If you’ve been on Nigerian social media since 2021, you’ve undoubtedly heard someone yell a slang like “E Choke!””or the updated version, “E Too Choke!”
This term became popular as the ultimate way to react when something is too good, too stunning, too overwhelming, or too unexpected – whether in a sweet or harsh way.
What Does “E Choke” Mean?
“E Choke” is pidgin English for “it’s overwhelming” or “it’s too much to handle”.
Use it when:
- Someone just dropped insane content: Omo! This garment is lovely dying, E too choke!”
- When you see a crazy goal in football, you could say, “Ahh!” See the goal! E too chokes!”
- A friend arrives in unexpected style or luxury: “Omo, you don buy Mercedes?” E Choke o!”
The “Too” in “E Too Choke” is only to emphasize it — like saying, “This stuff is insane!”
Origin: Where Did “E Choke” Come From?
Davido, one of Nigeria’s most successful performers, popularized the phrase in early 2021. He utilized it in tweets, Instagram posts, and live videos to promote himself or others.
Following that, it became completely viral, appearing on TikTok, Twitter, street corners, football watch parties, and comedy performances.
Davido even stated in an interview that “E Choke” was more than simply slang, but a “movement” – and supporters pushed him to copyright it.
How It Spread Across Culture
Between 2021 and 2023, practically every hype guy, influencer, or Naija kid had a moment of shouting “E choke!”” in live streaming, music, or reaction videos.
Later in 2024-2025, the slang have become part of the permanent street vernacular. It is used in:
Reactions to Celebrity Drama
- Viral videos.
- Sports commentary
- TikTok posts.
- Funny clapbacks.
Examples of Use in 2025
“That Burna’s verse on the new track, ” E choke!”
“Did you watch that team’s goal .” E too choke abeg.”
“You still complain when they serve you food with two meats?” E choke, who gave birth to you.”
Even Gen-Z has remixed it now:
- “That party was chokeified.”
- “Her drip made me choke!”
Spin-Offs and Memes
Some of the spin-offs are:
“Who dey breath?””—another slang Davido dropped after “E Choke.”
” you choke or choken’t you?”” — used to toast or promote someone.
Conclusion
E Choke is one of those Nigerian slang terms that will never truly die. It’s passionate, emotive, and completely dramatic, which is ideal for the way Nigerians communicate and respond.
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