The Oxford English Dictionary has expanded its lexicon with the addition of 24 Nigerian words and expressions such as “nyash,” “biko,” ‘Ghana-Must-Go’, and “abeg,” reflecting the growing global influence of Nigerian language and culture.
This global recognition of Nigerian and West African words and expressions reflects the growing influence of Nigerian English, Pidgin, and indigenous expressions in global communication, pop culture, literature, and digital spaces.
Nigeria’s Linguistic Influence Goes Global
The Oxford English Dictionary in a statement confirmed that the newly added words originate mainly from Nigeria and Ghana, the two largest English-speaking countries in West Africa.
Others come from The Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, highlighting the region’s shared linguistic heritage.
Many of the words are already widely used across Africa and among the diaspora, especially on social media, in music, movies, and everyday conversations.
Some of the most notable Nigerian expressions recognised by the Oxford English Dictionary include: Nyash, which is a slang for large or prominent buttocks; Abeg, which is a polite way of saying “please”;
Biko, which is an Igbo expression meaning “please” or “I beg you”; and Ghana Must Go, a large checkered bag popular across West Africa.
Others are Mammy market, which is a marketplace found in military barracks; and Moi moi, a steamed bean pudding made from blended beans
These words reflect Nigeria’s everyday life, food, culture, social interactions, and humour, making their inclusion especially significant.
What this means to Nigerians
The inclusion of these local words in Oxford English Dictionary is goes beyond mere dictionary update, to validation of the culture.
Hence, it acknowledging Nigerian English as a dynamic and legitimate variant of the English language, shaped by history, creativity, and lived experiences.
It also reinforces how African languages and expressions continue to shape global English, breaking long-standing linguistic barriers.
These newly accepted words tell authentic Nigerian stories from street slang to traditional cuisine. Their inclusion ensures that future generations, researchers, and language learners globally will understand and appreciate their meanings.
Besides, as the country’s culture continues to dominate global spaces, from Afrobeats to Nollywood and social media trends, its language is justly taking its place on the world stage.
No doubt, this is a proud moment for Nigeria and the West African region as their language and culture is reflected in The Oxford English Dictionary.
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