The internet has become a key source of entertainment for many people around the world. One of the most popular platforms in Nigeria is TikTok.
TikTok is a popular social networking and live-streaming website noted for its short-form videos and large global user base. It was previously banned in some countries because to worries about data privacy and national security. While certain restrictions remain in place, many have been eliminated as a result of judicial challenges and policy revisions.
TikTok’s enormous popularity in Africa, particularly Nigeria, has made the platform a key source of slang, trends, and viral culture. TikTok, one of the world’s biggest social media and live-streaming sites, has changed how young Nigerians express themselves online, resulting in innumerable catchphrases. “Sope Purr” is a very new and popular slang term.
The slang “Sope Purr” was created by TikTok user @aesha_alagbo, a well-known herbal health care professional based in Ibadan, Nigeria. She’s gained a large following by filming short films to market her local herbal treatments, which she sells around the country and receives favorable feedback from clients. In early 2025, she shared a joyful video of her pals already dressed up for a festival, and in awe of their beauty, she casually quipped, “Sope Purr!””—and it took off immediately.
While the phrase “Sope Purr” is catchy and popular, its meaning is not set in stone. In one of her interviews with a prominent Nigerian TikTok influencer, Aesha revealed that it was not anything she planned or thought hard about; it just came out spontaneously, and this is not the first time she has said this in a video. She even said that it didn’t have a deep significance and was more about the mood of the moment.
Still, among users, “Sope Purr” has come to roughly translate as “say period,” similar to saying “final say” or expressing extreme appreciation—particularly for beauty, vibes, or confidence. Depending on how it is used, it can also have a fun meaning, such as “dey play” in a joking tone. That adaptability is part of what helped it grow viral.
Following the release of Hey Jago with Rahman Jago and Poco Lee, Nigerian singer Shoday released a new tune with street ambassador Ayo Maff, which boosted the slang’s prominence. The song’s street appeal and youthful spirit propelled “Sope Purr” into the spotlight, making it even more popular on Nigerian social media.
Interestingly, Aesha’s impact is growing. In a recent livestream, she revealed that she had just purchased a new automobile for her business, which she now uses to carry herbal items directly to her clients’ homes. Another example of how TikTok popularity can benefit small companies in Nigeria.
About The Author
