Nigerian English Words in the Oxford English Dictionary

Introduction: The History of the Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) stands as a monumental testament to the evolution of the English language, chronicling its rich tapestry woven from centuries of cultural exchange, migration, and transformation. The idea of creating a comprehensive dictionary of the English language can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when James Murray led a team of lexicographers in the ambitious task of compiling the OED. Their goal was to capture not just the definitions of words, but their histories and usages over time, thus reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the language.

Words enter the OED through a meticulous process that involves extensive research. Lexicographers consider several factors when determining a word’s eligibility for inclusion: it must have widespread recognition and usage among English speakers, and there must be evidence of its recurrence over time in various written and spoken forms. As the world grows interconnected, English has absorbed thousands of terms from diverse cultures and languages, leading to the emergence of regional variants such as Nigerian English.

Nigerian English has developed its distinct lexicon that reflects the country’s culture, traditions, and everyday life. The inclusion of Nigerian English words in the OED marks an acknowledgment of Nigeria’s linguistic diversity and its contribution to the global English language. This article explores a selection of Nigerian English words that have found their way into the OED, highlighting both their meanings and cultural significance.

For more insight into the history of the OED, I recommend that you read The Surgeon of Crowthorne  by Simon Winchester.

Below is a list of the Nigerian Words in the English Oxford Dictionary (2020 update) 

