A Nigerian woman living in the United Kingdom has shared a shocking experience that led to her losing her job, all stemming from what she considered an innocent compliment rooted in her Nigerian culture.
The Costly Compliment
The lady, who goes by the TikTok handle @user6119812239816, explained the incident in a video posted on the social media platform. She said she welcomed a female colleague who was returning to work from leave by telling her she looked good and had added some weight.
In Nigeria, such a remark is often seen as a positive observation, suggesting the person is healthy and thriving. However, in her UK workplace, the comment had a drastically different reception. Her colleague was deeply upset, began to cry, and subsequently reported the Nigerian lady to the management for body shaming.
From Meeting to Dismissal
The management called a formal meeting to address the complaint. The lady recounted her devastation and anger as she tried to explain the cultural context behind her words. She emphasised that in Nigeria, it was meant as a mere compliment.
Her explanations, however, fell on deaf ears. The management interpreted her comment as calling her colleague fat. She was asked to go home and await a decision on her return. Convinced that the outcome would be termination, she did not return to work, effectively concluding she had been sacked.
"They called a meeting. No, no, be small matter," she said in the video. "They called a meeting and were asking me why will I tell someone that someone is fat? Oh my god, I was so devastated... These people, no gree hear me o."
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The story, shared on December 4, 2025, sparked a frenzy of reactions online, with many netizens sharing their own experiences of cultural misunderstandings abroad.
Some commenters sided with the UK workplace's stance. User Annabell stated, "Even in Nigeria, saying someone has added weight is not a compliment. Don't talk about people's bodies." Another user, Dorathy D, agreed, saying she would also see it as bullying in Nigeria.
Others highlighted the stark cultural differences. User Ms bris advised caution: "I don’t even tell them their dress is nice. Because you might not know how they will take it." User Queenie suggested keeping interactions minimal: "Maybe you are still new in the UK. even i have formed the habit not talking to anyone at work."
Some questioned the severity of the punishment. User Street commented: "Them chance you. At best it’s a warning/disciplinary but not sackable offence... a company that is willing to terminate for such is a company you may not necessarily want to work in anyway."
Conversely, a few shared positive experiences. User Favour Clement noted that in her hospital workplace, monitoring weight was a routine and light-hearted activity among colleagues.
This incident highlights the profound and sometimes costly adjustments Nigerians and other immigrants must make when navigating professional environments in foreign countries, where well-intentioned actions can be severely misconstrued.
