Six words and phrases rooted in Welsh language and culture have been incorporated into the latest update of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), reflecting the growing influence of Welsh on English usage. The additions range from a folkloric creature to colloquial expressions that may puzzle those unfamiliar with Welsh English conventions.
On 23 September 2026, Oxford University Press released its September 2026 OED update, which incorporated more than 400 new words and phrases alongside over 700 updated entries. The Welsh-language inclusions form part of this broader expansion of the dictionary, which contains more than 500,000 words, phrases and meanings spanning over 1,000 years of English language development.
What does "now in a minute" actually mean?
The phrase "now in a minute" is employed in Welsh English to convey "in a moment", "very soon" or "before long", despite its seemingly contradictory wording. This construction mirrors similar Welsh expressions, particularly nawr mewn munud, which translates literally as "now in a minute".
The phrase gained wider recognition through the television comedy series Gavin & Stacey, in which a character played by Joanna Page uses it when discussing ordering a takeaway. Her co-star, portrayed by Matthew Horne, humorously challenges the logic of the expression, pointing out that one cannot simultaneously do something both now and in a minute. Despite this apparent logical flaw, the phrase now carries official recognition from the OED.
Which other Welsh words have been added?
The oldest entry among the new additions is Bwbach, documented as far back as 1724. In Welsh folklore, a Bwbach represents a benevolent yet occasionally mischievous spirit resembling a goblin, believed to inhabit homes and farms where it assists with household chores and labour. The September 2026 update also included other supernatural-creature terms from different traditions, such as the Caribbean folklore jablesse and the Trinbagonian douen, demonstrating the OED's broader effort to document folklore terminology across English-speaking cultures.
Bachgen, first recorded in 1888, denotes "boy" and can function as a term of endearment. Boys bach, a related addition, serves as a familiar form of address for a group of men or mixed gatherings. From the early twentieth century onwards, this phrase evolved to function as an exclamation expressing surprise or dismay, equivalent to expressions like "my goodness" or "good grief".
Twpsyn, documented from 1941, provides an official dictionary definition for a term meaning "idiot" or "fool". Another addition, "in one's oils", conveys the sense of being at ease, comfortable or "in one's element". Although composed entirely of English words, this phrase derives its structure from the Welsh expression yn ei hwyliau, which translates as "in good form" or "in a good mood".
How does the OED decide what to include?
Oxford University Press describes the OED as a historical dictionary that tracks the English language through evidence of actual usage, rather than prescribing how language should be employed. The inclusion of Welsh-origin terms reflects their documented use within English-language communities, particularly among Welsh speakers and residents of Wales.
Previous OED updates in 2024 had already incorporated other Welsh English expressions. "Iechyd da", meaning "good health" in Welsh, typically accompanies toasts and functions similarly to "cheers". The exclamation "ych a fi" conveys disgust or disdain, while "twp" describes something perceived as stupid or idiotic.
What happens next with the OED?
The OED operates on a quarterly update cycle, with the September 2026 release representing the latest in this ongoing process. Future updates will continue to document evolving language usage and newly recognised terms, though specific dates for subsequent releases have not yet been announced.
Key Facts
- Six Welsh-language words and phrases were added to the Oxford English Dictionary in its September 2026 update
- Bwbach, dating to 1724, is the oldest entry, referring to a benevolent spirit from Welsh folklore
- "Now in a minute", popularised by the television series Gavin & Stacey, now carries official dictionary recognition despite its seemingly contradictory meaning
- The September 2026 update added more than 400 new words and phrases overall, alongside over 700 updated entries
- The OED documents language based on evidence of actual usage rather than prescriptive rules
