Suya, Abi, Agbero, Japa, 18 Other Nigerian English Words Added to Oxford Dictionary

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a significant milestone for Nigerian English, the Oxford Dictionary has announced the inclusion of 22 Nigerian words in its latest update. The move is a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian culture and language on the global stage.

The list of added words includes popular Nigerian slang terms such as “419”, “agbero”, “japa”, and “yahoo boy”, as well as traditional Nigerian words like “adire”, “gele”, and “suya”. The inclusion of these words reflects the diversity and richness of Nigerian English, which has evolved over time through the blending of local languages, cultures, and influences.

The added words are “used in everyday conversation” and are “part of the language’s evolution

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the added words are “used in everyday conversation” and are “part of the language’s evolution”. The dictionary’s editors noted that Nigerian English is a unique and vibrant dialect that has gained widespread acceptance and usage, both within Nigeria and internationally.

The full list of added words includes:

1. 419, n.
2. abi, adv.
3. adire, adj. & n.
4. agbero, n.
5. area boy, n.
6. cross-carpet, v.
7. cross-carpeting, n.
8. eba, n.
9. Edo, n. & adj.
10. gele, n.
11. jand, n.
12. jand, v.
13. Janded, adj.
14. japa, n.
15. japa, v.
16. Kanuri, n. & adj.
17. kobo, n.
18. Naija, adj. & n.
19. suya, n.
20. yahoo, n.
21. yahoo boy, n.
22. yarn dust, v.

The inclusion of these words in the Oxford Dictionary is a significant recognition of Nigerian English as a distinct and legitimate dialect. It is expected to promote greater understanding and acceptance of Nigerian culture and language, both locally and internationally.

As Nigerian English continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how it influences and shapes the global language landscape. With the addition of these 22 words, the Oxford Dictionary has taken a significant step in acknowledging the importance and relevance of Nigerian English in modern communication.