Nigerian Excitement as Oxford Dictionary Adds Local Slang in 2025 Update

The Oxford English Dictionary’s 2025 update has sparked visible excitement across Nigeria after several Nigerian words and expressions were officially added to its glossary, a moment widely viewed as international recognition of Nigerian culture and influence.

New entries include mammy market, amala, moi moi, abeg, biko, nyash, Afrobeats, and Ghana Must Go. For many Nigerians, the update affirms how deeply their everyday language, food, music, and street expressions have travelled beyond national borders.

Social media reactions have been filled with celebration, with users hailing the development as proof that Nigerian slang has earned global acceptance.

Oxford editors said the update reflects the rising prominence of English varieties used across different regions, shaped by culture, migration, and digital communication.

Nigerian English continues to stand out through music, film, and online spaces.

It is worth recalling that earlier editions of the dictionary had already recognised words from Uganda and the wider East African region.

These include boda boda for motorbike taxis, gomesi, a traditional women’s dress, katogo, a popular breakfast dish, kwanjula, a traditional introduction ceremony, and kaveera, meaning a plastic bag.

Other recognised entries include Rolex, special hire, well-done as an expression of praise, and nkuba kyeyo, referring to people who work abroad and return with goods.

With the new update, let us allow our West African brothers and sisters enjoy the shine.