BETTING MEMES

The aim of the study is to examine how Nigerian Pidgin is used in betting memes to communicate meaning. While its specific objective is to identify the type of message communicated in Nigerian Pidgin. For this study, the primary data collection method was online research. A total of 30 betting memes were collected from two social media platforms, Twitter and Whatsapp. Semiotic theory and Social semiotics were the two theoretical frameworks used for the analysis of the provided data. Using these frameworks, the study was able to identify how meaning was created through the relationship between signifiers and signifieds in the memes, and how these memes reflect social realities, emotions, and shared experiences of Nigerian youth. The frameworks helped to interpret both the linguistic and visual elements of memes, showing how Nigerian Pidgin was used creatively to express humour, frustration, and identity in betting culture. The findings revealed that Nigerian Pidgin played a key role in communicating humour, frustration, and shared experiences among betters, while also reflecting social realities such as hope, loss and resilience. The memes combined language and images to express the everyday emotions in betting in relatable ways. The study concluded that Nigerian Pidgin serves as a powerful cultural and communication tool in digital betting spaces, strengthening social connection and self expression through humour and creativity