Japa, 419, gele, 17 other Nigerian words added to Oxford Dictionary

• The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update
• Words like “japa,” “agbero,” and “eba” showcase the global recognition of Nigerian Pidgin, slang, and culture
• The additions reflect Nigeria’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its global lexicon by including 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its most recent update.

The newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.

These words, deeply rooted in Nigerian daily life, underscore the growing international recognition of Pidgin English, street slang, and other cultural expressions unique to Nigeria.

Significantly, some newly added words, such as “japa” and “jand,” are featured as nouns and verbs, reflecting their versatility in everyday usage. 

The OED has also provided detailed guides for these words to aid non-Nigerians in proper pronunciation.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the OED, announced the update on LinkedIn, expressing his pride in contributing to the documentation and pronunciation of these 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,” Ugwuanyi shared.

He added, “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.”

Highlighted definitions

Among the entries, “japa” is described as the act of emigrating from Nigeria, often to Europe or North America, to pursue better opportunities in education, employment, or economic advancement.

“Agbero,” another notable addition, refers to a tout—typically a young man—who works at car parks and bus stops, assisting passengers while collecting fees from drivers and commuters.

The infamous term “419” is also included. It denotes fraudulent activities, often online scams involving advance payment schemes that promise large monetary rewards but ultimately deliver nothing.

Full list of Nigerian words added to the Oxford English Dictionary

1. 419, n.

2. abi, adv.

3. adire, adj. & n.

4. agbero, n.

5. area boy, n.

6. cross-carpet, v.

7. cross-carpeting, n.

8. eba, n.

9. Edo, n. & adj./2

10. gele, n./2

11. jand, n.

12. jand, v.

13. janded, adj.

14. japa, n.

15. japa, v.

16. Kanuri, n. & adj.

17. kobo, n./2

18. Naija, adj. & n.

19. suya, n.

20. yahoo, n./2

21. yahoo boy, n.

22. yarn dust, v.

These inclusions celebrate the richness of Nigerian English and its growing influence on global culture and language.

Japa: “Stop going to countries worse than Nigeria” - NIDCOM chairman Dabiri warns

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has appealed to Nigerians to stop migrating to countries that are in worse conditions than Nigeria. 

She said this in a video posted on her X handle, @abikedabiri, on Wednesday, October 2. While addressing the viral video of Nigerians calling for help from a prison in Mali, the NIDCOM boss said some girls who were previously evacuated by the Nigerian Government returned to Mali.