# Travel >> Destinations >> Africa

"White Person" in Nigerian Languages: Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa & Pidgin

Nigeria's linguistic diversity (500+ languages) means terms for "white person" vary by region. These are descriptive terms, not inherently pejorative, though tone/context matters.

Major Language Groups

Language	Term(s)	Literal / Nuance
Yoruba (SW)	Oyinbo / Oyibo	"Peeled skin" / "skinless" — refers to pale skin. Oyinbo pekin = white child (diminutive, sometimes affectionate).
Igbo (SE)	Oyibo / Oyibo mmadu	"White person" / "white human." Oyibo nwa = white child.
Hausa (North)	Bature (sg) / Baturanci (pl)	From "Baturi" (European/British). Neutral. Farar fata = "white skin" (descriptive).
Nigerian Pidgin (Lingua Franca)	Oyibo / White man / White	Universal. "Oyibo dey come" = White person coming. "White can be affectionate or mocking depending on tone.

Other Notable Terms

Efik/Ibibio (Cross River): Nya idem ("white person").
Tiv (Benue): Mba yov ("white man").
Fulfulde: Jawo (from "Djawo" — European).

Cultural Context

Used for any light-skinned foreigner (European, American, Arab, Asian, Latino).
Not limited to men; Oyinbo obirin (Yoruba), Oyibo nwanyi (Igbo) for women.
Children often shout it curiously — not hostile.
In Pidgin, "My oyibo" can mean "my white friend/partner" (affectionate).

Respectful Usage

If you're the "oyibo": smile, wave, respond in Pidgin ("How far?"), learn a few local greetings. It breaks ice instantly. Don't take offense—it's a category, not an insult.

Oromo Population in Ethiopia: ~33.8 Million (2007 Census)

Is Tanzania More Rural or Urban?

Africa