The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has incorporated 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update, reflecting the growing global recognition of Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural contributions.
The new entries include terms like “japa,” meaning emigration in search of better opportunities, and “agbero,” referring to a tout working at car parks or bus stops. Other notable additions are “eba,” a staple Nigerian food made from cassava, and “419,” a reference to fraud commonly associated with advance-fee scams.
A Nigerian English consultant for the OED, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, expressed pride in contributing to the drafting of these words and recording their pronunciations. In a LinkedIn post, he highlighted how the entries capture the creativity and culture of Nigerians.
The expanded list, which also features terms such as “abi,” “suya,” “gele,” and “yahoo boy,” includes pronunciation guides to assist non-Nigerians in using them accurately.
This update follows OED’s tradition of embracing words that highlight the dynamic nature of the English language, influenced by local dialects, Pidgin, and cultural expressions. It also underscores Nigeria’s impact on global culture and language.
The inclusion of these words is another step towards acknowledging the richness of Nigerian English and its place in the international lexicon.
