Japa, Agbero, 419 – Check 20 Nigerian Slangs Added To Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added a collection of 20 Nigerian slangs and expressions including “Japa,” “Agbero,” “Eba,” “419,” “Yahoo Boy,” and “Abi”, to its latest update.

A Nigerian English consultant to the Oxford English Dictionary, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, shared the update on his LinkedIn on Tuesday.

Ugwuanyi expressed excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.

“I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP 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.

“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life,” he wrote.

The words, which constitute part of the Pidgin English vocabulary and everyday lives of Nigerians, indicate rising recognition of the country’s expressions, culture and slangs.

Japa for instance is a Yoruba word used to refer to the rising rate of “emigration of Nigerians to other countries (especially those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”

Pronunciation guides have also been provided to assist non-Nigerians in accurately articulating the words.

The term “419,” widely known 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. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 emails, 419 scams, etc. Cf. yahoo n.2”

Hereunder are 20 Nigerian words or slangs added to the OED:

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