To us, the toilet sounds a bit vulgar. Turn left (Larry) or right (Roger). (I am proudly 1/2 Canadian my Mom was born in 1915 in the small town of Vankleek Hill in NE Ontario. I didnt realize that it was a Canadian thing. 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. ]`;b^28!Hq4K.\D(?I9}f3Mxy%}[82-h~@+a9JX >{Fv/0F.Lo+0pIXzf(blDwu/0@AC CG;*kP&-tv#@T
7'hkq*n/qxYEQv\U]H^R\]w{KDo9Tn5'b,. For example, if youre born on July 15th, your 15th birthday is your champagne birthday. (score! If youve ever watched an American version of Canadians then youve seen this. I think Ill head over to one today to get myself some sasparilla:). Cheers! <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>>
"We're gonna go tobogganing today, eh?" Seriously. , I think in some ways, Alaska and Canada are very similar and quite different in others. I once used the word serviette (not sure if Im spelling it correctly) while in the US and the lady at the counter said you must be from Canada because we say napkin. When I was in the southern US and said pilon, no one knew what I meant. And lastly, I dont know if you guys have a special name for Tim Hortons doughnuts, but my husband would like to suggest, Wonder rings of goodness. Sure, its a long onebut pretty darn accurate. He poked me in the eye. Eh This is our most popular Canadian saying that we receive the most flack about from the rest of the world. I didnt know this was a Canadian thing, but apparently its not common around the world. , F**k you, Jonesy! Kilometers is pretty long when you think about it. I often think one thing and then write another. Its confusing to newcomers, especially if English isnt your first language. When I hear cone I think of an icecream cone. Toilet is everywhere in Japan, but its more than just the signage, people say it out loud at the restaurant with no regards for any apropos feeling. No matter where you live, slang affects the English language in fascinating ways. Interesting. Mmm, Pineapple Crush sounds great and I believe you, Turkey dressing sounds like it would be a nice addition to poutine! Ive always loved language.
Despite all their teasing, it is actually a term we use. Awesome! Homosexual Slang Terms. However other provinces have different arrangments. and "double-double" as well as regional slang used only in certain provinces. However, Canada is a large country that houses a variety of cultures. [1] Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Hi John, We call our dinner supper a lot as well. Why people think we say aboot is beyond me.
Urban Dictionary: hoser Besides, I dont go there to wash. We say toilet (thats not vulgar, its simply a more accurate noun). Canadians will say Im going to University. Americans looking to take a trip across their country's northern border might find themselves bewildered by some Canadian turns of phrase. I got a few words which arent on here: Cowtown, Bytown, Canuck, Mickie, Hoser, two-six, cherry picker, puck bunny,francophone, allophone, coulee and yak Canada Kicks Ass!! While I know it is used in at least Ontario (where I have family), it originated in Detroit, where Im from. I use the words hassock instead of ottoman, and quiggley hole when the kids dig huge holes in the yard and Im not sure about these ones but i use them too whipper snipper or rumpus room for the basement? Good to know that we have similar tastes when it comes to our toilet chat:). Mmm Yummy. This can range from a car being a beauty (sometimes just beaut depending on the accent) to someone who did something nice for you. It is, after all, a . 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. From ordering your coffee double double to wearing your toque in the winter well, that's just so Canadian. But when an American pronounces those words, there is a huge difference. Initially, the term referred to French Canadian settlers of Quebec. Tell us some words unique to your country, we want to hear them. Andy, you are so right about the Buttertarts. Muscles coming tomorrow? Toronto even gets heatwaves! They dont have dill pickle, ketchup and all dressed chips in other countries?? I hope you learned a bit more about Canadian sayings and how a lot of our slang seems to refer to alcohol. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Wonder rings of Goodness, I like that. Rado, so true. Canadian English military slang. Here you will learn about the most important words in this part of the language. So thanks! I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. And I know in the US, students will identify themselves as a Senior, or Sophmore. Over time, we gave the word Canuck a totally . Freezies are what Americans call ice pops, freeze pops or otter pops. Take a look below at some of the most priceless Canadian slang words and where they came from. I like washroom. Vomit on your moms spaghetti, or whatever that talking singer says. . I wonder if that has any correlation to the size of my waistline. Its more common to use it for men as it was derived when it was less popular for women to play hockey. That is until you see the coin. Thanks for the additions. In Canada, our liquor stores are government-run and cannot be in grocery stores. Along with learning slang words used by all Canadians, try picking up some regional slang, like takitish, which is used by Central Canadians to say see you later. To learn more, like how to use online resources to practice Canadian slang, read on! We have smarties in America. I shared an office with a Canadian and my husband did consulting for a Canadian-owned mobile phone company. I dont believe that