And what we call colleges are their community colleges. Fun read thanks! This jacket is typically checkered with large black and red or green squares. I also remember that the term sled was not a toboggan, but a ski-do. Not a common term in Southern Ontario. When I moved to Canada from the U.S., I also had to learn words like garburator (what I knew as a garbage disposal), till (cash register), and writing exams (rather than taking exams). Canadian Slang | Canada Wiki | Fandom I don't think I've ever used the word myself, but "chesterfield" for couch. Oh, I hope he got a tracking number. (score! I got all of these off another website so they may not be true (I just assumed). . , Tims, McDonalds, and the beer store are all closed on Christmas Day. In Canada, our electricity comes from the hydroelectric power company. I forgot all about the word pop Americans call it soda and that just sounds strange to we Canadians. Your champagne birthday is when you turn the same age as your birthdate. I forgot about Toffee Crisps. Its name comes from the Loon (a bird) on the Tails side of the coin. Unless you're actually trying to deliver a Canadian insult, there's only one thing you say when someone bumps into you, and that's "Sorry.". We say only 50 clicks to go. Another is using the word line-up as a noun. You may just be reminded of your favourite characters and the things they do to crack you up every time you tune in. Plus, it is the most beautiful country. Below are some of the best sayings from the show, including popular Letterkenny hockey quotes that you will definitely identify with. Or when in university, a 1st year or 2nd year student. It sounds loonie-toonie but its true! She explains the diphthong differences eloquently here. Poutine: French Canadians: The name of a mixture of french fries, cheese, and gravy. On the West Coast, a few words mixed in from Indigenous trade languages chuck for the ocean, Skookum for pretty big, pretty neat. Ah! =-. Moving abroad? maybe schoolbooks. Tuque (it can also be spelled toque) I watched Canadian icons Bob and Doug Mackenzie as a kid wearing their tuques telling each other to Take Off Eh and I never thought anything of it. and "double-double" as well as regional slang used only in certain provinces. And lets not forget donairs! Bob and Doug Mackenzie made it famous in the 70s and it ended up taking of eh. I learned today on the CBC that it is an Inuit word for The snow that melts. What a Chinook is, is a warm wind that comes over the mountain in the dead of winter and instantly melts the snow and raises the temperature. Today I came across a 1967 high school year book photo of graduates. Please! I shared an office with a Canadian and my husband did consulting for a Canadian-owned mobile phone company. Some that come to mind Canadian or not chew the fat, dont know me from Adam, Fizz-Bang for canned pop, interesting for its reverse melody, The Beer Store itself surprised the heck out of me after many years absence, and that certainly was derived from local slang power to the people. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Quebecois Swear Words that Confuse the French - Culture Trip In Quebec, it has become a very popular swear word used to express anger, annoyance or surprise. My grandma also calls her sofa a Davenport. Serviette! If only Id known I was mimicking Canadians, I could have had a much happier childhood. To understand Canadian slang, master uniquely Canadian expressions, like eh? to ask something like, That movie was great, eh? Additionally, work on learning longer phrases, such as book off work, which means to take time off from work. They change from province to province and city to city without much notice. It means homogenized milk, or milk with 3.25% fat thats blended in differently than in 2% milk. Here are a few examples of his sayings that you can easily relate with. 43 'Canadian Slang Words' Translated For Americans - MTL Blog Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Im from Malaysia but I studied and live in Washington A.C. Twofer - Also called two-four, this term refers to a case of 24 beers. If you dont know how beer is supposed to taste, please keep your comments to yourself. Ive never heard a Canadian use this phrase. This can last from late April to early September, fluctuating of course, but definitely cause for a swimming pool. not, sure if I read everything above, all good. A keener is sort of a mix between a know-it-all and a goody-two-shoes. Did ya get a tracking number? We have Toffee Crisps here (must be close) and Smarties too, but cant remember the last time I saw them on sale. Test your knowledge with my Canada Day Quiz, Fly to Canada for less with Skyscanner [ad]. I often think one thing and then write another. , F**k you, Shoresy, youre a terrible fu**in ref! I think I wrote about it in an old food post. They all said cone. Here is what we recommend: Need more help planning your trip? I love this post! No matter where you live, slang affects the English language in fascinating ways. Its only when you leave the country and try to convince your British friends that kitty-corner is a real term or your American friends beg you to say out and about again that you really notice it. Check out the insults below. , Youre pretty good at wrestlin there, Katy, and thats what I appreciate about you. For Paint Protection Film quotes, please include a picture of your vehicle in an e-mail with the Year, Make and Model and indicate which areas of coverage you would like to receive. I dont hear anyone call it soda. Well, it is simple, a tuque is a knitted hat is used to keep the head warm. Shaded provisions are not in force. Its a less popular term nowadays, but you will still hear Canadians saying it. Hold doors open for people and, even if someone stumbles into you, apologize. