20 Nigerian Words Make History in Oxford English Dictionary

By Achimi Muktar

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has given global recognition to Nigerian culture by adding 20 uniquely Nigerian words and expressions, including Yahoo boy, japa, suya, and eba, to its latest update.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian consultant for the OED, played a pivotal role in this milestone. Sharing his excitement on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, Ugwuanyi celebrated the inclusion of the words that capture the vibrancy and creativity of Nigerian English.

“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 wrote.

Not only did he draft most of the entries, but he also voiced their pronunciations. “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my #voice bringing these words to life,” he added.

What Made the List?

Among the standout additions is Yahoo boy, defined as “a person who commits fraud on the internet,” and 419, a term synonymous with fraud, originating from a section of Nigeria’s criminal code.

Other notable entries include:

Japa: A verb describing the act of emigrating in search of greener pastures.

Suya: A beloved Nigerian street food of spiced, skewered, and grilled meat.

Eba: A popular Nigerian staple made from cassava.

Adire: A type of hand-dyed textile.

Area boy: Defined as a young man involved in criminal activities such as extortion or theft, often as part of a street gang.

Expressions like yarn, meaning “to tell a story,” and yarn dust, meaning “to talk nonsense,” also showcase the colorful nature of Nigerian English.

Why It Matters

This recognition by the OED highlights Nigeria’s growing influence on global culture and language. Words like Naija, Kanuri, kobo, and even cross-carpeting (political defection) reflect not just the country’s creativity but also its unique sociopolitical landscape.

The inclusion further cements the evolving role of Nigerian English as a vital contributor to world English, offering a glimpse into the lives, humor, and resilience of Nigerians.

Cultural Impact

The addition of these words ensures that Nigerian expressions are preserved for future generations and underscores their cultural significance. It also offers a window into Nigerian life for global audiences, from the flavorful allure of suya to the aspirational journey of japa.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi’s voice and contributions to the dictionary make this moment even more personal for Nigerians. As the OED continues to evolve, it is clear that Nigerian English has secured its place on the global stage.

What do you think of these additions? Which Nigerian words would you like to see next in the OED? Let’s yarn!