those words are appropriate for the world I want to live in or for the future Canada is moving towards. Dwight Schrute: Most hilarious quotes and memes from your favourite character. Id call it courting but its never as romantic or reserved. Thanks for sharing Robert and I totally know all of them. , You naturally care for a companionship, but I guess theres a lot worse things than playing a little one-man couch hockey in the dark. , Thanks Robert! Great Canadian Word indeed! BC has a lot of slang to refer to certain cities, often in a derogatory way. Twofer - Also called two-four, this term refers to a case of 24 beers. We grab a 2-4 of beer and go to the cottage up north to work on our Molson Muscle. A Molson Muscle is our endearing term for the beer bellies we have developed over years of drinking Molson Canadian Beer. In Canadian slang, a double-double is a type of coffee. , Your sisters hot, Wayne! Muskoka chairs are classic wooden chairs made for lounging. I have lived in Ontario, BC and presently Alberta and I never hear people say where is the toilet, its usually washroom or bathroom. Daves dad worked for Hamilton Hydro. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Cant figure out what it is in the South, but how would you pick up snow anyways without a back-hoe? 10 yr. ago. Buy your own Canadian tuque on Amazon. There are so many more Canadina expressions that I couldnt fit into the post. Haha, that sounds like something I would do. Originally refers to the losers of a hockey game, who, in pre-Zamboni times, would have to hose the rink down once the game was done. It may be a holdover from our British colonialism or due to the French populations of Canada. When we were in Virginia a few years ago I asked our host as we were reading the daily newspaper if I could see the funnies. Its most used when referring to the Vancouver Canucks hockey team rather than individuals nowadays. Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Its unclear where this term came from but from what I can tell no actual hangings were involved (whew!). Funny Cowboy Sayings. endobj
I wrote a bit of a write up about you two on my blog as well, along with a link to this post. That expression is used but not so common with the younger generation. For those of us non-affluent hosers, we have to settle for the ever-popular above-grounder that sticks up a few feet and has no true foundation or base. , Tims, McDonalds, and the beer store are all closed on Christmas Day. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Other popular swear words include os-tee (the communion wafer) and ka-lees (the cup from which you drink the holy wine). It is very typical for a Canadian to say I need to use the can in reference to washroom. A toque is a knit winter hat like a beanie. A right of passage in Canada was bringing timbits into your school classes. This is our phrase we use when we go to buy beer at the beer store. ke:/RE!yABZ AlahmE;Gc$TE"j rj!\Uf_V+neeEfK,#nOtb\B2C4%i'.rz +O"? Deep fried pickles eh, that is one that I have not tried, it is amazing what you can learn from people visiting your own country. Also works as youre an idiot, but use a different tone. My husband will occasionaly say Zee (too much American Tv, I guess)and I always correct him. I use all of those except for take off. The original Mounties were all on horseback, but nowadays they take other forms of transit as well. This phrase is so Toronto that within months of moving here, you'll find yourself saying it. And then I started traveling. I didnt know that garburator was Canadian or till, or writing exams. With a multicultural society centered around the simple things in lifeleisure, friendly competition, and politenessit's no coincidence these are reflected in the common tongue. 3) Place where snow may fall in the Summer. 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. By submitting your information via this form, you agree to receive electronic communications from Cottage Life Media, a division of Blue Ant Media Solutions Inc., containing news, updates and promotions regarding cottage living and Cottage Life's products. Now before visiting Canada, you can practice your use of the word eh and fit right in once you get here. , Its a hard life picking stones and pulin t**ts, but as sure as Gods got sandals, it beats fightin dudes with treasure trails. Dont forget the iconic Nova Scotia toast sociable! Shoresy is one of the most popular characters in the show known for saying hilarious things. 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. This comes from the famous Blue Nose ship that used to fish and race in Nova Scotia. They have no chocolate in them. We even opened a Tim Hortons in Afghanistan for our troops overseas. I'm on a mission to empower every young woman to stop waiting to move abroad. This is one of my favourite terms, more so now that I know its Canadian specific. The word pop to refer to what we know as soft drinks is traceable back to Faygo, a Detroit, Michigan company. Hoser or hose-head is a slang term originating in Canada that is used to reference or imitate Canadians.. my grandma also calls couches CHESTERFIELDS! Timmies (among other nicknames) refers to Canadas largest coffee and doughnut chain, Tim Hortons. Captured below are some of the most popular quotes that will make you smile. No waywe ended up calling it a Toonie, because Toonie rhymes with Loonie, and we Canadians like things that rhyme. They use bathrooms, and restrooms, I have seen water closet used around the world and The British love to say The Loo But I never see washroom.