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. stream Fun article but many manyof the claims in the comments are not solely Canadian. The original Mounties were all on horseback, but nowadays they take other forms of transit as well. I linked to it from my site, Living Abroad in Canada, that provides advice for people relocating to Canada: http://www.livingabroadincanada.com/2009/07/03/speaking-canadian-tips-from-canadas-adventure-couple/. And I love to converse with my college mates from up north British Columbia and Alberta, just to listen to them use the eh word. Midwesterners call in pop, East Coast/West Coast call it soda, and Southerners call in coke (i.e. Thanks for the additions. The Canadian definition of keener was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2015. Ok, I could do an entire post on how Tim Hortons has shaped our coffee drinking as a nation. Id call it courting but its never as romantic or reserved. Oh, Im stomping the brakes, put that idea right through the f**king windshield. Only seen those in Alberta. Hi Candice, Thanks for the Newfoundland words. I had heard this word as a child. Love it! While I know it is used in at least Ontario (where I have family), it originated in Detroit, where Im from. Naniamo Bar (obviously) basically a chocolate sandwich with some kind of wierd cream in the middle (it is so good). , Closest youre gettin to any action this weekend is givin the dairy cows t**ts a good scrubbin. 2 0 obj Or brains. Almost finished We need to confirm your email address. That expression is used but not so common with the younger generation. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, youll need to rent a car. As the beaches are increasingly polluted with dogs and tourists and smartphone cameras, pools are getting to be even more popular than ever. My friend asked me Whats that? All through my school years I would pack my knapsack with my schoolbooks. I used to drive a Zed 28 car. Its true, we do often end sentences with eh?. Whereas, in the South, Coke has become the generic term for all soft drinks, regardless of brand. Well, my dad wore them out on one cattle drive (my dad was a rancher) and it was so cold that his boots cracked right open and shattered. I think all we say is would you like to go out to dinner? Privacy Policy. I wonder if anyone else in the world calls it a pilon or is it just we Canadians? A shortening of sasquatch that, in western Canada, refers to someone big and unkempt. Yee Haw. Canadians use the word lineup (noun) to refer what the British call a queue and what Americans call a line.. To be sloshed is to be drunk. You are more observant than us! Ah, but youre wrong on one count we also call it a washroom in the U.S., at least where I grew up in the Midwest. Letterkenny quotes will remind any lover of the Canadian comedy series why they watch the show in the first place. French Canadians - The Racial Slur Database I have lived in Ontario, BC and presently Alberta and I never hear people say where is the toilet, its usually washroom or bathroom. Did you know these 20 things were actually invented in Canada? However, if youre ordering fries and youre asked if youd like poutine instead, your answer should always be yes. [1] The term Kanuck is first recorded in 1835 as an Americanism, originally referring to Dutch Canadians (which included German Canadians) or French Canadians. Thats not Canada talking there. Canadian culture is more unique than you might think. Muskoka chairs are classic wooden chairs made for lounging. You have probably heard the following phrases if you are a regular. I knew that the capital city was a smart one:-). In Alberta the Convenience stores or corner stores used to be called Confectionary. Another word we use here in Alberta is vendors. If youre concerned about that expanding gut of yours, many restaurants offer a healthier, vegetarian gravy substitute. Stereotypical softdrink of choice (considered quite insulting). That package is going to be smaller than the one youre sportin now. I was stunned when my solder friend told me that theres a Tim Hortons at his base in Afghanistan, he even took some pics for me. Commonly used Canadian-English Slang and Phrases -To ace (something) - to do something really well, or perfectly ^I aced my exam this morning _ -a-game - your best effort/performance, used with 'to bring' ^Mike brought his a-game at basketball last night _ -All nighter - to pull an all nighter, to stay up very late or all night I pulled an all nighter It used to refer more to the French-Canadians but nowadays its a general term. The Western and Northern portions of Canada are vast, and there is much variation in the landscape and culture in British Columbia, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon Territory. I have heard other people say packsack before and ski do is the word we use for snowmobile. When the fields are plowed, especially the cornfields, it looks like stubble. They come in a variety of flavours and are sold individually or by the box. Eh This is our most popular Canadian saying that we receive the most flack about from the rest of the world. and Id been told I looked like the wreck of the Hesperus a couple of times too, although Id forgotten about that one until you reminded me. Hi Virey, I am not sure what that means, Id have to see more of the poem in context. Lets start at the West Coast and work our way East through Canadian slang phrases. I use the word Parkette too and didnt know it was from Ontario, our home Province. taking a shower, and a nap. Homosexual Slang Terms. Besides, I dont go there to wash. We say toilet (thats not vulgar, its simply a more accurate noun). Youve given me some homework. I think pilon is a Canadian word. I think most Canadians would call it a couch today, certainly not sofa. Thats true for some of these Canadian words and phrases, which are so widely used that everyone understands them. Captured below are some of the most popular quotes that will make you smile. But if you really want to delve into the reasoning for the difference. Can often replace 'Pardon' or 'Excuse Me'. they were described as chocolate beans. When Canadians use the word Poke it means just that. [1] [2] By the 1850s, the spelling with a "C" became predominant. Weve experienced winter in Alberta and trust me, its cold. Hey guys! They mock us by using "eh" in the most ridiculous phrases and they never get it right. BC has only the provincial-regulated and