Oxford English Dictionary Adds 20 Nigerian Words in Latest Update

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added 20 Nigerian words and expressions to its lexicon. This update indicates the growing global recognition of Nigerian Pidgin, slang, and cultural expressions.

Among the new entries are popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi.” These words, deeply embedded in Nigerian culture, reflect everyday language and interactions.

Some words, such as “japa” and “jand,” are listed as both nouns and verbs, showing their versatile usage. Pronunciation guides have also been included to aid non-Nigerians in their articulation.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant to the OED, shared the update on LinkedIn. He expressed joy over contributing to the drafting and recording of these entries.

Ugwuanyi wrote, “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 hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.”

Among the entries, “japa” is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”

“Agbero” is described as “a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers, and ushering passengers onto vehicles. ”

The term “419,” widely known in Nigeria, is defined as, “Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 email, 419 scam, etc. Cf. yahoo n.2”

Here is the complete list of Nigerian words added to the OED:

419, abi, adire, agbero, area boy, cross-carpet, cross-carpeting, eba, Edo, gele,  jand (noun, verb), janded (adjective), Japa (noun, verb), Kanuri, Kobo, Naija, suya, Yahoo, yahoo boy, Yarn Dust