Oxford Dictionary Adds “Abeg,” “Nyash,” and 22 Other West African Words

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added a fresh set of Nigerian and wider West African words and expressions to its latest update, reflecting how everyday language from the region is increasingly shaping global English.

These additions are typically made when the dictionary’s editors see strong evidence that people use the words widely in real life, across books, music, news, film, and online writing, and when the meaning is clear and consistent.

What Some of the New Words Mean (Simple Explanations)

Some of the most familiar Nigerian-linked entries include “abeg” and “biko,” both commonly used to mean “please,” depending on context and tone.

“Ghana Must Go” refers to the popular big check-pattern travel bag widely used across West Africa.

“Mammy market” describes a market commonly associated with barracks and large institutions, while “moi moi” is the well-known steamed bean dish.

The update also includes everyday street-life terms such as “bend down (and) select” (shopping for second-hand clothes) and “swallow” (a general category name used for dough-like staple foods eaten with soup).

Full List of the 24 Newly Added Words

Here are the 24 words and expressions highlighted in the update:

Abeg, Abrokyire, Adowa, Amala, Ampesi, Articulator, Benachin, Bend down (and) select, Biko, Domoda, Dumboy, Ghana Must Go, Kpanlogo, Light soup, Mammy market, Moi moi, Nawetan, Nyash, Obroni, Poda-poda, Swallow, Talk less, Yassa, Hiplife.

Not the First Time Nigerian English Has Entered Global Dictionaries

This update continues a growing trend: Nigerian and West African English is spreading faster through pop culture, migration, social media, and the global reach of African entertainment. As more people use these words beyond their original communities, more terms are likely to move from “local slang” to officially recognised global English.