Yahoo Boy, Japa, Agbero: 20 Nigerian Words Added to Oxford Dictionary – See Full List

By Akonasu Gbedozin  The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has embraced Nigerian linguistic creativity by adding 20 words and expressions of N...

By Akonasu Gbedozin 

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has embraced Nigerian linguistic creativity by adding 20 words and expressions of Nigerian origin in its latest update.  

Among the newly included entries are widely recognized terms such as japa, agbero, eba, 419, and abi. These words, drawn from the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions, reflect the increasing global influence of Nigerian English.  

Notably, some entries, like japa and jand, are listed as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary, with pronunciation guides included to help non-Nigerians master their articulation.  

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, announced the update on LinkedIn, expressing pride in his contributions to the project. He revealed that he played a pivotal role in drafting most of the entries and recording their pronunciations.  

"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," Ugwuanyi wrote. "When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life."  

The term japa, for instance, is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (especially in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunities.” Meanwhile, agbero is described as “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.”  

Another notable entry, 419, a term synonymous with fraud in Nigeria, is defined as “fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given.”  

Below is the complete list of Nigerian words newly added to the Oxford English Dictionary:  

1. 419  
2. abi  
3. adire  
4. agbero  
5. area boy  
6. cross-carpet  
7. cross-carpeting  
8. eba  
9. Edo  
10. gele  
11. jand (noun, verb)  
12. janded (adjective)  
13. japa (noun, verb)  
14. Kanuri  
15. Kobo  
16. Naija  
17. suya  
18. yahoo  
19. yahoo boy  
20. yarn dust  

This milestone highlights the global resonance of Nigeria's linguistic and cultural identity.