Nigerian slangs capture in Oxford Dictionary (Abeg, Biko, Ny+sh, others)

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The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its lexicon to include several Nigerian-origin words, reflecting the growing global influence of Nigeria’s language, culture, and cuisine. The December 2025 update, released on the OED website, features more than 500 new words, phrases, and senses, alongside revisions to over 1,000 existing entries.

Among the Nigerian entries are everyday expressions and food items, including “ny+sh,” “mammy market,” “amala,” “moi moi,” “abeg,” “biko,” and “Ghana Must Go.” The update also introduced “Afrobeats,” defined as “a style of popular music incorporating elements of West African music and of jazz, soul, and funk.”

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The dictionary describes “abeg” as an interjection expressing a range of emotions, such as surprise, exasperation, or disbelief, while “biko,” originally from the Igbo language, is used in polite requests or to add emphasis, meaning “please.” “Ny+sh” refers to a person’s b¥t+ocks, and “Ghana Must Go” denotes the large, chequered plastic bags commonly used in West Africa, with its name tracing back to the 1983 mass expulsion of Ghanaian migrants from Nigeria.

In the food category, “amala” is defined as a dough made from yam, cassava, or unripe plantain flour, typically served alongside other dishes, while “moi moi” is a smooth bean paste dish mixed with peppers, onions, and dried ingredients. “Mammy market” refers to markets typically run by women, originally located in military barracks and later found in youth service camps and educational institutions.

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This update builds on the January 2025 expansion, which included 20 Nigerian words and expressions such as “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi.” The additions highlight the influence of Nigerian English, Pidgin, and street slang on the global vocabulary, showcasing how local language continues to shape international English usage.