Oxford University Press is set to include African American Vernacular English terms in a new dictionary.
Oxford University Press is preparing to release the “Oxford Dictionary of African American English” in March 2025. This pioneering publication will highlight words and phrases uniquely tied to African American culture and history. The dictionary will include terms such as “bussin,” “chitterlings,” and “cakewalk,” with definitions and etymologies to provide a clearer understanding of their origins and uses.
The dictionary is set to feature 100 words, with researchers from both the Harvard University Hutchins Center for African & African American Research and Oxford Languages contributing to the project. Henry Louis Gates Jr., a Harvard University professor and project editor, has played a key role in ensuring that these terms are properly represented in the English lexicon. Gates emphasized the importance of providing a space for the expressions of African Americans within a larger cultural context.
Among the terms being added, “bussin” is defined as describing food that is particularly tasty or an event that is lively and crowded. “Grill” refers to a removable dental overlay, often made of gold or silver, and used as jewelry, while “Promised Land” denotes a place where African Americans might find freedom and refuge. “Chitterlings” are boiled or fried pig intestines, a dish that has cultural significance within African American communities.
The term “kitchen” in this dictionary refers to the hair at the nape of the neck, a term associated with African American hair textures. “Cakewalk,” initially a performance competition, now also refers to something that is considered easy to accomplish. “Old school” reflects the music and culture of early hip-hop, specifically from the late 1970s to mid-1980s New York City.
Other notable entries include “Aunt Hagar’s children,” a term that symbolizes Black people collectively, and “ring shout,” a spiritual ritual involving dancing and chanting that intensifies and can lead to a state of ecstasy.
The public is encouraged to contribute to the dictionary by submitting words they feel should be included, further enriching this historic project. Gates highlighted the need for self-expression within a speech community, asserting that the dictionary is a reflection of how African Americans have reshaped language to communicate their unique cultural experiences.