Street
dey
What does dey mean?
One of the most fundamental words in Nigerian Pidgin grammar. It expresses existence ("to be/is") and also marks continuous or habitual action, similar to English "-ing."
"Where una dey go? — I dey work."
Origin
Derived from English "there" / "they" via Atlantic English-lexifier creole grammar; functions as copula and progressive-aspect marker, as documented on naijalingo.com and the Wikipedia "Nigerian Pidgin" article.
Frequently asked questions
What does "dey" mean in Pidgin?
It functions as the verb "to be" and also marks an action in progress, like English "-ing."
Can you give an example?
"I dey come" means "I am coming"; "She dey house" means "She is at home."
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