Last Updated on 13 January 2025 by Naijadazz
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), one of the most authoritative sources on the English language, has once again updated its lexicon to include a fresh set of Nigerian words. This latest update reflects the vibrant everyday life of Nigerians, the creative use of Pidgin English, and the country’s rich cultural diversity.
The new entries, which include both nouns and verbs, highlight how Nigerian English and Pidgin are gaining global recognition. Words like japa (to flee or emigrate) and jand (to travel abroad) now have official pronunciations, thanks to Dr. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a consultant for OED, who provided vocal support for the additions.
Dr. Ugwuanyi announced the update on LinkedIn, explaining that the OED editors used corpora to identify words that are frequently and widely used across Nigeria. The criteria for inclusion included frequency, widespread use, age (generally words in use for zero to 10 years), and social significance.
This isn’t the first time Nigerian words have made it into the OED. In fact, over the past five years, the dictionary has consistently added Nigerian terms, reflecting the country’s growing influence on global language and culture. Let’s take a deep dive into the latest update and explore how Nigerian English has evolved in the OED over the years.
The New Nigerian Words Added to the OED in 2025
Here’s the full list of the latest Nigerian words added to the Oxford English Dictionary, along with their official OED links:
- 419 – Refers to fraud or scams, derived from Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code.
- Abi – A Pidgin word meaning “isn’t it?” or “right?”
- Adire – A traditional Yoruba tie-dye fabric.
- Agbero – A term for touts or street hustlers, often found at motor parks.
- Area Boy – A colloquial term for street urchins or local gang members.
- Cross-carpet – The act of defecting from one political party to another.
- Cross-carpeting – The act of defecting from one political party to another.
- Eba – A staple food made from cassava flour, commonly eaten across Nigeria.
- Edo – Refers to the Edo people or language from southern Nigeria.
- Gele – A traditional Nigerian headwrap worn by women.
- Jand (noun) – A slang term for the UK or abroad.
- Jand (verb) – To travel or relocate to the UK or abroad.
- Janded – The state of having traveled or relocated abroad.
- Japa (noun) – The act of fleeing or emigrating, often for better opportunities.
- Japa (verb) – To flee or emigrate, especially from Nigeria.
- Kanuri – Refers to the Kanuri people or language from northeastern Nigeria.
- Kobo – Nigeria’s smallest currency unit, equivalent to a cent.
- Naija – A colloquial term for Nigeria or anything Nigerian.
- Suya – A popular spicy grilled meat skewer, often sold by street vendors.
- Yahoo – Slang for internet fraud or scams.
- Yahoo Boy – A term for individuals involved in internet fraud.
- Yarn Dust – A playful term for exaggerated or false stories.
Previous Additions to the OED (2020–2024)
Over the past five years, the OED has consistently added Nigerian words, reflecting the country’s growing influence on global language and culture. Here’s a breakdown of the Nigerian words added each year, along with their OED links:
2024 Additions
- Gbedu – A Yoruba word meaning “big sound” or “great music,” often used to describe a party or lively atmosphere.
- Owanbe – A Yoruba term for a lavish party or celebration.
- Sabi – A Pidgin word meaning “to know” or “to be skilled at something.”
- Wahala – A Pidgin word meaning “trouble” or “stress.”
- K-leg – A slang term for something that is problematic or not going as planned.
2023 Additions
- Buga – A Yoruba word meaning “to show off” or “to celebrate,” popularized by Kizz Daniel’s hit song.
- Shakara – A Yoruba term for showing off or displaying arrogance.
- Omo – A Yoruba word meaning “child,” often used as a term of endearment.
- Jollof – Refers to the popular West African rice dish, often a subject of friendly rivalry between Nigeria and other countries.
- Padi – A Pidgin word meaning “friend” or “pal.”
2022 Additions
- Gbera – A Yoruba word meaning “to rise” or “to move,” often used in a motivational context.
- Ojoro – A Yoruba term for cheating or deceit.
- Kpakpando – An Igbo word meaning “star,” often used to describe someone who is exceptional.
- Maga – A Pidgin term for someone who is easily duped or scammed.
- Odogwu – An Igbo word meaning “hero” or “champion.”
2021 Additions
- Babaláwo – A Yoruba term for a traditional healer or diviner.
- Oga – A Yoruba word meaning “boss” or “leader,” widely used across Nigeria.
- Sef – A Pidgin word used for emphasis, similar to “even” or “too.”
- Tufiakwa – An Igbo exclamation meaning “God forbid.”
- Zobo – A popular Nigerian drink made from hibiscus flowers.
2020 Additions
- Danfo – The iconic yellow minibuses used for public transport in Lagos.
- Okada – Motorcycle taxis commonly used for short-distance travel.
- Next Tomorrow – A Nigerian English phrase meaning “the day after tomorrow.”
- Mama Put – A term for local food vendors, often women, who serve homemade meals.
- Kannywood – The Hausa-language film industry based in Kano, Nigeria.
Why This Update Matters
The inclusion of these words in the OED is more than just a linguistic milestone—it’s a celebration of Nigerian culture, creativity, and global influence. Nigerian Pidgin English, in particular, has become a unifying language across the country’s diverse ethnic groups and is now gaining recognition beyond its borders.
Dr. Ugwuanyi’s role in providing pronunciations for these words ensures that non-Nigerians can also engage with and appreciate the richness of Nigerian English. As he shared on LinkedIn:
“When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you will hear my voice bringing these words to life.”
For those interested in learning more about Nigerian Pidgin, check out BBC Pidgin, a platform dedicated to exploring this vibrant language.
The Cultural Significance of Nigerian Words in the OED
The inclusion of Nigerian words in the OED is a testament to the country’s cultural influence and linguistic creativity. Nigerian English and Pidgin have become powerful tools for communication, uniting people across ethnic and regional divides.
These words also reflect the resilience and adaptability of Nigerians, who have turned everyday experiences into a vibrant linguistic tapestry. From street slang to traditional terms, Nigerian English captures the essence of the country’s diverse cultures and dynamic society.
What’s Next for Nigerian English?
As Nigerian culture continues to influence global trends—from music and movies to fashion and food—it’s no surprise that the language is also gaining prominence. The OED’s latest update is a testament to the creativity and resilience of Nigerians, who have turned everyday experiences into a vibrant linguistic tapestry.
