Abeg, Nyash, Mammy Market and Amala Added to the Oxford English Dictionary [Full List]
Ayo Marvel 
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has released its 2026 update, adding 22 Nigerian and West African words and expressions to its global lexicon.
In a post on X, the OED announced that out of 279 new words added in the latest update, more than 20 originated from West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo.
Several of the newly added words reflect everyday language, food, music, and cultural expressions, with many capable of functioning as nouns, verbs or adverbs.
According to the OED, the Nigerian word “abeg”, for instance, can be used as an interjection or adverb to express emotions such as surprise, disbelief or exasperation.
Full List of New West African Words Added to the OED (2026)
abeg, int. & adv.
abrokyire, n.
Adowa, n.
Afrobeats, n.
amala, n.
ampesi, n.
benachin, n.
bichir, n.
biko, adv. & int.
domoda, n.
dumboy, n.
Ghana Must Go, n.
hiplife, n.
kpanlogo, n.
light soup, n.
mammy market, n.
moi moi, n.
nawetan, n.
nyash, n.
obroni, n. & adj.
poda-poda, n.
yassa, n.
Nigeria accounts for several of the new additions, including abeg, Afrobeats, Ghana Must Go, biko, mammy market, amala, nyash, and moi moi, while Ghanaian expressions such as kpanlogo, light soup, ampesi and abrokyire also feature prominently.
In 2025, Nigerian expressions including japa, 419, agbero, abi, area boy, yahoo boy, Naija, suya, kobo and cross-carpet were among those added to the dictionary.
The OED said the additions reflect the growing global influence of African languages, culture and popular expressions.
About the Author
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
Ademola Busayo