Oxford English Dictionary adds Caribbean terms for spirits and foods

The Oxford English Dictionary officially added more than a dozen words long used in Bermuda and the Caribbean on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. The entries recognize regional vocabulary for foods, folklore and relationships. Bimpert, a Bermudian term of unknown origin for a foolish person, appears in the traditional phrase "A bimpert is justah wuffless bye." Hornerman, used in Trinidad and Tobago since 1975, means an unfaithful man. Vex money is emergency funds kept by a woman. Folklore additions include jablesse, a shape-shifting female demon with a cloven hoof derived from French diablesse, and douen, a child spirit with backward feet derived from Spanish duende. Food terms are shadeesh, Bermudian for chorizo; sugar cake of grated coconut boiled with sugar, water and spices; and peanut punch made with peanuts or peanut butter, milk, sugar and spices. Nana and nani address maternal grandparents in Caribbean usage; hamma means friend in Bermuda. CONTESTED: none found. Center-rated outlets reported the dictionary update without noted disputes. The record does not describe next steps.