In its latest update, the Oxford English Dictionary has expanded its lexicon with 20 Nigerian words and expressions.
The newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.
These words, deeply rooted in the everyday lives of Nigerians, highlight the influence of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions, which are increasingly gaining global recognition.
Notably, some of the words, such as “japa” and “jand,” appear as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.
Pronunciation guides have also been provided to assist non-Nigerians in accurately articulating the words.
Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant to the Oxford English Dictionary, announced the update on LinkedIn on Tuesday.
He expressed excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.
Ugwuanyi wrote, “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring a fantastic collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.
“This time, I drafted most of the words and had the incredible opportunity to provide their shtag #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:
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
