Several East African terms, including “kitu kidogo,” “panya route,” and “rolex,” have made their way into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). “Kitu kidogo,” a Swahili phrase meaning “a small thing,” is commonly used to refer to a bribe or inducement, while “panya route,” from the Sheng language, describes secret smuggling paths. In Uganda, “rolex” is street food where an omelette is wrapped in chapati, not a luxury watch.

“Mention ‘rolex’ in Uganda and the locals will likely think of food, not a timepiece,” stated the Oxford University Press.

Swahili, a key regional language, continues to influence English loanwords across East Africa. The latest OED update also features “nyama choma,” “asante sana,” “jembe,” “sambaza chapo,” “uhuru,” and “githeri” among others.

Additionally, the dictionary introduces terms from Rwanda, Burundi, and Mauritius, such as “Intore,” a traditional war dance, and “Seggae,” a musical fusion of Sega and Reggae from Mauritius.

The OED’s decision reflects extensive research into the historical significance and widespread use of these terms across the region.