The Oxford English Dictionary expands its collection. It adds Nigerian words like abeg, biko, and nyash. This move shows Nigeria’s growing impact on global language.
The dictionary includes everyday expressions. Abeg expresses surprise or exasperation. Biko, from Igbo, means please and adds politeness to requests. Additionally nyash refers to a person’s buttocks. People use it in casual conversations. Ghana Must Go describes large chequered plastic bags from West Africa.
Food and Culture Take Center Stage
Nigerian cuisine shines in the update. Amala is a dough made from yam or cassava flour. Nigerians serve it with soups or stews.
Moreover moi moi is a smooth bean paste. Cooks mix it with peppers and onions. This dish delights many at meals. Mammy market means markets run by women. They started in military barracks. In addition, they appear in camps and schools.
Afrobeats Joins the Lexicon
The dictionary defines Afrobeats clearly. It mixes West African music with jazz and soul. Artists spread this style worldwide. Furthermore the December 2025 update adds over 500 new words. It revises more than 1,000 entries. Nigerian terms stand out among them.
Building on Past Additions
This update follows the January 2025 expansion. That one included words like japa and eba. Agbero and 419 also made the list. In addition, these changes highlight Nigerian English. Pidgin and street slang influence global talk. Nigerians shape how people speak everywhere.
Global Influence Grows Stronger
Nigeria’s culture spreads far. Music, food, and words travel globally. People adopt them in daily life. However this recognition boosts pride. Nigerians see their language valued. It connects cultures across borders.
In conclusion, the Oxford Dictionary tracks language changes. It captures how societies evolve. Nigerian words prove Africa’s voice matters. The world listens to Nigeria now. More additions may come soon. Language unites us all.
