just drop an insult. Here are 6 body-shaming words that Nigerians have normalized.
1. Lekpa.
Translation = Skinny ass person/ thin/ bony person . They like to say this one like it’s a compliment because somehow “slim” connotes “fine body”. But since when does identifying someone with a name that is not their name and is also condescending qualify as a compliment?
2. Orobo.
Translation = Fatty/ fat ass/ obese person/ person in a size too big. Orobo is the allegedly less flattering opposite of “lekpa”.
3. Yellow.
Translation = Laiskin/ light-skinned/ fair-skinned. This one is usually tossed around like a compliment too. But in reality, it is a subtle reminder that whatever beauty you are being admired or complimented for is tied to the fact that your skin is lighter.
4. Blackie.
Translation = dark-skinned person. The less flattering opposite of “yellow”. Less flattering because no matter how many times #melanin popping trends, people still consider dark-skinned people as less attractive.
5. Shortie.
Translation = Short person. This sounds like the popular term of endearment “shawty” but it is not. It is in fact a nod to a height that is deemed way below par.
6. Dogo.
Translation = Tall person/ long person/ giant/ person who is too tall.
