Oxford English Dictionary Adds 20 Nigerian Words in Latest Update

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its lexicon by incorporating 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update. These terms, which reflect Nigeria’s vibrant culture, have gained global recognition and are widely used in everyday Nigerian life.

The new additions include popular expressions such as “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi.” Some of these words, including “japa” and “jand,” are versatile, functioning as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.

These entries highlight the influence of Nigerian Pidgin, street slang, and cultural expressions that resonate far beyond local borders.

A pronunciation guide has been included for each word to help non-Nigerians pronounce them correctly. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, proudly shared the update on LinkedIn, revealing that he was involved in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.

Words like “japa” are defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries, particularly in search of education, employment, or better economic opportunities,” while “agbero” refers to a person who works as a tout, often in car parks or bus stops, collecting money from passengers.

Other notable words include “419,” which refers to a common type of internet fraud, and “yarn dust,” used for speaking aimlessly or telling exaggerated stories. Additionally, terms like “adire” (batik), “Naija” (a colloquial name for Nigeria), and “suya” (a popular Nigerian street food) were also added.

This update marks an important moment in the global acknowledgment of Nigerian expressions, further embedding Nigerian culture and language into mainstream English.