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how far

What does how far mean?

A universal Nigerian Pidgin greeting used when meeting someone, checking in, or opening a conversation. It isn't literally about distance — it's closer to "how's everything?"

"How far, my guy? Long time no see!"

Origin

Compositional English phrase repurposed as a greeting; listed among core everyday greetings by the British Council's Nigerian Pidgin guide.

Frequently asked questions

What does "How far" mean in Nigerian Pidgin?
It's a casual greeting meaning "what's up" or "how are you," not a literal question about distance.
How do you reply to "How far"?
Common replies include "I dey," "I dey kampe," or just "Fine, and you?"
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.