The English Version of the Pidgin Expression: 'Over Sabi Dey Worry You'

Hello guys, are you ready to know the winner of Saturday's quiz? Oh! I forgot some new guys might be seeing this for the first time. Well, on Saturday, I promised to give N1000 airtime (of choice) to anyone who could translate the pidgin expression "Over sabi dey worry you" in English. Unfortunately, very few persons responded. I understand. The quiz wasn't easy at all.

I say a big THANK YOU to my senior colleague, Sarah Daba Wilson, for her assistance. To the participants, I say Kudos! You all did well, but that wasn't your best. However, I have consolation prizes for y'all. Before stating the answer, it is important I react to your comments.

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Those of you whose answers carry the word "claim", please note that in the Pidgin expression, "over sabi dey worry you", no word actually means "claim", so it is incorrect. You guys almost got it but for the addition of the word "claim".

Similarly, those who said "You are over confident/You are too full of yourself" or "Hyperactive is your problem" is the correct answer, please, note that "over confident" or "hyperactive" has nothing to do with "over sabi" semantically (i.e. in terms of meaning).

Another person stated "conceitedness is your problem" as an answer. Well, I applaud you for that, but know that the word "conceitedness" is more related to pride than to knowledge. According to my senior colleague, Sarah Daba Wilson, "Conceitedness is your problem" in pidgin parlance can mean "Your problem be say you too dey carry body."

Having said that, what then is the correct English translation?

First and foremost, "sabi" means "knowledge" in English, so "over sabi" will simply mean "excessive knowledge" or "too much knowledge/knowing too much" in English. Now, when you say "Something dey worry you" in pidgin, it simply means that you are being disturbed by something, and that "something" disturbing you, becomes a problem. Therefore, "Over sabi dey worry you" simply means either of the following in English:

• Excessive knowledge is your problem.
• You are suffering from an excessive knowledge syndrome.
• Your problem is that you know too much.

Important notice

For clarification, suggestion and observation, don't hesitate to make use of the comment box. Also, all those who commented should expect their consolation prizes soon. Once you get yours, please kindly come back here to inform us. Once again, thanks for participating.