The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its global lexicon with the inclusion of popular Nigerian and West African words, underscoring the growing international influence of the region’s language, culture, music, and cuisine.
In its latest update released in December 2025, the OED added 22 new words and expressions drawn largely from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal, many of which are commonly used in everyday conversations, pop culture, and social media across Africa and the diaspora.
According to Oxford, the new additions reflect how English continues to evolve through contact with other languages, especially in culturally vibrant regions like West Africa, where indigenous expressions have blended seamlessly into modern English usage.
Nigerian Culture Takes Centre Stage
Among the most notable Nigerian-related entries are “Amala,” “Afrobeats,” “Nyash,” “Abeg,” “Biko,” “Moi Moi,” and “Mammy Market.”
Amala was recognised as a noun describing the popular Nigerian meal made from yam, cassava, or plantain flour.
Afrobeats, now globally mainstream, was defined as a genre of popular music originating in West Africa, combining traditional rhythms with jazz, funk, hip-hop, and soul.
Nyash, a slang term widely used in Nigerian pop culture and social media, refers to the buttocks or backside.
Abeg and Biko were included as informal interjections used to express appeal, emphasis, or disbelief.
Moi Moi, a steamed bean pudding enjoyed across Nigeria, also earned its place in the dictionary.
Oxford noted that many of these words have moved beyond local use to become widely understood across international English-speaking communities, especially through music, film, migration, and digital platforms.
Other West African Words Added
The update also features expressions rooted in other West African cultures, particularly Ghana, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. These include food names, dances, musical styles, and social terms that have gained broader recognition.
Some of the newly added words include:
Abrokyire
Adowa
Ampesi
Benachin
Bichir
Domoda
Dumboy
Ghana Must Go (a large plastic travelling bag common across West Africa)
Hiplife
Kpanlogo
Light soup
Nawetan
Obroni
Poda-poda
Yassa
A Milestone for African English
Language experts say the update marks another milestone in the recognition of African English varieties as legitimate contributors to global English, rather than informal or fringe dialects.
Oxford editors explained that each word added met strict criteria, including frequency of use, longevity, and presence in written and spoken sources across different regions.
The inclusion of these terms highlights how African identity, creativity, and daily life continue to shape the English language worldwide—one word at a time.
As Afrobeats dominates global charts and Nigerian slang trends across social media, Oxford’s latest update confirms what many already know: West African language and culture are now firmly part of global English.