Wahala Meaning and Definition
Wahala
Pronunciation
/ˈwɑːhalə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A phenomenon or situation that is chaotic, complex, or difficult to navigate.
Examples
- The traffic in the city was a wahala, taking hours to get through.
- The bureaucracy of the government office was a wahala, making it hard to get things done.
Synonyms
- Madness
- Chaos
- Catastrophe
Antonyms
- Order
- Efficiency
- Serenity
Additional Information
A wahala is a situation that is difficult to navigate or understand due to its complexity or chaos. It can refer to a wide range of phenomena, from traffic jams to bureaucratic red tape, and can be used to describe anything that causes frustration or stress.
Wahala is often used to describe situations that are unique to certain cultures or regions, and can be an important part of everyday language in these contexts.
Etymology
The word wahala is believed to have originated in West Africa, where it is used to describe chaotic or complex situations.
Usage Notes
Wahala is often used to describe situations that are familiar to the speaker, such as traffic congestion or bureaucratic red tape.
It can also be used to describe situations that are difficult to understand or navigate, but may not necessarily be chaotic or complex.
Cultural References
The term wahala has been featured in a number of cultural references, including music and film.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Wahala dey
- Wahala everywhere
Related Words or Phrases
- Chaos
- Complexity
- Madness
Collocations
- Wahala in traffic
- Wahala with paperwork
Frequency of Use
The frequency of use of the word wahala varies depending on the context and culture.
Common Misspellings
- Wallah
- Wahalla