The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its collection by adding 20 Nigerian English words, including popular slang such as “Yahoo boy,” “japa,” “419,” and “suya.”
These entries, which reflect Nigeria’s vibrant linguistic and cultural identity, were unveiled in the dictionary’s latest update.
Nigerian linguist and OED consultant, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, played a pivotal role in drafting the majority of these entries.
Taking to social media platforms X and LinkedIn, Ugwuanyi expressed his excitement, describing the update as a celebration of Nigeria’s creativity and unique expressions.
“I’m thrilled to announce that the @OED has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of #NigerianEnglish words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians,” he wrote on X on Tuesday evening.
Ugwuanyi not only drafted the words but also lent his voice to their pronunciations in the online dictionary.
He stated, “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my #voice bringing these words to life.”
The additions capture various aspects of Nigerian life. Notable entries include:
Yahoo boy: Defined as a “person who commits fraud on the internet.”
Japa: Referring to Nigerians emigrating in search of greener pastures.
419: A term synonymous with fraud, named after a section of the Nigerian criminal code.
Suya: Described as “a Nigerian dish consisting of thinly sliced pieces of spiced meat grilled or roasted on a skewer.”
Adire: A traditional Yoruba tie-dye fabric.
Eba: A staple Nigerian food made from cassava flour.
Agbero: A term for touts or transport workers who collect fees at motor parks.
Other entries such as “abi,” “yarn,” and “cross-carpeting” reflect Nigerian English’s integration of native languages and local experiences. “Yarn,” for instance, means to tell a story, while “yarn dust” refers to talking nonsense.
These new entries underline the global recognition of Nigerian English as a significant variant of the English language.
By including these words, the OED acknowledges the rich linguistic contributions of Nigeria, which is home to over 500 languages.
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