The reason why Nigerians call idiots ‘Dundee United’

Dundee United is one of the historic clubs in Scotland, but Nigerians see ‘Dundee United’ in a totally different way

In Nigeria, the term ‘Dundee’ or ‘Dundee United’ is an insulting word usually used instead of ‘stupid’, but ‘Dundee United’ is actually a club in Scotland.

Speaking on BBC’s comedy panel show QI, Nabil Abdulrashid, a Nigerian who was born in London but spent a chunk of his life in Nigeria, noted how children who did stupid things were called Dundee.

“Whenever we did something stupid, for me, which was very regular, we used to get called Dundee United,” Abdulrashid said.

Apparently, the term ‘Dundee United’ is a term that is loosely used by Nigerians- especially in the middle and lower classes.

The term has been around for many years, but there seems to be no appropriate reason for it. However, the host of QI, Sandi Toksvig, stated that the most possible reason for using Dundee United as an insulting word is because the club did a tour of West Africa in 1972. On that tour, they were flogged by Nigerian club Stationery Stores 4-1. Because of how poor Dundee United were, Nigerians took to calling idiots ‘Dundee United’.

There are other theories, but they all lack substance. However, Toksvig’s explanation seems to be the most plausible one so far.

Dundee United currently plays in the Scottish Championship.

This post was last modified on January 24, 2024 9:13 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

View Comments

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Ajax vs Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen scores again, but toothless Lions lose record in Amsterdam

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was on target for Galatasaray, but his goal was not… Read More

5 hours ago

Super Eagles call-up? Nathan Tella breaks silence on Chelle’s selection

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national… Read More

10 hours ago

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

13 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

14 hours ago

Sevilla FC: Nigerian prospect Ola Great receives trial invitation from La Liga club

Nigerian footballer Ola Great has received an official trial invitation from the Spanish La Liga… Read More

15 hours ago

Former Super Eagles midfielder reveals what Nigeria need to win AFCON 2025

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has revealed what the Nigerian team need to emerge… Read More

20 hours ago