Nigeria’s vibrant language and cultural expressions have received global recognition following their inclusion in the latest update of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). In its December 2025 release, the dictionary added several Nigerian-origin words and phrases, a move that highlights the expanding influence of Nigerian English, indigenous languages, street slang, and cuisine across the world.
The update, published on the OED’s official platform in early January 2026, introduced more than 500 new words, expressions, and meanings drawn from different varieties of English spoken globally. Alongside these additions, over 1,000 existing entries were reviewed or expanded, reflecting how language continues to evolve through culture, migration, music, and digital communication.
Oxford’s editors noted that English is no longer shaped solely by its traditional centres in Britain and North America. Instead, regional forms of English particularly from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping global vocabulary. West African English, especially Nigerian English, featured prominently in this latest update.
Among the Nigerian terms newly recognised are everyday expressions and household names familiar to millions of Nigerians. Words such as “nyash,” “abeg,” “biko,” “mammy market,” “amala,” “moi moi,” and “Ghana Must Go” were formally added, each carrying unique cultural and historical significance.
One of the most talked-about additions is “nyash,” a slang term commonly used in Nigeria to refer to the buttocks, particularly in reference to women. The dictionary defines it as a person’s backside, acknowledging its widespread use in Nigerian popular culture, social media, and music.
Another notable entry is “Ghana Must Go,” a phrase deeply rooted in West African history. Today, it commonly refers to the large, colourful, checkered plastic bags used for travel and storage across the region. However, the term traces its origins to Nigeria’s 1983 mass expulsion of undocumented Ghanaian migrants, who used these bags to pack their belongings. The OED recognises both the object and the historical context behind the phrase.
The term “mammy market” also made the list, defined as a market traditionally operated by women. Originally associated with military barracks, mammy markets later spread to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps, universities, and other institutions. These markets have become essential hubs for food, groceries, and social interaction within enclosed communities.
Nigerian cuisine was well represented in the update. “Amala,” a staple swallow food made from yam, cassava, or unripe plantain flour, was described as a dough-like meal typically rolled into balls and eaten with soups. “Moi moi,” another popular dish, was defined as a steamed bean pudding made from blended beans mixed with peppers, onions, and other ingredients. Both foods originate from Yoruba culinary traditions but are now enjoyed nationwide and beyond.
Beyond food and slang, the dictionary also reinforced Nigeria’s cultural impact through music. “Afrobeats” was included and described as a genre of popular music that blends West African rhythms with elements of jazz, soul, funk, and contemporary pop. The global rise of Nigerian artists has helped propel Afrobeats from local dance floors to international charts, festivals, and award stages.
Expressions used in everyday conversation also gained recognition. “Abeg,” derived from Nigerian Pidgin, was defined as an interjection used to convey emotions such as appeal, surprise, frustration, or disbelief, depending on context. Similarly, “biko,” a word rooted in the Igbo language, was added as an adverb or interjection meaning “please,” often used to add politeness, emphasis, or urgency to a request.
Oxford editors explained that these inclusions reflect careful research into how words are used over time in both spoken and written forms. The presence of Nigerian words in films, music, online platforms, and global media has played a major role in their acceptance into formal English records.
This is not the first time Nigerian expressions have entered the Oxford Dictionary. In a January 2025 update, the OED added about 20 Nigerian words, including “japa” (to leave or escape, often abroad), “agbero,” “eba,” and conversational tags like “abi.” The controversial term “419,” associated with internet fraud, was also previously listed, reflecting how Nigerian realities both positive and negative have shaped international language use.
Language experts say these additions mark an important cultural milestone. They signal that Nigerian English, Pidgin, and indigenous languages are no longer seen as informal or peripheral, but as influential contributors to global English.
As Nigeria continues to export music, food, fashion, and digital culture, more locally rooted expressions are expected to gain international recognition.
For many Nigerians, seeing familiar words in one of the world’s most authoritative dictionaries is both a source of pride and a reminder that language, like culture, knows no borders.
