Our reporter
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added 21 new Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update, further cementing the global recognition of Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural contributions.
These new entries, which include widely used terms such as japa, gele, Suya, and 419, reflect the vibrancy of everyday life in Nigeria, the country’s cultural diversity, and its rich linguistic heritage. Several of the words are rooted in Pidgin English and street slang, showcasing the dynamic evolution of language in one of Africa’s most populous nations.
Dr Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian linguist and consultant for the OED, shared the exciting news on LinkedIn. He revealed that he not only drafted the definitions for many of the words but also provided audio pronunciations to help non-Nigerians grasp the correct intonation.
“So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you will hear my voice bringing these words to life,” Ugwuanyi said. He also highlighted that the selection process was data-driven, with OED editors relying on corpora to identify frequently used and socially significant words in Nigeria.
The new additions span a variety of themes, reflecting Nigeria’s unique socio-political landscape, ethnic identities, and culinary culture. Words like 419 (a reference to Nigeria’s criminal code for fraud) and yahoo boy (a term for an internet scammer) highlight societal challenges, while gele (a traditional head tie), adire (tie-dyed fabric), and suya (spiced grilled meat) celebrate cultural traditions.
Notably, some words, such as japa (to flee or escape) and jand (a colloquial term for the UK), are listed in both noun and verb forms, underscoring their versatility in everyday speech.
This is not the first time the OED has embraced Nigerian English. In 2020, it added 29 terms, including Okada (motorcycle taxi), danfo (yellow minibuses common in Lagos), and mama put (a roadside food vendor).
With these new entries, the OED continues to highlight Nigeria’s influence on global English. Below is the full list of the 21 words added:
- 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 milestone demonstrates the growing global appreciation for Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural dynamism, solidifying its place in the ever-expanding tapestry of English.
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