In a groundbreaking move, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has incorporated 20 Nigerian words and expressions into its latest update. This significant expansion reflects the growing global recognition of Nigerian Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions.
The newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi.” Interestingly, some words, such as “japa” and “jand,” are listed as both nouns and verbs, showcasing their versatility in Nigerian English.
To facilitate accurate pronunciation, the OED has provided pronunciation guides, allowing non-Nigerians to better understand and articulate these words. Nigerian English consultant Kingsley Ugwuanyi played a crucial role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.
Ugwuanyi expressed his excitement on LinkedIn, stating, “I’m thrilled to announce that the OED has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and unique expressions.”
The added entries offer fascinating insights into Nigerian culture and everyday life. For instance, “japa” refers to the emigration of Nigerians to other countries in search of better opportunities. “Agbero” describes a person who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops.
The complete list of Nigerian words added to the OED includes:
- 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