Excitement As Nigerian English Words Are Added To Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added a number of Nigerian English words into its dictionary.
This includes Nigerian terms like Danfo, Okada, Buka, Bukateria and more. Some words originating from Nigerian Pidgin like sef and chop (to eat) were also added.
Also, some words were also updated with their meanings in Nigeria context. This includes gist, which means to gossip or have an informal conversation, next tomorrow; which means the day after tomorrow, severally; which means many times, K-legs; which means knock knees and some other words.
See the list of words added below:
Many people have reacted to this new development as they are excited that the Oxford English Dictionary acknowledged Nigerian terms and slangs.
See Some Reactions on Twitter Below:
Congratulations Nigerians. "Severally" as formerly abused by Nigerians is now a proper word considered Nigerian English. So stop correcting Nigerians who say Severally to mean many or several time. ?
— Elnathan John (@elnathan_john) January 21, 2020
Someone tell my mom that CHOP CHOP is now in the dictionary. which means its no longer a legit insult for official foodie like me?
Nigerian English pic.twitter.com/34vMAioNih— Chidiebere Ezeani (@Chidiberri_1) January 21, 2020
Nigerian English:
"Next Tommorow" made it,
"Sef" too sef, made it. pic.twitter.com/H2qB9NPqLh— Paul Jesusetemi Pharez (@Stkeypoint) January 21, 2020
Nigerian English and Pidgin English winning stready!
For those too lazy to click and read https://t.co/6knBJLGJtH pic.twitter.com/f8AHR2FQme— Uyo Elder (@anieemma) January 21, 2020
Please don't try to correct me when I pronounce the newly added Nigerian English, motor we not hit us ooo, it is my language.. pic.twitter.com/M5vfNywUn8
— Kiss_me_wahab? (@TripleA120) January 21, 2020
The Oxford English Dictionary have added a few “Nigerian English” into its dictionary. My favourite is “to eat money.” ??????
Oyinbo go dey wonder why person dey chop paper. ? pic.twitter.com/ZkOcAFv6SR
— Ediye (@iamOkon) January 21, 2020
I'm happy Nigerian English is getting validation. Language is fluid and as long as we communicate, every form of English is as valid as British English. Enough of getting Africans to speak like Britons. _??#ComeAndBeGoing didn't make the list shaa? pic.twitter.com/S4w0fsq0mC
— Kelvin Scarce (@iamScarce_) January 21, 2020
And as someone reminds me, I kinda beat the Oxford English Dictionary to it with regard to the Nigerian English word severally in my second book. #BecomingNigeria https://t.co/foNhnL4lWE pic.twitter.com/q1KlKNjuec
— Elnathan John (@elnathan_john) January 21, 2020
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