419, Yahoo, Agbero, Japa, 16 Other Nigerian Words Now Added To Oxford Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary has enriched its collection with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.
By Kingsley Ugwuanyi
The Oxford English Dictionary has enriched its collection with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.
Among the newly added entries are widely used terms such as “419; japa; agbero; eba and abi.”
Among the newly added entries are widely used terms such as “419; japa; agbero; eba and abi.”
Pronunciation guides have also been incorporated to help non-Nigerians articulate these words correctly.
The new words, deeply embedded in the fabric of Nigerian society, reflect the growing global appreciation for Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural nuances unique to the country.
Some terms like “japa” and “jand” are included in the dictionary as both nouns and verbs, showcasing their versatile usage.
A Nigerian English consultant for the OED, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, shared the exciting news on LinkedIn, expressing his pride in contributing to the dictionary’s latest update.
His words, "I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary, OED, 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 #pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my #voice bringing these words to life.”
Full list:
·Japa: Defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”
The new words, deeply embedded in the fabric of Nigerian society, reflect the growing global appreciation for Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural nuances unique to the country.
Some terms like “japa” and “jand” are included in the dictionary as both nouns and verbs, showcasing their versatile usage.
A Nigerian English consultant for the OED, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, shared the exciting news on LinkedIn, expressing his pride in contributing to the dictionary’s latest update.
His words, "I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary, OED, 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 #pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my #voice bringing these words to life.”
Full list:
·Japa: Defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”
· Agbero: “A person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers, and ushering passengers onto vehicles.”
·Yahoo: Fraud perpetrated on the internet, especially involving requests for advance payment for services or products that are ultimately never provided. Usually reduplicated, as yahoo yahoo.
·Yahoo: Fraud perpetrated on the internet, especially involving requests for advance payment for services or products that are ultimately never provided. Usually reduplicated, as yahoo yahoo.
· 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
· Yarn Dust
What's Your Reaction?
