Several words and expressions of Nigerian origin have been officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary, reflecting the growing global influence of Nigeria’s language, culture, and cuisine.
The dictionary’s December 2025 update introduced over 500 new words and phrases, while more than 1,000 existing entries were revised to reflect English usage across the world, including West Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Among the Nigerian words added are common expressions such as “abeg”, used to express surprise or disbelief, and “biko”, a polite Igbo term for “please.” The term “nyash”—referring to a person’s buttocks, often a woman’s—was also included.
Food and cultural references from Nigeria also made the list. “Amala”, a dough made from yam, cassava, or plantain flour, and “moi moi”, a steamed bean dish with peppers and onions, were recognised. Additionally, “mammy market”, referring to markets traditionally run by women in military barracks and youth service camps, and “Ghana Must Go”, the name for the large chequered bags common in West Africa, were added.
The update also acknowledged “Afrobeats”, defining it as a popular music genre that blends West African sounds with jazz, soul, and funk.
These additions highlight how Nigerian everyday life, language, and culture are increasingly shaping global English usage.
