The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has recently added 22 Nigerian words and expressions to its collection, showcasing the growing global influence of Nigerian English.
Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant to the OED, announced the update on his LinkedIn account. The additions reflect Nigeria’s rich culture, vibrant language, and dynamic social realities. These words originate from Pidgin English, urban slang, and traditional expressions, offering a glimpse into the unique ways Nigerians communicate.
Some of the newly added words include “japa,” meaning to flee or escape, “Yahoo boy,” referring to an internet fraudster, “419,” a nod to the Nigerian criminal code for fraud, and “adire,” the famous hand-dyed fabric. Others include “agbero,” “yarn dust,” and “gele.”
Ugwuanyi, who played a significant role in drafting the definitions and pronunciations, shared his excitement:
“I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.
“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life,” he stated.
The complete list of new entries includes: 419, Abi, Adire, Agbero, Area boy, Cross-carpet, Cross-carpeting, Eba, Edo, Gele, Jand (noun), Jand (verb), Janded, Japa (noun), Japa (verb), Kanuri, Kobo, Naija, Suya, Yahoo, Yahoo boy, Yarn dust
This update is a testament to the global relevance of Nigerian English. It captures expressions that resonate with contemporary societal trends, such as “japa” and “Yahoo boy,” while preserving traditional elements like “adire” and “gele.”
The OED, renowned for its comprehensive documentation of the English language, regularly updates its entries to reflect cultural, social, and linguistic trends worldwide. This milestone celebrates Nigeria’s profound impact on English, solidifying its place in global linguistic history.
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