‘Am fine’, ‘it okay’, ‘u welcome’ and where Nigerians got it wrong with abbreviations

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

In Nigeria, like in many parts of the world, people love to shorten words and phrases. Sometimes, it’s like our own special language.

From texts to chats, we’re always looking for quicker ways to communicate. This rush has led to the rise of abbreviations, where we cut down words to their bare minimum. But sometimes, in our haste, we might stray off course, and that’s what has happened with phrases like “am fine,” “it okay,” and “u welcome” in Nigeria.

Why do we use abbreviations anyway?

Abbreviations are like shortcuts in language. They help us say more with less. It’s like fitting a whole sentence into just a few letters.

Abbreviations are handy because they save time and effort. In a fast-paced world where we’re constantly messaging and chatting, it’s natural to want to type quickly. Besides, using abbreviations can make us feel like we’re part of a community – like we have our own special language.

But it’s essential to remember that not all abbreviations are created equal. Some, like “lol” or “brb,” are widely accepted and understood. Others, like “am fine” or “u welcome,” might cause confusion or make us sound less educated than we really are.

Where things went wrong

While abbreviations are all well and good, sometimes they can veer off course. In Nigeria, abbreviations like “am fine,” “it okay,” and “u welcome” have become so common that they’ve started to replace the proper grammar.

For instance, when we say “am fine,” we’re trying to say “I am fine.” But the problem here is the word “am.” In proper English, it should be “I’m fine” because “I’m” is the contraction of “I am.” So, when we use “am” alone, it’s not grammatically correct. It’s like saying half of the sentence and leaving the other half out.

Imagine if we did this in other situations. Instead of saying “I’m going to the store,” we just said “going to the store.” It sounds strange, right? That’s exactly what’s happening with “am fine.” It’s like we’re missing a crucial part of the sentence.

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Similarly, “it okay” is another phrase that seems to be missing something. While it’s clear what the phrase means in context, it’s not technically correct English. In proper English, it should be “It’s okay.” The word “it’s” is short for “it is.” So, when we leave out the “‘s,” it sounds incomplete.

Think about it like this – when someone asks, “Is it raining?” we don’t just say “raining.” We say “It’s raining.” That little “‘s” makes a big difference in making the sentence complete.

And then there’s “u welcome.” While it’s fine for casual conversations, using “u” instead of “you” in more formal settings can come across as unprofessional. In professional emails or essays, it’s best to stick to the full words to maintain a level of professionalism.

Finding a balance

While abbreviations can be convenient, it’s essential to strike a balance. Using them in casual conversations or texts with friends is perfectly fine. However, when it comes to more formal situations, it’s crucial to revert to proper grammar.

Moreover, for those learning English, it’s essential to understand the difference between casual abbreviations and proper grammar. While abbreviations might be common in everyday speech, they might not always be appropriate in formal or academic settings.

Conclusion

Abbreviations like “am fine,” “it okay,” and “u welcome” have become ingrained in Nigerian English, offering a quick and easy way to communicate. However, it’s essential to remember that while these shortcuts might be convenient, they’re not always correct.

Striking a balance between casual conversation and proper grammar is key to effective communication. So, the next time you’re tempted to shorten a phrase, remember to consider the context and the audience.