The slang Idan has continued to enjoy massive social media attention. Since its inclusion in the vocabulary of numerous netizens, curious minds have begun to seek more information about the street slang that has become a favorite amongst many.
Idan began garnering massive traction a few days ago after a Twitter user published a thread recounting how president-elect Tinubu offered to help African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore through an intermediary, an offer that he reportedly declined.
Sowore’s choice to shun Tinubu’s offer of help and then proceed to run for the same office as Tinubu, even though he lost, earned him some degree of reverence by this author who also referred to him as ‘Idan” in his thread signifying a person who achieves a difficult feat.
It should also be noted that this term is pregnant with meaning that largely depends on the context in which it’s used. For this piece, we will be looking into the contextual meaning of this word as street slang.
Without further ado, here are things you didn’t know about the street slang ‘Idan.’
1, The word Idan is a dialectal word that originated from the Yoruba-speaking people of Nigeria.
2. Idan, as slang, is loosely translated to mean deal or to deal. (Secret or underhanded dealings). Conversations, where this slang is used, allude to some form of secrecy and illegalities currently in motion.
3, This slang also affirms that a person is street-smart. Although oftentimes a sketchy character, such a person is believed to possess excellent mental agility and prowess, making impossible situations possible.
4. Idan, if used as a noun, refers to a person who is highly revered and considered a ‘DON, godfather, or bad(dest) guy.
5. While many believe the slang to mean magic, which in actual sense does (Illusion), Idan as a street slang, seeks to use logic and rationality over supernatural forces as in the case of magic.
How many often use the term in phrases or sentences
“OBA IDAN” – Smart person
“ONI DAN” – Illusionist
“Mofe pa IDAN” – “I want to make the impossible possible.
It is important to state that, Idan holds within it positive and negative connotations, it is all about context. Therefore, understanding what context idan is used is crucial to knowing the message passed.
