Oxford English Dictionary adds 22 Nigerian words, including “japa,” “419,” and “gele,” celebrating Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic influence
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially included 22 Nigerian-origin words and expressions, reflecting the influence of Nigerian culture and language globally.
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The new entries highlight Nigeria’s rich linguistic diversity, with words rooted in Pidgin, local dialects, and colloquial expressions.
Among the additions is “419,” a term originating from the Nigerian criminal code referring to fraudulent activities.
“Agbero,” a slang term for bus conductors or street hustlers, and “area boy,” describing streetwise youth, also made the list. Popular culinary terms such as “eba” (a staple food made from cassava flour) and “suya” (a spicy meat skewer) showcase Nigeria’s gastronomic heritage.
Expressions tied to migration and identity, such as “japa” (to flee or emigrate), “jand” (a colloquial term for the UK), and “Naija” (a playful and affectionate name for Nigeria), were also included.
Fashion and tradition are represented by “gele,” a traditional headwrap, and “adire,” a type of hand-dyed fabric.
The list captures Nigeria’s political lexicon with “cross-carpet” and “cross-carpeting,” terms describing the act of switching political parties, while “yahoo boy” and “yahoo” highlight the darker side of internet scams.
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The inclusion of these words reinforces the growing recognition of Nigerian English as a distinct and influential variety of the English language, cementing Nigeria’s cultural contributions on a global stage.
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