Why Do We Greet Like We’re Fighting? (The Nigerian ‘Good Morning’ Struggle)
Why Do We Greet Like We’re Fighting? (The Nigerian ‘Good Morning’ Struggle)
— By The Daily Gist with David
---
Let’s be honest, greeting in Nigeria is not just a sign of respect — it’s a full-blown survival tactic. If you’re not careful, the wrong greeting (or no greeting at all) can cost you your peace, your respect, and even your portion of Sunday rice.
Yes, greeting in this country is that serious.
But… why?
Why do Nigerians say “Good morning” like they’re trying to checkmate you in a spiritual wrestling match?
Let’s talk about it.
---
😤 The Angry Good Morning
Some people will greet you like this:
> “GOOD MORNING.”
No smile. No tone. Just raw pressure. Like you’re the one that caused inflation overnight.
You’ll look at them like, “Ah ah, should I greet you back or duck for cover?”
You’re not even sure if it’s a greeting or a warning.
---
🥴 The Greeting Police: “You Didn’t Greet Me”
Nigerians love to guilt-trip you into respect.
You could be minding your business and next thing:
> “So you passed me and didn’t greet me, abi?”
Excuse me, Oga — it’s 5:45 a.m., I was still dreaming in traffic. Am I a robot?
The funny part is, even if you did greet them and they didn’t hear, it’s still your fault.
> “I didn’t hear you na. You didn’t greet well.”
You wan hear me from Mile 12 to Ibadan? Should I use megaphone?
---
👵 The “Greet Me or Die” Aunties
There’s a special breed of aunties who don’t greet first — ever. They will look you dead in the eye, say nothing, then go and report:
> “That child doesn’t have home training. No manners at all!”
Meanwhile, you were waiting for eye contact like you're defusing a bomb.
Some will even ignore your greeting completely and say:
> “You just dey shout good morning anyhow. You no go kneel down?”
Oh sorry ma, should I lie flat and roll?
---
😎 Gen Z and the “Yo Yo” Greeting Style
Let’s not lie — Gen Z brought vibes, but they also brought laziness in greeting.
Instead of “Good morning sir,” you’ll hear:
> “Yo, sup?”
“Guy how far.”
Head nod + earpods still in.
Try that with your Yoruba uncle and see how fast your destiny will be questioned.
Gen Z: “I greeted with eye contact and energy.”
Uncle: “Who is your father?” 😂
---
🧠 The Psychology Behind It
Now let’s get serious for a second.
In Nigeria, greeting is more than politeness — it’s identity.
It tells people:
You were raised right.
You respect hierarchy.
You know your culture.
But it’s also weaponized. People use it to:
Assert power over younger folks.
Force respect instead of earning it.
Gauge “your behavior” even if you’re having a bad day.
Sometimes, they don’t care how you’re feeling — they only care if you bowed low enough.
---
💀 True Story: Greet and Still Get Insulted
There was a day I greeted one elderly woman:
> “Good morning ma!” 😁
She replied:
> “What’s good about the morning? Is it your good that I’m using?”
I froze.
What do you even say to that?
“Sorry ma, I’ll greet you with sadness next time”? 😭
---
😅 So What Do We Do?
1. Still greet — but with sense.
If you don’t want wahala, just greet. Don’t argue. Save your sanity.
2. Don’t force fake respect.
If someone didn’t see you or missed your greeting, chill. You won’t die.
3. Respect goes both ways.
Let the older folks return greetings too. Let’s normalize kindness, not intimidation.
4. Gen Z, abeg try small.
We know the vibes are strong, but say the full sentence sometimes. Your future in-laws are watching 😏
---
🎤 Final Word from David
In this country, greeting is part of your CV. Whether it’s in the compound, on the street, or even in church, people judge you based on how you say “Good morning.”
But maybe it’s time we relax small. Greet because it’s kind, not because you want to avoid spiritual slap. 😭
So I ask you:
Have you ever greeted someone and still got insulted? Or did you forget to greet and it became a family meeting?
Let’s gist in the comments below 👇🏾
Until next time, this is The Daily Gist with David — where every story comes with cruise and sense! 📝🔥
Chat me on WhatsApp to get the link to other cool posts immediately I post them
07083701096
Or tap the link below
https://wa.me/2347083701096
Comments
Post a Comment