The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has released its 2026 update, adding 22 new words and expressions from Nigeria and other West African countries to book as this update shows the growing influence of African languages on global English usage.
According to the OED, the new additions reflect everyday language, culture, music, food, and social expressions commonly used across Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo. Some of the Nigerian words added to the dictionary and their meaning include:
– Abeg: an interjection or adverb used to express emotions like surprise, exasperation, or disbelief.
– Afrobeats: a style of popular music incorporating elements of West African music and jazz, soul, and funk.
– Amala: a type of dough made from yam, cassava, or unripe plantain flour, typically served with other dishes.
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– Ghana Must Go: a large, zippered bag made of durable plastic with a colorful check pattern, often used to carry personal belongings while traveling.
– Mammy market: a market typically run by women, often found in military barracks or educational institutions.
– Moi moi: a dish made from ground beans mixed with peppers, onions, and seasonings, then steamed or boiled.
– Nyash: a slang term referring to a person’s buttocks.
– Biko: an adverb or interjection meaning “please” or used to express strong emotions.
The OED’s update includes over 500 new words, phrases, and senses, as well as revisions to over 1,000 existing entries showcasing the dictionary’s evolving role in recording global language use and the significant contribution of African languages to the English language.