1. Agric (adj. & n.) Abbreviated from “agriculture,” this term is commonly used in Nigeria to refer to anything related to farming practices or agricultural enterprises. It encapsulates the significance of agriculture in Nigerian economy and culture.
2. Barbing Salon (n.) A popular term in Nigeria, a barbing salon refers to a barber shop. This reflects Nigeria's thriving beauty industry, where grooming and personal care hold cultural importance.
3. Buka (n.) A traditional eatery in Nigeria serving local dishes, buka represents the country's vibrant food culture and communal dining experience.
4. Bukateria (n.) Similar to a buka, a bukateria is a casual dining place that offers a range of local foods. It mirrors the bustling street food scene in Nigeria.
5. Chop (v.) In Nigerian English, the verb "chop" primarily means "to eat." It is commonly used in everyday conversations to refer to consuming food. For example, one might say, "Let’s go and chop at the buka," indicating a desire to eat at a local eatery. However, "chop" has also evolved to convey other meanings related to gaining a benefit, particularly in social and economic contexts, indicating a focus on enjoying life's pleasures or indulging in good food.
6. Chop-Chop(n.) While "chop" refers to eating, "chop-chop" in Nigerian English has a more serious connotation, representing bribery and corruption in public life. It signifies the misappropriation or embezzlement of funds, often associated with unethical practices in governance or business. In this context, saying "There's too much chop-chop in the system" points to systemic corruption and the misuse of public resources. Additionally, "chop-chop" can be used as a modifier to describe actions that are hurried or done quickly, often implying a lack of thoroughness or integrity, as in "a chop-chop arrangement".
7. Danfo (n.) This term refers to the yellow public buses commonly used for public transport in Lagos. It embodies the city's chaotic and colorful transport system.
8. To Eat Money (in eat, v.) A phrase unique to Nigerian English, it signifies an act of embezzlement or financial misappropriation. The phrase reflects cultural attitudes towards corruption.
9. Ember Months (n.) Referring to the last four months of the year (September to December), this term is associated with festivities and an increase in spending, reflecting the societal focus on celebrations. See also "Ember Month Myths".
10. Flag-Off (n.) In Nigerian English, "flag-off" refers to the moment at which an event, such as a race—especially a motor race—is officially started with a signaling flag. This term, while also found in Indian English and Southeast Asian contexts, has gained prominence in Nigeria, particularly in ceremonial contexts such as the commencement of public projects or initiatives. For example, a government official may "flag-off" a road construction project, marking the official start of the work. The phrase embodies a sense of formality and significance associated with launching important undertakings.
11. To Flag Off(v.) The phrase "to flag off" means to initiate or commence an event, typically by signaling with a flag. Originating from motor racing terminology, it implies directing a driver or participant to start a race, particularly in situations where competitors begin at intervals. The usage can be seen in contexts such as, "The race was flagged off by the chief guest," highlighting the role of an official in commencing the event. In broader applications, the phrase extends to signify the start of various activities or initiatives, emphasizing the ceremonial nature of the action as it sets things in motion.
12. Gist (n.) In Nigerian English, "gist" refers to idle chat or gossip, often encompassing informal conversations that revolve around personal stories, news, or rumors. It signifies a casual exchange of information, typically among friends or acquaintances. For example, someone might say, "Let’s catch up and do some gist," indicating a desire to engage in lighthearted conversation. Additionally, "gist" can denote a specific instance of gossip or a rumor—essentially, any piece of juicy or interesting information being shared.
13.  Gist (v.) As a verb, "gist" (intransitive) emerged in Nigerian English around 1992 and means to chat or engage in gossip. For instance, one might say, "They were gisting about the latest happenings in the neighborhood," illustrating a shared interaction that focuses on casual conversation rather than serious discussion. This usage highlights the social importance of storytelling and sharing personal experiences within Nigerian culture, reinforcing the sense of community and connection through verbal exchange.
14. Guber (adj.) Short for "gubernatorial," this term is popular in discussions surrounding state elections, reflecting Nigeria's democratic processes.
15. Kannywood (n.) The Hausa-language film industry based in Kano, evolving similarly to Bollywood and Hollywood, signifies the cultural richness and media diversity in Nigeria.
16. K-Leg (n.) Referring to the act of walking with a noticeable limp or unusual gait, this term is often used in a colloquial context, reflecting local expressions of physicality.
17. Mama Put (n.) A casual term for a food vendor or eatery run by a woman, it connects to Nigeria's strong female entrepreneurial spirit and culinary traditions.
18. Next Tomorrow (n. & adv.) A unique phrase meaning "the day after tomorrow," conveying the flexible temporal understanding that is often evident in Nigerian conversations.
19. Non-Indigene (adj. & n.) This term refers to individuals living in a region where they are not of indigenous origin, reflecting Nigeria’s ethnic diversity and dynamics of place.
20. Okada (n.) A term for motorbike taxis, it points to the innovative solutions employed in urban transportation amid challenges.
21. To Put to Bed (in put, v.) Informally used to mean giving birth, illustrating the cultural nuances surrounding childbirth in Nigeria.
22. Qualitative (adj.) While widely used, its meaning in Nigeria extends to imply a focus on quality as opposed to quantity, especially in education and assessments.
23. To Rub Minds (Together) (in rub, v.) This phrase means to brainstorm or share ideas, showcasing the importance of collective thought in Nigerian culture.
24. Sef (adv.) In Nigerian English, "sef" is an informal term used for emphasis after a statement or rhetorical question. Its purpose is often to intensify the expression and can convey irritation, impatience, or incredulity. For example, one might say, "You don’t know that sef?" which emphasizes disbelief or annoyance at the other person's lack of knowledge. The usage of "sef" adds a layer of emotional nuance to conversations, reflecting the speaker's feelings and enhancing the expressiveness of everyday language in Nigerian interactions.
25. Send-Forth (n.) In Nigerian English, a "send-forth" refers to a farewell event held for someone who is leaving a place, often to mark a new chapter in their life, such as relocating for work or furthering education. This practice reflects the communal sense of belonging, support, and solidarity prevalent in Nigerian society. In contrast to the traditional English term "send-off," many Nigerians prefer "send-forth," as it conveys a more optimistic sentiment—viewing the departure as an opportunity for greater success and achievement in the wider world. This nuanced distinction highlights the cultural significance of the event, emphasizing encouragement and well-wishing for the individual embarking on their new journey.
26. Severally (adv.) The term "severally" traditionally means "individually" or "one by one". However, in the context of Nigerian English, it has evolved to also mean "on several occasions" or "repeatedly". This adaptation reflects a unique usage prevalent in both East and West African English, where it emphasizes the frequency of an action rather than its separateness. In everyday conversations among Nigerians, "severally" is often employed to describe experiences or actions that occur repeatedly over time. For instance, one might say, "I have visited my hometown severally this year," indicating that the speaker has made multiple visits, rather than suggesting a legalistic sense of separate actions. Additionally, while the traditional legal meaning of "severally"—which contrasts with "jointly" and denotes individual responsibility—remains relevant, the broader Nigerian usage adds a rich layer to its definition. This dual significance enhances the term's inclusivity within the local lexicon, demonstrating how everyday language can evolve and adapt culturally. Overall, the recognition of "severally" in the OED underscores the validity of this local expression and its integral role in capturing the linguistic diversity found within Nigerian English and, more broadly, African Englishes.
27. Tokunbo (adj.) Used to refer to imported used cars, particularly from overseas, representing the Nigerian economy's relationship with foreign goods.
28. Zone (v.) In Nigerian English, "zone" (transitive) refers to the practice of allocating a nomination for a political office to a candidate from a specific region under the zoning system. This process emphasizes the need for equitable representation among the various regions within Nigeria. For example, one might say, "The nomination was zoned to a candidate from the North," indicating that the candidate was selected based on regional criteria. This usage highlights the significance of regional dynamics in Nigerian politics, where nominations often reflect a deliberate effort to ensure balanced representation among the country's diverse ethnic and geographic groups. The term is usually found in passive constructions, such as "The position was zoned to him," further emphasizing the system's institutional nature.
29. Zoning (n.) "Zoning" in Nigerian English refers to the system or practice of allocating nominations for certain political offices to candidates from specific regions. This practice constitutes an unofficial power-sharing arrangement within political parties, aiming to foster balanced regional representation. The concept of zoning is crucial in Nigerian politics, particularly in a nation characterized by its ethnic diversity and regional disparities. By implementing zoning, political parties aim to mitigate tensions and ensure that various regions have a fair opportunity to participate in governance. The usage of "zoning" captures the complexities of Nigeria's political landscape, reflecting ongoing efforts to create inclusivity and representation across the nation.