The Oxford English Dictionary has recently incorporated more than a dozen words originating from Bermuda and the Caribbean, reflecting the rich linguistic heritage of the region. The additions include terms with cultural, supernatural, and culinary significance that have been in use for decades or longer.

Among the new entries is "bimpert," a Bermudian term used to describe a foolish or stupid person. The word often appears in the phrase "A bimpert is justah wuffless bye," which roughly translates to "an idiot is just a worthless boy." While its exact origin remains uncertain, the term is widely recognized on the North Atlantic island.

From the eastern Caribbean, the dictionary added "hornerman," a term commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago since 1975 to denote a man who is unfaithful or involved with someone else’s partner. Leonard Alexander, a grocery store owner in Trinidad, welcomed the inclusion, noting that “to horn” someone implies cheating, and added, “That’s our heritage, that’s what we grew up with.”

The dictionary also includes several supernatural terms rooted in Caribbean folklore. "Jablesse" refers to a malevolent, shape-shifting female spirit believed to lure men to their deaths. This figure is derived from the French word "diablesse," meaning female demon. Another supernatural entry, "douen," describes a childlike spirit with backward-facing feet and a large hat, said to be the ghost of a child who died before baptism. It is believed to entice children into the forest by calling their names and is related to the Spanish word "duende," meaning elf.

In addition to these culturally significant terms, a range of food-related words have been added. These include "shadeesh," a Bermudian word for chorizo; "sugar cake," a traditional treat made from grated coconut, sugar, water, and spices; and "peanut punch," a popular beverage made from peanuts or peanut butter combined with milk, sugar, and various spices.

The selection also features "Trinbagonian," a demonym for people from Trinidad and Tobago, and "canboulay," a term referring to 19th-century Carnival celebrations in Trinidad commemorating the emancipation of slaves.

The Oxford English Dictionary now contains approximately 500,000 words and phrases, tracing the history of language from its earliest origins to contemporary usage worldwide. The recent additions from Bermuda and the Caribbean offer a window into the region’s diverse cultural expressions and enduring traditions.