Nigerians are undeniably taking the world by storm, and now, even the prestigious Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is vibing to our rhythm, with 20 new Nigerian words added to its January 2025 update. The global linguistic landscape just got a little more Nigerian, and we are here for it!
Look around the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Kano, these words capture the essence of Nigerian culture, lifestyle and streetwise creativity. They are not just words but the soul of a people who speak with flair, live with colour and for sure, they keep it real.
Take “japa”, for instance. Whether it is used as a noun or a verb, this word has become a slogan for many Nigerians seeking greener pastures. If you have ever heard someone say, “I’m planning to japa by December,” then you know it is serious business. Japa, meaning to flee or escape, now has its place in the global lexicon but hey, let’s not forget its cousin, “Jand”, with both noun and verb forms. This word reflects Nigeria’s love-hate relationship with the UK, aka “the abroad”.
It doesn’t stop there. Words like “agbero” and “area boy” shine a spotlight on the hustle and survival instincts found on Nigerian streets. If you have ever been to a motor park or witnessed an animated conductor calling passengers, you will appreciate the addition of “agbero”. Meanwhile, “area boy” paints a vivid picture of the local street lords who know every nook and cranny of their hood.
Then there is “suya”, the smoky, spicy delight that unites Nigerians from all walks of life. Its inclusion feels like the world finally acknowledging our shared love for that irresistible grilled meat sold on street corners.
Style, culture and identity
Nigerian fashion also got its well-deserved recognition with “gele” and “adire” making the cut. The intricate artistry of tying a gele for an owambe or the timeless beauty of hand-dyed adire fabrics is so amazing and these words remind the world of Nigeria’s creative brilliance.
Even our currency isn’t left out. “Kobo” now has a global stage and if you’re wondering how much a plate of “eba” costs, hmmm yes! Eba too has joined the elite ranks of OED-approved words.
Dr Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a key player in these updates, shared his pride in crafting and voicing these entries.
“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their pronunciations. So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you will hear my voice bringing these words to life,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
Imagine exploring the OED and hearing a rich Nigerian accent breathing life into these words, Wow! Pure magic!
But how does OED decide which words make the cut? According to Ugwuanyi, the criteria include frequency, widespread use and cultural significance. Nigerian Pidgin and street slang tick all these boxes.
This isn’t the first time Nigerian words have graced the OED. In 2020, words like “danfo”, “okada”, and “mama put” made their debut but this year’s list feels even more diverse, capturing everything from ethnic identities like “Edo” and “Kanuri” to societal trends like “yahoo” and “yahoo boy.”
Each word tells a story, reflecting a nation that constantly reinvents itself while staying true to its roots. Sometimes it can be the cheeky charm of “419” or the timeless reliability of “abi” in conversations but these words connect Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The inclusion of these words isn’t just a nod to Nigeria’s linguistic creativity, it is a celebration of its cultural influence. From our food to our fashion, from our hustle to our slang, Nigeria is a vibe, and now the world knows it.
So, next time you hear someone say, “Naija no dey carry last,” smile and know they’re speaking a language that the world is starting to understand. Oxford English Dictionary, you do well!
