Kehinde Fajobi
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has incorporated 20 new Nigerian words and phrases into its latest update, showcasing the linguistic and cultural diversity of Nigeria.
The additions include familiar terms such as “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” which reflect elements of Nigerian street slang, Pidgin English, and traditional expressions.
Several entries, like “japa” and “jand,” are listed in the dictionary as both nouns and verbs, with pronunciation guides provided to assist non-native speakers.
Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, shared the news on LinkedIn on Tuesday, expressing his joy at being part of the process of drafting the entries and recording their pronunciations.
He wrote, “I’m excited to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially released its latest update, featuring an impressive array of Nigerian English words that celebrate Nigeria’s culture, innovation, and unique style of communication.”
“This time, I not only prepared most of the entries but also had the privilege of lending my voice to their pronunciations. When you check the OED online and click the pronunciations, you’ll hear me bringing these words to life,” Ugwuanyi added.
The word “japa” is defined in the dictionary as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries, especially in search of better education, job opportunities, or improved living conditions.”
Another entry, “agbero,” is described as “a person, usually a young male, who acts as a tout at bus stops and motor parks, collecting fares and assisting passengers onto vehicles.”
The term “419” is explained as “a fraudulent scheme (often conducted online) involving requests for advance payment with promises of a significant share of a larger sum of money that is never delivered. It is often used in phrases like 419 email or 419 scam.”
The full list of Nigerian words added 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.
These words highlight Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage and its growing influence on global language.