‘Global Influence’ Japa, Yahoo Boy, eba, 17 Other Nigerian Words Added to Oxford Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its collection to include 20 Nigerian words and expressions, showcasing the global influence of Nigerian English and culture.

This latest update underscores Nigeria’s growing linguistic contributions to the world stage, with entries reflecting everyday life, cultural practices, and slang commonly used across the nation.

The newly added terms include “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others. These words highlight the creativity and cultural depth of Nigerian English, a unique blend of Pidgin, indigenous languages, and colloquial expressions.

Notable additions, such as “japa,” describe the emigration of Nigerians in search of opportunities abroad, while “agbero” refers to touts at bus stops and motor parks who assist passengers and collect fees. Popular slang like “419,” synonymous with fraud, also features prominently in the update.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, played a pivotal role in the project. Sharing his excitement on LinkedIn, he said,

“I’m thrilled to have contributed to this milestone, drafting most of these words and even providing their pronunciations for the online platform.”

The dictionary update goes beyond just definitions, offering pronunciation guides to help non-Nigerians articulate the words correctly, bridging the cultural gap for a global audience.

Other newly added words include “gele” (a traditional Nigerian headgear), “suya” (a spicy meat skewer), “jand” (a term for foreign lands, particularly the UK), “kobo” (the smallest unit of Nigerian currency), and “area boy” (street louts).

This recognition by the OED further cements Nigerian English as a significant contributor to the evolution of the global English lexicon, celebrating the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of language influenced by Nigeria’s vibrant culture and identity