Guide to 100+ Canadian Slang: Unique Canadian Sayings and Phrases You Its basically just a hoodie! You may have noticed I just snuck in an apology above. And yeah, pop! These are some of the most popular Canadian words and phrases used as slang.
Make An Offer On Your Hotel Room - Get A Price Exclusive To You 50+ memorable Grinch quotes for people who absolutely hate Christmas. , F**k you, Shoresy, youre a terrible fu**in ref! A few days ago a friend and me spotted a guy going for a jog in some short shorts, rocking an Ipod & a very athletic Gut. This is what we Canadians call our Backpack or Rucksack. Excellent suggestions! The next time you stub your toe in Quebec, you might also want to bite your tongue. I should have put that in. One win.
the other thing small difference im canadian living in the US and people make fun of me for saying Im having a shower or Im gonna have a nap they only use taking for showers and naps. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! In America, Soda is more prevalent in the West Coast and the Eastern Seaboard. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Although Newfoundland isnt technically a Maritime province because it joined Canada after the Maritime treaty, it tends to be included. Specifically, in Canada, Smarties are a version of the M&M. , Your dad says guys with big trucks have little d**ks. (CC and Coke) to drink at parties. After familiarizing yourself with the actual slang terms, practice speaking and listening to those terms until they come more naturally to you. I watch several Canadian YouTubers and have always wondered why they leave certain small words out of certain statements. A Molson Muscle refers to a beer belly, typically acquired by drinking too much Molson beer. I didnt know this was a Canadian thing for a long time. =-. Nobody can do without their Timmies. Did you know these 20 things were actually invented in Canada? Usually, its not used to refer to a physical fight, but that varies. Quebec French profanities, [1] known as sacres (singular: sacre; French: sacrer, "to consecrate"), are words and expressions related to Catholicism and its liturgy that are used as strong profanities in Quebec French (the main variety of Canadian French) and in Acadian French (spoken in Maritime Provinces, east of Quebec, and a small portion of Beaver tail , There are probably more but so far I can not think of any. Ive used it for years, but cant find it in any dictionary, so it must be ours. What about the old Zed and Zee. It's a term of affection like "bro" or "my dude.". Whats not to love, eh? While you can still find them on Canadian slang posts or the Wikipedia about Canadian language, Ive genuinely never heard them used before. In Saskatchewan, people call hoodies bunnyhugs. Thanks for sharing! Thanks. Canadian Slang, Unique Phrases and Canadian Sayings, Strange and Funny names of Canadian Cities, Great Things to do in Borneo Malaysias Wild Jungle Island, Interview with World Travelers, Uncornered Market, Three-line book review: Stardust Neil Gaiman. However, some other countries do (check here!). Oh, Im stomping the brakes, put that idea right through the f**king windshield. Mainly refers to youngsters who commit petty crimes. =-. Hi. Means go for it or help yourself, especially when referring to food. I wont tell anyone. It includes all of Toronto as well as neighbouring suburbs and municipalities. Its a military short form that weve adopted as a country. I used to drive a Zed 28 car. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field. I thought it was hilarious that toque is a ski cap in the States. I actually live in Scotland but I have Canadian relatives on my dads side and Id move there in a heartbeat. 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. Can often replace 'Pardon' or 'Excuse Me'. Most people not from Canada can figure out what most of the slang means. