In a landmark recognition of cultural influence, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially inducted the Nigerian slang term “Nyash” into its hallowed pages.
This December 2025 update, announced in January 2026, defines the word as “a person’s (esp. a woman’s) buttocks,” formally acknowledging a staple of Nigerian Pidgin, casual conversation, and Afrobeats lyrics.
The term leads a cohort of over 20 Nigerian expressions added in this update, reflecting the explosive global reach of the region’s culture.
The new entries capture everyday life, from culinary staples like “Amala” (yam dough) and “Moi-moi” (bean pudding) to pragmatic items like the “Ghana Must Go” travel bag. Conversational interjections “Abeg” and “Biko” (please) were also included, alongside the formally recognised music genre “Afrobeats“.
This follows a significant 2025 update that added terms like “Japa” (to emigrate) and “Agbero” (street tout), showcasing a sustained pattern of linguistic adoption. Experts cite Nigeria’s massive diaspora, digital savviness, and the global dominance of its music and film as key drivers.
The OED’s move signals a major shift, treating global English as a dynamic, reciprocal exchange rather than a one-way street from traditional English powers.
As Nigerian culture continues to captivate the world, its linguistic footprint is now permanently etched into the authoritative record of the English language.
