Oxford English Dictionary adds japa, yahoo boy and 18 other Nigerian slangs to its latest edition

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially included 20 Nigerian slangs and expressions in its most recent update.

Among the newly added terms in the Dictionary are: Japa, agbero, eba, 419, Yahoo Boy, among others. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, shared the exciting news on LinkedIn this Tuesday.

“It’s a great pleasure to announce that the OED has published its latest update, showcasing a fascinating mix of Nigerian English terms that highlight our rich culture, creativity, and distinct expressions. Not only did I help compile many of these words, but I also had the privilege of recording their pronunciations!

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So, when you visit the OED online, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life,” he wrote. These words, which are central to Pidgin English and everyday Nigerian life, represent a growing global recognition of Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural impact.

Some of the Nigerian words or slangs now included in the OED are 419, abi, adire, agbero, area boy, cross-carpet, cross-carpeting, eba, Edo, gele, jand (noun, verb), janded (adjective), Japa (noun, verb), Kanuri, Kobo, Naija, suya, Yahoo, yahoo boy, and Yarn Dust.