Nigeria to the world: Japa, 19 others added to dictionary
Waka Waka Doctor’s favourite buzzword is now an official word alongside 19 Nigerian English words.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially added “Japa” and 19 other Nigerian words to its lexicon, among over 500 new additions, signalling a major milestone for the recognition of our rich linguistic heritage.
From the popular term used to describe “Naija” to the shady “419” for a scam, these new additions show the vibrant culture and social dynamics of the West African nation reflecting the everyday language and street slang that have gained global traction.

Other words include “agbero”, “adire”, “area boy”, “kobo”, “suya”, and “yarn dust” – giving the world a glimpse into the creativity and duality of Nigerian English.
“This inclusion is a testament to the global reach of Nigerian English and its ability to capture contemporary realities alongside traditional heritage,” said Dr. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, the Naija linguist who helped document these words for the OED, per a Bella Naija report.

Clearly, the world can’t get enough of the colourful and ever-evolving language of the African giant. Who knows what other slang will make it into the dictionary next?
Full list of the newly added words, including Japa
- 419
- Abi
- Adire
- Agbero
- Area Boy
- Cross-carpet
- Cross-carpeting
- Eba
- Edo
- Gele
- Jand (noun)
- Jand (verb)
- Janded
- Japa (noun)
- Japa (verb)
- Kanuri
- Kobo
- Naija
- Suya
- Yahoo
- Yahoo Boy
- Yarn Dust
This is just the latest update, following the addition of 29 Nigerian words back in 2020.
Meanwhile, in a related development, before you leave your country, there are some hard-hitting truths about moving abroad you must know.
In the era of globalisation, the allure of moving abroad has captivated the minds of many, promising a world of new opportunities and a chance to redefine one’s life.

However, the reality is far more complex than the glossy Instagram posts might suggest.
While the prospect of greener pastures and a fresh start may be tempting, the truth is that moving abroad is a highly individualised journey, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
This article here explains in full detail why it is essential to understand that living abroad is not a panacea for all of life’s problems. The challenges you face in your home country may simply manifest in a different form in your new environment.
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