Yabis: A Phenomenon in the Contemporary Nigerian Music (Critical Essay)

Introduction Yabis is the noun of the Pidgin English word "Yab" (which literarily means to make fun of a person or a thing). The etymology of the word "Yab" is almost difficult to trace. But, in terms of its sound, two English words that come to mind are yap and yak. While the former is defined as talking noisily without saying anything very important or serious, the latter means talking continuously about things that are not very serious. However, when closely compared with the word "chatter" (to talk quickly in a friendly way without stopping--about things that are not serious or important), which is a synonym of yak, then, "Yab" may have a closer affinity with yak than yap.