Oxford English Dictionary Welcomes 20 Nigerian Words

Oxford English Dictionary Adds 20 Nigerian Words, Showcasing Nigeria’s Rich Linguistic Heritage

In its latest update, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has included 20 uniquely Nigerian words and expressions, reflecting the growing global recognition of the country’s culture and language. These additions highlight Nigeria’s influence on the English lexicon, celebrating Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural nuances.

Among the new entries are popular terms like japa, agbero, eba, 419, and abi, all of which are integral to Nigerian society. Some words, such as japa and jand, are listed as both nouns and verbs, showcasing their versatile usage. Additionally, pronunciation guides accompany the entries, aiding non-Nigerians in properly articulating these words.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, shared the exciting update on LinkedIn, expressing his pride in contributing to the latest publication. “This collection beautifully reflects Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians,” Ugwuanyi wrote. He further revealed that his voice is featured in the pronunciation guides for the new words.

Here is the full list of newly added Nigerian words:

1. 419 – A reference to advance-fee fraud, named after the section of the Nigerian Criminal Code dealing with such crimes.
2. Abi – A conversational tag often used to confirm or seek agreement.
3. Adire – A traditional Nigerian indigo-dyed cloth.
4. Agbero – A tout who assists passengers and drivers at bus stops and motor parks.
5. Area boy – A street gang member or young man engaging in informal activities in urban areas.
6. Cross-carpet / Cross-carpeting – Switching allegiance from one political party to another.
7. Eba – A staple Nigerian dish made from cassava flour.
8. Edo – A reference to the Edo people or language of southern Nigeria.
9. Gele – A head-tie or headwrap, typically worn by Nigerian women.
10. Jand (noun, verb) – A slang term for the United Kingdom or traveling abroad.
11. Janded (adjective) – Having traveled to or lived abroad, especially in the UK.
12. Japa (noun, verb) – The act of emigrating, often to seek better opportunities abroad.
13. Kanuri – The language or people of the Kanuri ethnic group in Nigeria.
14. Kobo – The smallest unit of Nigerian currency.
15. Naija – An informal term for Nigeria or things related to Nigeria.
16. Suya – A spiced and grilled meat skewer, a popular street food.
17. Yahoo – Internet fraud, often involving advance-fee scams.
18. Yahoo boy – A person who engages in internet fraud.
19. Yarn – To talk or chat, often informally.
20. Yarn dust – To speak nonsense or make unsubstantiated claims.

This milestone not only celebrates Nigeria’s cultural richness but also underscores its growing linguistic influence on the global stage.