Some Nigerian words, including Japa, Agbero, and Eba, among others, have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
A Nigerian English consultant to the Oxford English Dictionary, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, shared the update on his LinkedIn on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Ugwuanyi expressed excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.
Ugwuanyi noted: “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.
“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations!
“So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.”
The words, which constitute part of the Pidgin English vocabulary and everyday lives of Nigerians, indicate rising recognition of the country’s expressions, culture and slangs.
Japa: Teaching hospital recruits 518 doctors, pharmacists, nurses, others
Japa for instance is a Yoruba word used to refer to the rising rate of “emigration of Nigerians to other countries (especially those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”
The term “419”, widely known in Nigeria, is defined as “Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 emails, 419 scams, etc. Cf. yahoo n.2”
Below are the 20 Nigerian words added to the Oxford Dictionary:
1. 419
2. abi
3. adire
4. agbero
5. area boy
6. cross-carpet
7. cross-carpeting
8. eba
9. Edo
10. gele
11. jand (noun, verb)
12. janded (adjective)
13. Japa (noun, verb)
14. Kanuri
15. Kobo
16. Naija
17. suya
18. Yahoo
19. yahoo boy
20. Yarn Dust
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