The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its lexicon to include several African words, with the latest update featuring expressions predominantly from West African countries.
The move aims to recognise Africa’s rich cultural heritage and global influence, alongside revising over 1,000 existing entries worldwide.
Among the newly added words is “Nyash”, a term referring to a person’s backside, often used to describe large or attractive curves.
The word, which originated from Nigerian Pidgin, is widely used across West and East Africa.
While common in popular culture, in Kenya it is considered slang and is not officially recognised. In some societies, the term is viewed as vulgar.
Another addition is “Abeg”, categorised both as an interjection and an adverb. Derived from the English phrase “I beg,” it is used to make a humble request or to express surprise, exasperation, or disbelief.
The dictionary also included “Afrobeat”, recognising the popular West African music genre that blends African rhythms with jazz.
The formal inclusion of Afrobeats reflects the growing global influence of West African music.
Other words added in the update include “Biko”, meaning “please” in a humble context; “Mammy Market”, referring to a marketplace run by women; and “Amala”, a traditional Nigerian staple made from cassava or yams.
Adding a word to the OED is a meticulous process. Editors gather evidence of widespread usage from books, newspapers, magazines, films, TV shows, blogs, and social media.
They also analyse how frequently the word is used and in which communities or countries, ensuring that each addition reflects genuine, sustained use.
This update highlights the growing recognition of African languages, expressions, and culture in global English, signalling a more inclusive and representative approach to documenting the evolving language.
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