• In 2025, “steeze” is everywhere, from TikTok to music to everyday conversations. But what does steeze mean? Is steeze a new word? Whether you’re trying to understand the slang, how to use steeze in a sentence, or the difference between steeze vs drip, this guide breaks it down.

    What’s the meaning of Steeze?

    The meaning of steeze is personal style and attitude. The word started in the skateboarding and snowboarding scenes of the 1980s and ’90s. It came from mixing “style” and “ease” — literally, being stylish without trying too hard. That combo gave us steeze, and sometimes steezy, steelo, or even steez.

    As skate culture made its way into hip-hop, the slang came with it. Songs like Grandmaster Flash’s “It’s Nasty (Genius of Love)” (1981) and GZA’s “Shadowboxing” (1995) dropped early references to steeze in music, helping the word spread.

    Now, in 2025, the meaning of steeze hasn’t changed. It still means effortless cool, whether you’re talking fashion, music, or just aura.


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    What’s the meaning of Steeze in Nigeria?

    Nigerian youth are always tapped into global fashion and culture, but trust us to add our own spice. That’s why steeze hits home. If you’re asking “what does steeze mean in Nigeria?” it perfectly describes what we already do: look good effortlessly.

    It’s more than dressing well and looking good. It’s about the aura. Having steeze in Nigeria means to move like everything is on purpose without trying too hard. You can also call it stylish, confident, unbothered.


    ALSO READ: Alté Style by Aesthetic: 7 Nigerian Female Artists and How to Dress Like Them


    Steeze vs Drip vs Rizz vs Composure

    Gen Z slang is basically a language of its own, and words like steeze, drip, rizz, and composure get tossed around like confetti. They sound similar, but they’re not the same thing. Let’s break it down:

    Steeze = Style + Ease

    It’s the cool you don’t force. It’s your distinctive personality and aura.

    Example: “Mr. Farooq from Ojude-Oba has the steeze of a dozen horsemen.”

    Drip = Loud fashion flex

    Drip is all about the outfit. It’s expensive, coordinated and meant to be seen. Drip is your stylish appearance. If you’re wearing chains, shades and a designer logo screaming on your chest, you’re dripping.

    Example:Davido’s drip is mad. He pulled up in VVS diamonds and a fur coat in Lagos heat.”

    Rizz = Charm + Game

    Rizz is short for charisma. It’s the ability to charm or seduce others. It’s the sweet mouth, the sauce and the ability to move mad with confidence. Imagine someone who can pull your crush with just a “Hey, you.”

    Its usage as a noun is “Rizz”, and as a verb, it’s “Rizz” or “Rizz up.”

    Example: “He tried to rizz her up, but she wasn’t interested.”

    Composure = Cool + calm + collected

    This is about never being caught lacking, regardless of the environment and situation. When you think of composure, think of staying cool and “act like you’ve been here before.”

    Example: He kept his composure in front of the police despite being threatened with being locked up.”


    ALSO READ: 280+ Instagram Captions That’ll Get You Likes, Saves, and Maybe an Ex’s Text


    What does it mean when someone says I got steeze?

    If you get complimented that you have steeze, it means that you have a smooth, effortless style that can’t be taught and bought.

    When you think of people with steeze, think someone like video director TG Omori, who rocks haircuts that are cool af with the hardest swag.

    Think Ayra Starr, who rocks short skirts with the flyest demeanour. Think of Rema and his chaotic rave lord aesthetics that stay sharp and on-brand.

    All I’m saying is these people will walk into a room and own it without saying a word. They got steeze.


    ALSO READ: 20 of the Best Nigerian Celebrity Hairstyles for Men in 2025


    Steeze 101

    Steeze is not:

    • Faking a look
    • Trying too hard
    • Being flashy for attention
    • Copying Pinterest from head to toe
    • 17 gold chains without coordination
    • Lastly, it’s what you have or don’t have

    Steeze is:

    • Main character energy
    • Having a signature
    • Comfort and looking good
    • More than dress, it’s confidence
    • Unbranded clothes over fake brands
    • Owning your awkwardness
    • Saying less but saying it with your chest
    • Respecting silence
    • Walking like the world is your runway
    • Knowing taste > money

    Do You Have Steeze? Take This 1-Min Quiz


    ALSO READ: 40 Latest Agbada Styles for Men Who Want to Stand Out

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  • So, you think you’ve got steeze? Style + ease? Aura that speaks before you do? Well, there’s only one way to find out. Take this quiz and we’ll tell you if you have it, are confused or are steeze-less.


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  • The male fashionistas of today are popular for their originality and unrestricted sense of style. Gone are the days of copying the “American rapper” fashion template once deeply seated in Afro-pop culture. 

    Looking for inspiration from stylish Nigerian men to step up your own game? These are the guys to check out.

    Teezee

    As one of the founding fathers of Alté music, it isn’t hard to link Teezee‘s fashion style to the culture. He’s not your regular music and record label executive. You’ll only ever catch him in street or athleisure wear, casual clothes or adire pants for that Nigerian flavour.

    IG: @teezee

    Alani Gram

    Alani Gram is almost always in Yoruba trad, but some days, it’s hats, suits and other comfortable clothes. Still he looks like everyday is summer to him. He recently launched MŌYÀTÒ — a unisex fashion brand making vintage Yorùbá prints and patterns into the coolest designs and wears. You can be stylishly different like Alani. Do it for the culture and carry on tradition.

    IG: @alanigram

    Feedy

    One of the few guys who rock jerseys better than football players is Feedy. Football jerseys have broken into the fashion industry, but many folks haven’t caught on yet. Learn from Feedy AKA TheFeedbackBoy, who rocks football jerseys of all kind, from retro to classic. He’s so cool, he styles the current reigning video director, TG Omori. Feedy’s style community, Old Capsule, is focused on showcasing, selling and promoting vintage soccer jersey products.

    IG: @thefeedbackboy

    TG Omori

    Speaking of, if you follow TG Omori on any of his social accounts, it’s clear to see why he’s one of the most fashionable young men in Nigeria today. Unique sunglasses, cool tops and unusual shoe choices are major components of his style, but he’s also unpredictable.  Aside from his spectacular locs and gold grills, TG’s thick moustache makes him look even more stylish. Everything about him screams, “I’m so cool.” 

    IG: @boy_director

    Walter Banks

    Walter Banks AKA Wacko is a photographer and creative director who’s worked with many Afrobeats A-listers, and his eye for fashionable AF looks is A1. His style hangs between street fashion and Alté.

    IG: @wark_jacko

    Faraz

    Nothing overboard with Faraz Muhammad’s steeze but lots of iconic European street and rare Asian fashion releases. He knows how to throw all the simple clothes together and make runway swag out of it. He may appear like a Korean mountain climber on some days, but kids and adults can take inspiration from him any day.

    IG: @sixhunred

    Dwin, the Stoic

    Dwin wears silky tunics and suits, large clothes only Japanese warlords would wear, fascinating gold earrings and rings like Shabba Ranks. He’s very much royal and relaxed with his style. Out of ten folks, you’d hardly find two who dress like him. 

    Ejirhogene

    If you want the why-couldn’t-I-think-of-those type of looks in your wardrobe, Ejirhogene is who to follow. His style creatively crosses cultures and puts different clothings together to make unique outfits. This guy can rock agbada, durag and school sandals and still be the best dressed in the room. His finesse peaks with cool and unique colour combinations and accessory collections.

    Twitter: @Ejirhogene_

    READ: The Fashion It-Girls of Naija to Be Inspired By