Today’s topic is one that’s both mind-boggling and deeply frustrating—let’s talk about the term “ashawo,” meaning prostitute in Nigeria. Nigerian men seem to have a habit of throwing this word around like confetti, especially when they disagree with a woman’s choices or behavior. I honestly can’t count how many times I’ve been called an “ashawo,” from random men on the street to even an ex.
And yes, let me give you the gist.
For some strange reason, “ashawo” seems to be the go-to insult for Nigerian men. If you dare to say no, it’s “ashawo.” If you challenge them in any way, it’s “ashawo.” It’s as though any form of resistance or independence from a woman is grounds to label her a prostitute.
Now, back to this particular ex. He struggled with serious self-esteem issues, and for most of our relationship, I found myself constantly reassuring him, massaging his ego, and providing emotional support. Then one day, during an argument, he dropped the bomb—“ashawo,” followed by “you belong in the streets.” Honestly, I had to laugh. We weren’t even intimate anymore, and yet, here he was, resorting to this insult as a last-ditch attempt to hurt me.
At that moment, I realised something important. Over time, I had collected quite a few “badges” of name-calling: witch, prostitute, fool, bastard—just to name a few. And you know what? None of them define me.
Another memorable encounter with the infamous “ashawo” insult happened one day when I accompanied my mom to the famous Ibo market in Warri, if you grew up in warri you would know how these sellers drag you like meat from tegwolor shop. lol
My mom wanted to get me some jeans you know, the ones they call “stock jeans” back then. As we strolled through the crowded market, one of the traders boldly grabbed my arm, trying to drag me away from my mom’s side to buy jeans from him. Annoyed, I pulled away and yelled, “Leave me alone, jor!”
And then, it happened.
The guy, full of audacity, shot back, “Ashawo, commot for here! You no wan follow me buy jeans!”
Oh lord, did my mom not light up like a firecracker.
Now, I always knew my mom had a fierce side, but seeing her switch up like a lioness protecting her cub was something I’ll never forget. She charged at him, no hesitation, and let him have it.
“You de crase! Na this small pikin you de call ashawo? Na your mama wey born you be ashawo, nonsense!”
She wasn’t done yet, though.
“If you touch this pikin again, infact, as I de waka pass, if anybody touch my pikin, I go crase for una for this market!”
And just like that, we walked through the market peacefully. My mom’s whirlwind of protection had made sure of it. She stood tall and fearless, making sure no one dared touch her child again that day.
It’s sad, though sad that this kind of name-calling is something so many Nigerian women experience. “Ashawo” is flung around casually, meant to belittle and demean, but it says more about the society we live in than the women it’s aimed at.
It’s time we start talking about the casual and harmful ways words like “ashawo” are used against women. It’s not just an insult; it’s a reflection of deep-seated issues within our society. But as for me? I wear my badges proudly because they say more about the people who threw them at me than they do about me.
Did a poll on my instagram, and apparently 100% of women who took the poll have been name called....
Have you ever been called an ashewo? please share your story in the comment section
thank you...
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Me and Lagos conductors 🤣🤣 ASHAWO nor Dey finish for their mouth oooo