privately owned liquor stores, both of which have beer; there are no separate beer-only stores. I dont know if its uniquely Canadian but Ive heard clicks used quite a bit instead of kilometres. Incidentally, anyone wanting a primer is Scots, I recommend watching Rab C Nesbitt on Youtube. The sour toe shot is a rite of passage in the Yukon. It's the only slur I know that is based on a beverage. Its confusing to newcomers, especially if English isnt your first language. So Im Canadian as well, Ontario raised. Yeah! And another one is parkade for a parking deck. 35 Letterkenny quotes, sayings and insults applicable to our lives Watch the same movie several times. Distinctly Canadian words: Jagged pronounced JAGD as in tagged. Two-four was a big one for me back in the day. I dont know why we broke away from the two places that we get a lot of our language, but its sort of a fun rebellion on our part. A double double is a coffee order from Tim Hortons. Sasquatch isnt just a term, its actually a Canadian creature. Theres also prairie oysters which are a bulls casterated testicles (sounds gross, I know), sasquatch which is like a yeti, thong which is slang for flip-flops or sandels and I think the former name of Toronto is Motown so yeah, theres another one lol. Your mom just liked my Instagram post from 2 years ago in Puerto Vallarta. Tim Hortons is mediocre coffee that we are all mysteriously addicted to. We use the terms so simply that people barely register them. "We're gonna go tobogganing today, eh?" Learn the Lingo: 10 Slang Terms in Canada I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. This word is used in everyday Canadian vernacular to indicate that you don't understand something, can't believe something is true or want the person you're speaking with to respond. I wont tell anyone. The origins of the word are uncertain. It can now be confused with the term joggers for baggy womens pants. Some of the most relatable quotes on the show are: Memorable Beauty and the Beast quotes from the iconic Disney film. When I first started traveling 10 years ago, I said to myself, Well, I better buy a new knapsack to carry everything.. A kerfuffle is a commotion or fuss. And speaking of post-secondary education, in Canada, theres a clear distinction between universities and colleges. I think its fascinating how terms develop and change over time and across borders. Hoser - Wikipedia CBC Qs host Tom Power is a notable traitor that way, he boasts about saying zee, when he ought to be ashamed for promoting it on national radio. Tuque is the French spelling but the English have adopted Toque and even Touque. What about deep fried pickles? In the US, what they call Smarties, we call Rockets. Means go for it or help yourself, especially when referring to food. my grandma also calls couches CHESTERFIELDS! It's a term of affection like "bro" or "my dude.". Ontario Slang Like 'Soaker' Could Soon Be In Oxford Dictionary Slang - YourDictionary Its become part of our daily language. Its more common to use it for men as it was derived when it was less popular for women to play hockey. Americans often mock them on television, treating them more like camp rangers, when in fact that do a lot of very difficult work. Technically this isnt slang since its a translation, but it means thank you. They are usually brightly painted and have quite a low seat with a very high back and thick arms. It quickly got out of hand, so here we are with 100+ Canadian phrases for you to learn and share! We call them snowbirds since they seem to migrate like birds. Any potential backpackers heading to Canada need to know a few of these sayings. If you order your coffee this way, youll get one with two creams and two sugars. We share the knapsack with Washington D.C. Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly. Learn more Canadians are proud of their cultural heritage and linguistic diversity, and there are a number of uniquely Canadian slang words that express this heritage. If inviting someone to come dine with you, whats the funniest way to say it Canadian, I have no idea about that one. Mickie is used a variety or places, though it is an older term that ive hear in old movies, Thong is used all the time in Australia and NZ, I nknow some Americans who say hoser, I heat take off all over the place, as with sasquatchm yak, francophone and Kraft Dinner though a lot of people have also taken to calling it KD. And these 13 surprising things are actually madein Canada! Ha! We catch ourselves saying it all the time. I genuinely thought everyone had this term. Thanks. If youre from Canada, I think its important to learn these Canadian terms to know more about our national identity. 2. For example, you can use it when something is incredulous. Oddly, we dont think of Quebec as east its sort of its own thing. We now use it to refer to any energy bill. During the Mongol Rally our team mates were American and they asked us why we kept saying clicks. like i cant explain explain exactly how to understand it its just something you have to have grown up using to understand exactly which product someone is talking about. Despite all their teasing, it is actually a term we use. I also just recently realize that they call it a toilet around most of the rest of the world, including Australia. In Canada keener is someone who shows up to class early . One win. , If I was a Dr. Seuss book, Id be The Fat in the Hat. If someone is on unemployment, they are on pogey. Often its not even a true or false statement! I know in the States, universities are often called colleges. I agree, soda is weird to my ears. Im sorry that these terms existed in our history. Most native French speakers in Canada live in Quebec, which is the only province where French is the sole official language. Now it's a synonym for "loser" but with a particularly Canadian flavour. If you want to develop a Canadian accent, try to say the lines along with the actors on the third or fourth viewing. (This applies to most provinces, but not Quebec, which has a slightly different school system. Thanks! And for the word route, Canadians would often pronounce it like root.