The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added 20 new words and expressions from Nigerian English, reflecting the vibrant linguistic and cultural influence of Nigeria. This development underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian Pidgin, street slang, and cultural expressions.
Among the newly added entries are popular terms such as “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi.” These words, widely used in everyday conversations across Nigeria, now join the ranks of English vocabulary accessible to a global audience. The OED has also included pronunciation guides to assist non-Nigerians in accurately articulating these terms.
The inclusion was announced by Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant to the OED, who took to LinkedIn to express his excitement.
He 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
