A Nigerian woman residing in the United Kingdom recently shared a distressing experience where a linguistic misunderstanding led to her arrest and detention. In a TikTok video, she recounted how referring to prescribed medications as “drugs” resulted in a serious misinterpretation.
The incident began when she visited a pharmacy to purchase medication for her unwell husband. After obtaining the necessary items, she called her husband to inform him, saying, “I got the drugs, I got two drugs for you. So, when I get home, when you use it, you are going to be strong.” Unbeknownst to her, nearby individuals overheard the term “drugs” and assumed she was referring to illegal substances. Concerned, they alerted the authorities.
Shortly after, police officers arrived and questioned her about the “drugs” she mentioned. She clarified that she was referring to the medications she had just purchased, showing them the items. However, the officers were skeptical and proceeded to detain her for further questioning. She was taken to the police station, where she was interrogated, and her residence was searched to ensure there were no illegal substances. After confirming her explanation, she was eventually released.
Reflecting on the ordeal, she humorously attributed the misunderstanding to her “Nigerian English,” noting that in Nigeria, it’s common to refer to medications as “drugs.” She expressed her frustration, stating, “This Nigerian English is not just putting me into trouble, but in big mess.”
This incident underscores the importance of being mindful of linguistic differences and cultural nuances, especially when residing in a foreign country. Certain terms may carry different connotations, and what is commonplace in one culture might be misinterpreted in another. It’s a reminder for individuals to be aware of such differences to avoid potential misunderstandings.