NAIJA GOOD: “PUT JARA”

“PUT JARA”/ “É FISI”

NAIJA GOOD: PUT JARA
This! Is a common saying in all Nigerian markets.
When we are purchasing foodstuffs at the market both the buyer and seller are used to this term “put jara”. Yoruba will say -“É Fisi”.
Meaning: Add More.

Every buyer says this, it’s somehow like an obligation, like a popular saying. It’s like an understanding between a trader and it’s customer.

I grew up knowing that when I go to buy something in the market, I must tell them to put “fisi”, “Jara”. It was as compulsory as me saying what I want to buy.
In fact, sometimes when I’m being sent off to buy something, they would always shout across to me -“tell them to put jará o!”
And everytime we tell a trader to put “jará” for us, they always do; you will almost think you are paying for it.
It is such a custom to the extent, some traders would even put the “Jara” before you ask.

Some tomatoes, pepper, onions or sometimes potatoes sellers have what they call -“Baaje”, these are the goods that are almost spoilt or maybe no longer fresh or the weight of other goods created a dent on it during transportation; these traders would pick those ones aside and when it is time to put “Jara” they would fetch from it and put for their customers.

These traders don’t have to put “Jara” or “fisi”, its as easy as payment and service. They are not obliged to add a little extra for you because it’s also takes out of their profits. But from the goodness of their hearts they always add a little extra for the buyers which always comes in handy. (E.g -makes 4 oranges turn to 5, 8 tomatoes turn to to 10 and so on.)
There you have it!

But I must warn you: do not go and tell a provision or furniture or any other trader apart from foodstuffs/ perishable items sellers (e.g tomatoes, onions, groundnut, garri, millet e.t.c) to put “Jara” for you o. In those markets is where bargaining comes in.

NAIJA GOOD!

Written by -GOODNESS FELIX ADEBAYO @goodtoxinofficial