The Oxford English Dictionary has officially added the Nigerian terms “Nyash,” “Mammy Market,” and “Amala,” recognizing their growing usage in global English.
Oxford English Dictionary Adds Nigerian Terms “Nyash,” “Mammy Market,” and “Amala”
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially expanded its entries to include several Nigerian words, recognizing their growing usage in global English. This update reflects the influence of Nigerian culture, language, and everyday expressions on the international lexicon.
The newly added Nigerian terms include:
Nyash – a person’s (especially a woman’s) buttocks; the bottom or backside.
Mammy Market – a market typically run by women, often found in military barracks, schools, and communities.
Amala – a staple Nigerian dish made from yam, cassava, or unripe plantain flour, popular for its cultural significance.
Abeg – used to express surprise, disbelief, or exasperation.Biko – a polite way to make a request, similar to “please,” derived from the Igbo language.
Moi moi – a steamed bean pudding common in Yoruba cuisine.
Ghana Must Go – the large, chequered plastic bags widely used in West Africa.
Afrobeats – a music style blending West African rhythms with jazz, soul, and funk influences.
The inclusion of these words demonstrates how Nigerian English, Pidgin, and local slang are increasingly recognized in formal lexicography. Experts note that this move highlights the global cultural reach of Nigerian language and expressions, reflecting how language evolves through migration, digital communication, and cultural exchange.
