The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has recognised the global influence of Nigerian language and culture by including several Nigerian-origin words in its latest update. Released online in December 2025, the update added over 500 new words, phrases, and senses, including popular internet slang like “DM,” “brainfart,” and “chug.”
Among the Nigerian entries are everyday expressions, street slang, and cultural staples, reflecting the country’s impact on global English. Words such as “abeg” (used to politely request or emphasise), “biko” (please), “nyash” (buttocks), “mammy market” (women-run markets in barracks and institutions), and “Ghana Must Go” (the iconic checkered plastic bag) were added.
Food items also featured prominently, including “amala”, a dough made from yam, cassava, or unripe plantain flour, and “moi moi”, a smooth bean paste dish popular among the Yoruba. The update also recognised musical influence with “Afrobeats”, defined as “a style of popular music incorporating elements of West African music and jazz, soul, and funk.”
The OED continues to reflect the richness of Nigerian English, Pidgin, and street slang, with earlier updates having added words like “japa”, “agbero”, “eba”, “419”, and “abi”. The inclusion underscores Nigeria’s growing linguistic and cultural impact on the global stage.
