The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) regularly updates its entries to reflect linguistic trends and the growing influence of various languages and dialects around the world.

The inclusion of East African words like Kitu Kidogo, Panya Route, and Rolex highlights the cultural and linguistic richness of the region.

●Kitu Kidogo: This Swahili phrase translates to “something small” but is commonly used in Kenya to refer to a bribe or a small favor.

● Panya Route: In Kenyan slang, this refers to an informal or illegal route, often used by smugglers or people trying to evade official scrutiny.

● Rolex: This is a popular Ugandan street food, consisting of an omelet rolled in a chapati.

The term comes from a play on “rolled eggs.”These additions reflect the ways in which East African slang and expressions are becoming globally recognized.

The influence of local languages and dialects on global English continues to grow as more people interact and share cultural practices across borders.