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Although it is a manufactured made up word, it is Canada in a nutshell. Anyways . Well, it is simple, a tuque is a knitted hat is used to keep the head warm. "Eh." Everyone always makes fun of us. After travelling for the last few years and causing some VERY confused faces, I can assure you that we definitely do. They change from province to province and city to city without much notice. References. Starlight, star bright, why the f**k you got earrings on? Instead of saying Lets go!, we say lets go lah. Maybe that is a Canadian phrase and I didnt even realize it . Hey guys! Some are more obscure than others, but theyre all really fun. 19 million Canadians, or 57% of the population; the remainder of the population were native speakers of Canadian French (22%) others languages 4] A larger number, 28 million people, reported using English as their dominant language. Now you can use it to deke out of a meeting or deke around traffic through shortcuts. However, I sure have heard this in Burrrrtaa (Alberta)! BC has only the provincial-regulated and privately owned liquor stores, both of which have beer; there are no separate beer-only stores. This is actually a strain of wind, like the El Nio, but people dont usually say it to refer to the weather phenomenon. In the US, college and university can mean the same thing since a university is a universe of colleges. %PDF-1.5
Oh the Canadian lingo is always evolving . As a general rule, though, Toronto Maple Leafs insults can fly pretty much anywhere across the country, even in Toronto where fans mostly have a sense of humour. If people have a housecoat, its often nicer than your simple plush bathrobe. Either way, I hope you laugh and learn while reading this guide to 100+ Canadian slang words. I havent included all of them for two reasons: 1) this list is already insanely long and 2) some can be derogatory. Maybe Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. Oh the numerous words we have for our winter supplies. 9. swordfishtrombonez. Theyre just not as popular. Youll sound truly Canadian:). I would correct your comment regarding where Canadians buy their beer. He became visibly jagged when he missed his flight. The original name of Ottawa and now a common nickname. I agree, soda is weird to my ears. Its basically two loonies, so we came up with toonie. Or maybe Canadian influence is just starting to spread? Quebec Anglophones have freely adopted French words, such as autoroute for highway and dpanneur for corner store, as well as French constructions, such as take a decision and shut a light. They mock us by using "eh" in the most ridiculous phrases and they never get it right. We dont have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so youll need your phone for maps. My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. From a fellow Canadian residing temporarily in the U.S., Smarties in the U.S. are not the same. By now most of the world knows the Canadian tuxedo: wearing an all-denim outfit. Washroom? word as canadas greeting. Thanks! Always fun to hear about what is different in each country and area that they live in. Our humidex, short for humidity index, is how Canadian meteorologists determine how hot it feels outside.
How a Soft Drink Became Quebec's Homegrown Insult 50 Canadian Slang Words Our American Friends Don't Understand Its become so ubiquitous that you can now order your coffee this way across Canada, even outside of a Tim Hortons! Maybe its just having to make every second of summer count because winter is so brutal? , Well, Id say give your balls a tug, but it looks like yer pants are doin it for ya. Very true, but that is such a Canadian moment in its own way. I think its fascinating how terms develop and change over time and across borders. Special thanks to my Islander friend for teaching me PEI fighting words, which is possibly the best Youtube video Ive ever seen and the perfect documentation of a PEI accent. Ive heard James Cagney use it in an old movie, so I think it must have been common in the States in the 30s or 40s. For the uninitiated, poutine is a common Canadian dish that consists of french fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and gravy. Finally they said Why do you say clicks we replied I dont know. 2. I dont know if this is common elsewhere, but in Canada we celebrate our champagne birthday with extra fan fair. Usually used for driving directions. Be careful before you utter a disparaging remark about a hockey player or team in Canadaa seemingly innocent comment can quickly turn into one of the most offensive Canadian insults.