The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially welcomed a vibrant collection of Nigerian and West African English words into its hallowed pages, acknowledging the region’s profound impact on how the English language is used globally.
In its December 2025 update, the OED added over 500 new words, phrases, and senses. Among them are standout Nigerian expressions now recognized in standard English lexicon, including “Nyash” (defined as a person’s buttocks, especially a woman’s), “Mammy Market” (a market traditionally run by women, especially in barracks or campuses), and the popular interjections “Abeg” (used to express a plea, surprise, or exasperation) and “Biko” (a polite term similar to ‘please’).
This follows the dictionary’s earlier inclusion of “Japa”—a slang term for leaving the country, often in search of better opportunities—in its January 2025 update, highlighting a continuing trend.
The latest entries also reflect everyday culture and cuisine, such as “Amala” (a yam-based dough) and “Moi-moi” (a steamed bean pudding), along with the iconic “Ghana Must Go” bag, whose name traces back to the 1983 expulsion of Ghanaian migrants from Nigeria.
Editors at the OED noted the growing influence of global English varieties, with this update specifically drawing from West African, Maltese, Japanese, and South Korean English. The inclusion of these terms not only validates their widespread use but also cements Nigeria’s role in shaping contemporary English vocabulary.
With words from street slang, Pidgin, and daily Nigerian life now part of the world’s leading English dictionary, language enthusiasts and speakers alike can celebrate a richer, more inclusive global lexicon.
Discussion about this post