Abido Shaker, Steeze, Demure Lead Nigeria’s Top Google Searches for 2024

Nigeria’s Google searches in 2024 showcased a fascinating mix of curiosity, cultural trends, and societal influences, providing insight into the nation’s evolving identity. The most-searched terms reflected global phenomena, local events, and digital trends that shaped conversations across the country. From viral TikTok phrases to slang rooted in music and social media, each search term offered a snapshot of the year’s defining moments.

The term “demure” saw a surge in popularity in August, driven by TikTok trends. Influencer Jools Lebron’s viral phrase, “very demure, very mindful,” redefined the word traditionally associated with modesty, pairing it with irony and self-deprecating humor. Nigerians embraced this playful use across fashion and social media, celebrating imperfections with a refined twist.

Meanwhile, “steeze”—a blend of “style” and “ease”—dominated conversations as young Nigerians used the slang to highlight effortless coolness and individuality. Commonly tied to fashion and music, the word became a staple in online lingo, underscoring social media’s influence on modern language.

Interest in “naira mutilation” peaked following a controversial incident involving crossdresser Bobrisky, who sprayed new naira notes at a movie premiere in March. The ensuing legal repercussions and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s campaign against naira abuse drove Nigerians to understand the legal implications of mishandling currency.

Music played a significant role in shaping search trends, with Rema’s hit song “Ozeba” sparking curiosity about the Edo term meaning “trouble” or “wahala.” The song, from his July album HEIS., blended nostalgic Afrobeats with street-inspired vibes, resonating deeply with fans. Similarly, confusion around the word “Taraban” arose from a misunderstood lyric in Rema’s feature on Darkoo’s track “Favourite Girl.” The line, a reference to model Tyra Banks, prompted searches as listeners unraveled the actual meaning.

Religious and cultural expressions also influenced trends, with “Abido Shaker”—a term coined by Prophet Chukwuemeka “Odumeje” Ohanaemere—drawing widespread attention. Described as “the power to achieve the impossible,” the phrase gained traction through viral proclamations, memes, and a collaborative track with Flavour, reinforcing its status in Nigerian slang.

Other widely searched terms reflected growing interest in interpersonal dynamics and self-awareness. For instance, “pet peeves” emerged as a popular way to articulate personal annoyances, particularly in online discussions about relationships. Similarly, “moots” (short for mutual followers) highlighted the value Nigerians place on virtual connections in an increasingly digital world.

Terms like “pookie” and “refect” also stood out. The former, a term of endearment, gained momentum through memes and music lyrics, while the latter—meaning to refresh or nourish—became a trending topic tied to self-care and wellness. Both words underscored the interplay of humor, relatability, and lifestyle trends in modern Nigerian conversations.

Google’s annual search analysis revealed several other notable slang terms shaping Nigerian culture, including “No Gree for Anybody,” “Fold,” “Ate,” “Rizz,” and “Delulu.” These searches mirrored global trends while adding local flavor, illustrating how Nigerians adapt and reinterpret cultural phenomena.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Google West Africa, remarked on the significance of these trends: “The 2024 Year in Search offered a unique lens into the questions, interests, and conversations that shaped the lives of Nigerians this year. From cultural milestones to pressing concerns, these insights reflect how Search continues to be a valuable tool for users to navigate and better understand their world.”

The top 10 searched meanings of 2024 included Demure, Steeze, Pet Peeves, Moots, Naira Mutilation, Taraban, Refect, Pookie, Ozeba, and Abido Shaker, painting a vivid picture of the year’s cultural landscape in Nigeria.