Definition & Meaning of "dey play"in English

What does "dey play" mean in Nigerian slang?

In Nigerian slang, "dey play" means someone is being unrealistic, joking when they should be serious, or simply not making sense. It is used in informal Nigerian English and Pidgin, often as a blunt reaction to statements or actions considered foolish, exaggerated, or delusional. The phrase comes from Nigerian Pidgin English, where "dey" means "is/are" and "play" means to joke or behave lightly, so the expression literally conveys someone "is playing," meaning they are not taking things seriously or are out of touch with reality.