The Oxford English Dictionary has recently expanded its vocabulary by adding 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.
Among the new entries are well-known terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” reflecting the vibrant linguistic landscape of Nigeria.
These words, which have become integral to daily life in Nigeria, showcase the growing global influence of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions.
Interestingly, some words, such as “japa” and “jand,” are featured as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.
Additionally, pronunciation guides have been included to help non-Nigerians pronounce the terms correctly.
Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the Oxford English Dictionary, shared the update on LinkedIn on Tuesday. He expressed his excitement about contributing to the inclusion of these words and documenting 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 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”
The other words added include abi, adire (batik), area boy (lout), cross-carpet, cross-carpeting, eba, Edo, gele (headgear), jand (noun, verb), janded (adjective), Kanuri, Kobo, Naija, suya, Yahoo, Yahoo boy and Yarn Dust.
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