What do 'now in a minute', 'twpsyn' and 'bwbach' have in common?

What do now in a minute, twpsyn, and bwbach have in common?

They are among six words and phrases from Wales added to the latest update of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).

The list includes a word for an idiot, a phrase that does not necessarily mean a minute and a mischievous creature from Welsh folklore.

The OED is a historical dictionary containing more than 500,000 words, phrases and meanings from more than 1,000 years of the English language.

While some of the additions may be familiar to Welsh speakers and those living in Wales, their inclusion highlights the influence of Welsh on the English language.

Now in a minute is used in Welsh English to mean "in a moment", "very soon" or "before long".

The seemingly contradictory phrase is also used in Irish English and follows the construction of similar Welsh phrases, including nawr mewn munud - literally translating as, now in a minute.

Fans of hit sitcom Gavin & Stacey may remember an infamous scene, where Gavin asks about ordering a takeaway.

Stacey tells him that she'd ring the restaurant "now in a minute", with Gavin replying "you either do it in a minute or do it now - it can't be both".

While it might not necessarily mean an actual minute, the phrase now has the OED's official backing.

The oldest word in the latest update is Bwbach, dating back to 1724.

In Welsh folklore, a Bwbach is a benevolent, although sometimes mischievous, spirit resembling a goblin.

It is said to inhabit homes and farms, where it helps with household tasks and other work.

Another addition is bachgen, first recorded in 1888, meaning boy. It can also be used as a term of endearment.

Also added is boys bach, a familiar form of address for a group of men or a mixed group of people.

From the early 20th century, it also came to be used as an exclamation of surprise or dismay - equivalent to "my goodness" or "good grief".

And if you have ever called someone a twpsyn, the dictionary now has an official definition for that too.

The word, dating back to 1941, refers to an idiot or fool.

The other new addition is "in one's oils", which means to be at ease, comfortable or "in one's element".

Although the phrase is entirely made up of English words, it is apparently modelled on the Welsh phrase yn ei hwyliau, meaning in good form or in a good mood.

The words have been added alongside other Welsh English phrases that made the list in 2024.

Among them were "Iechyd da", which means "good health" in Welsh, and is usually said when people toast their drinks, similar to "cheers".

Meanwhile "ych a fi", an expression of disgust or disdain, and "twp", used if you think something is stupid or idiotic, were also previously added.