The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has kicked off 2025 with a significant update, adding 22 Nigerian English words to its collection.
This marks another milestone in recognizing the rich and diverse linguistic contributions of Nigeria to global English.
Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria and consultant for the OED, played a pivotal role in this update.
On Tuesday, he shared the exciting news on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Ugwuanyi expressed his joy and pride in a post that highlighted his involvement in the project.
“The wait is over!” he wrote. “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.”
Ugwuanyi also revealed that he was responsible for drafting most of the words added in this update. He didn’t stop there—he provided their pronunciations as well. “So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life,” he added.
Among the new entries are “419,” a term synonymous with fraud, and “agbero,” used to describe young men working as touts in car parks and bus stops. These individuals assist passengers and collect money from drivers. Each word reflects the dynamic nature of Nigerian English and its ties to the nation’s culture and daily life.
The OED updates its database several times a year to incorporate new words and meanings from around the world. This January’s update celebrates the linguistic creativity of Nigerians and their unique influence on the English language.
Other words included in the update range from colloquial expressions to culturally specific terms that capture the vibrancy of Nigerian life. This achievement underscores the growing recognition of African English varieties in global lexicons.
Ugwuanyi’s contribution is a testament to the importance of local expertise in shaping how languages evolve. His voice, now immortalized in the OED, bridges the gap between the spoken and written word, offering users worldwide a glimpse into the sounds and stories of Nigeria.
See full list below:
- 419, n.
- abi, adv.
- adire, adj. & n.
- agbero, n.
- area boy, n.
- cross-carpet, v.
- cross-carpeting, n.
- eba, n.
- Edo, n. & adj./2
- gele, n./2
- jand, n.
- jand, v.
- janded, adj.
- japa, n.
- japa, v.
- Kanuri, n. & adj.
- kobo, n./2
- Naija, adj. & n.
- suya, n.
- yahoo, n./2
- yahoo boy, n.
- yarn dust, v.
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