The inclusion has sparked excitement across Africa and online spaces, where language lovers celebrated familiar street expressions gaining international recognition. For many Africans, the update affirms that everyday slang and local terms matter globally.
Among the most talked-about additions is “nyash,” a popular slang term referring to a person’s, especially a woman’s, backside. Widely used in Nigeria and across social media, the word has long crossed borders through music and pop culture.
Another entry, “abeg,” is a versatile interjection expressing appeal, surprise or disbelief. Common in Nigerian Pidgin and increasingly heard in East Africa, the word has found a home in casual conversations across the continent.
“Biko,” borrowed from the Igbo language, also made the list. It is a polite way of saying “please,” often used to soften requests. Its recognition highlights how indigenous African languages enrich modern English usage.
Food culture also featured prominently. “Amala,” a popular Nigerian swallow dish, and “moi moi,” a steamed bean pudding, were both added, underlining how African cuisines are gaining visibility and appreciation worldwide.
The dictionary further acknowledged social and historical realities with “mammy market,” referring to markets within or near military barracks, and “Ghana Must Go,” the iconic checkered bag linked to the 1983 expulsion of Ghanaians from Nigeria.
Language experts say such inclusions show English is no longer shaped only in Europe or America. Instead, it evolves wherever people actively use it to tell stories, trade, joke and express identity.
In Kenya, linguists note similarities with Sheng and Kiswahili slang influencing everyday speech. They argue it is only a matter of time before more East African expressions earn global dictionary recognition.
The latest OED update sends a clear message: African voices are shaping global English. From street corners to dictionaries, local words are no longer staying local, but travelling the world with confidence.
