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Chop-chop – a term mostly used by Ghanaian media to depict corruption and indiscriminate spending, especially of public funds, has earned a slot in the Oxford English Dictionary’s new addition of terms.
As defined by the dictionary,
chop-chop, n.2: means “Bribery and corruption in public life;
misappropriation or embezzlement of funds. Also as a modifier.”
Other words including K-leg, zoning and some other shared vocabulary mostly from Nigerian expressions were added to the latest list.
Okada, barbing salon and ‘Next tomorrow, used by both Ghanaians and Nigerians all have definitions now in the Oxford Dictionary.
Next tomorrow for instance is an expression regarded as one of the oldest among the others added to the dictionary.
Other words which made it to the dictionary include:
Barbing salon, n. chop, v./6, gist, n./3 – v./2, sef,
and zoning.
chop-chop, n.2: “Bribery and corruption in public life; misappropriation or embezzlement of funds. Also as a modifier.”
K-leg, n.: “In singular and plural. A condition in which one or both of a person’s knees are turned inwards, resulting in a noticeable gap between the feet when…”
next tomorrow, n. and adv.: “The day after tomorrow.”
sef, adv.: “Used for emphasis after a statement or rhetorical question, often expressing irritation or impatience.”
gist, n.3, Additions: “Nigerian English. Idle chat, gossip. Also: an instance of this, a rumour or piece of gossip.”
okada, n.: “In Nigeria: a motorcycle which passengers can use as a taxi service.”
