The term “dash” has a few different meanings depending on the context in which it’s used. Here are the most common interpretations:
1. Nigerian Pidgin English:
In Nigerian Pidgin English, “dash” is commonly used to mean “gift” or “give something for free.” When someone “dashes” you something, it means they are giving it to you without expecting anything in return.
- Example: “I go dash you this shirt.”
- Translation: “I’ll give you this shirt for free.”
2. Standard English:
In Standard English, “dash” has several meanings:
- A Quick Movement: To move quickly or suddenly.
- Example: “He made a dash for the door.”
- A Small Amount: A small quantity of something, often used in cooking.
- Example: “Add a dash of salt to the soup.”
- Punctuation: The dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause or break in a sentence.
3. Other Uses:
- A Bribe: In some contexts, especially within Nigeria, “dash” might also refer to a small bribe given to someone, often in a casual or informal setting.
- Example: “I go dash the security man small money to let us enter.”
Contextual Understanding:
The meaning of “dash” depends heavily on the context in which it is used. In everyday Nigerian conversations, the “gift” or “free giving” meaning is the most common.
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