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The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has incorporated 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update, showcasing the linguistic richness and cultural influence of the country.
Among the new additions are terms such as “japa”, “agbero”, “eba”, and
“abi”, which reflect Nigeria’s vibrant blend of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions. Several of these entries, including “japa” and “jand, are recognised both as nouns and verbs, underscoring their versatility in usage. To aid non-Nigerians, the dictionary also includes pronunciation guides for these words.
The update was announced by Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant to the OED, via LinkedIn on Tuesday. Ugwuanyi, who played a key role in drafting the entries and recording their pronunciations, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
“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,” he wrote. “This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life.”
Among the entries, “abi” is “Used as a sentence adverb: clearly, obviously; of course. Also used interrogatively, at the end of a statement, to prompt agreement, approval, or confirmation: ‘isn’t that so?’, ‘am I not correct?’, etc.”
Another popular entry is “japa” which is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”
The term “suya” is defined, stating, “In Nigerian cookery: a dish consisting of thinly sliced pieces of spiced meat grilled or roasted on a skewer, usually sold by street vendors and eaten as a snack.”
Another entry, “eba” is described as “A kind of dough made with boiled cassava meal, typically shaped into balls, forming a staple food in parts of West Africa.”
This latest update highlights the growing global recognition of Nigerian English as a dynamic and influential part of contemporary English.
Frances Ibiefo
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