Yee Haw. Its a very old term that has mostly fallen out of fashion. Just be sure you don . And I know in the US, students will identify themselves as a Senior, or Sophmore. Or maybe Canadian influence is just starting to spread? Everything is east or west of you. To listen to how we Canadians talk, watch our video of these two crazy Canucks explaining all the Canadian phrases we use. Its delicious. I can think of some additional foods and expressions that are distinctly Canadian that visitors might not know: Butter Tart Tortire Poutine Nanaimo Bar Bags of milk Pop instead of soda Ketchup Chips Clicks (distance) Kerfuffle (commotion) For sure Homo milk Brown bread Chesterfield Supper Girl Guides Muskoka Chair Track pants Postal code Elastic Smarties Crispy Crunch Caramilk Shreddies 5-pin bowling Mountie, Ive called it pop ever since i could remember. Here is what we recommend: Need more help planning your trip? Across Canada, we tend to think of our home as being the centre of the country. Haha, that sounds like something I would do. Depaneur Convenience store Macdo Short name for McDonald Regie I have heard this from many English speakers, I went to the regie web site (government agency), Whats up with the saying some of these days we say one of these days here in the States. The following is a list of colloquial terms and expressions used in the Canadian Armed Forces . A shortening of sasquatch that, in western Canada, refers to someone big and unkempt. We say zed, we have smarties, knapsacks (though back pack is probably more common) and chocolate bars. Honestly, I dont think Ive heard too many people use that one except when mimicking Bob & Doug (which, admittedly, people do a lot). There is virtually no pronunciation differences between cot and caught when said by a Canadian. Its become so ubiquitous that you can now order your coffee this way across Canada, even outside of a Tim Hortons! How To Type Letters with Accents on a Computer. Ahhha! Growing up I was 100% a keener. Canadian Slang Words You Need to Know - Culture Trip Her name was Pearl Victoria,and sha and my Grandpa Victor Blackwell, spoke a lot of unique phrases as I was growing up in central NY in the 50s. When the fields are plowed, especially the cornfields, it looks like stubble. Some of these words on the list seem a bit suspect, though. We dont have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so youll need your phone for maps. I heard Americans dont have a word for slush and dont use the word toboggan. Hoser - Wikipedia . Its just what we call km. Its name comes from the Loon (a bird) on the Tails side of the coin. However, going south is a whole other thing. Just to confuse the issue further, in America they have candies called Smarties, but they are what we call Rockets in Canada those sourish compressed sugar discs that come in rolls. I have some friends from Newfoundland, so I think that I can hear the accent as I am thinking about how to say it:) Nice! Also: Canuck though the term will probably be more of how others call us. 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.". It seems to relate to their Irish ancestry. Actually, bi would be the best example, hahaha. 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. Chesterfields are sofas or couches. Having worked in NYC, I was surprised how many unique Canadian words and references exist. 12th grade is hard, said the American. Its basically just a hoodie! Works best with an Alexander Keiths India Pale Ale in hand. Rink rat is a term for someone who spends a lot of time at hockey arenas. In high school, people carried around a Micky of vodka or Canadian Club Rye Whiskey. I thought it was hilarious that toque is a ski cap in the States. Jurons, as Qubecois swears and insults are called, are used to add color to everyday conversations. No one can deny the magical relationship between french fries and ketchup. Now it mostly refers to the Montreal Canadien hockey team. There are some that I genuinely didnt know were Canadian phrases and judged friends Ive met around the world for not knowing them. Some people in Canada call it Dinner, but not as often. We also use the word by instead of eh. Its kinda like a term of endearment, Whatta ya at, by? As in Whats up, friend? .-= Candices last blog ..Lend me your ears. Thanks for the information Zach. From ordering your coffee double double to wearing your toque in the winter well, that's just so Canadian. To chirp someone is to verbally tease them in a mean or aggressive way. Allophone is new to me too and so is coulee. Dave and I would say things like the next town is about 50 clicks away. Ontario Slang Like 'Soaker' Could Soon Be In Oxford Dictionary 50 Canadian Slang Words Our American Friends Don't Understand Excellent contributions Carolyn. If youre concerned about that expanding gut of yours, many restaurants offer a healthier, vegetarian gravy substitute. A Newfoundland insult meaning someone whos too lazy to go fishing. I dont know two-six, what is it used for. Pshhh. For example, Qubec does not speak English and won't have many expressions originating from British Columbia. Pop is a Canadian thing and everyone else says soda. This article captures many Letterkenny sayings you may have become accustomed to. Emjoying your blog, thanks. SOS I am translating WW1 poems by Canadians, soldiers or civilians . Most native French speakers in Canada live in Quebec, which is the only province where French is the sole official language. Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake helped get this horrible fashion choice into the mainstream, but it continues to be a thing in Canada. Do other people say den and family room? , 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. Oh the numerous words we have for our winter supplies. Eh. Everyone always makes fun of us. Canada. 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/. They didnt want to miss the movie so they would use (the males) an empty can of soda and pee into it. Vomit on your moms spaghetti, or whatever that talking singer says. Just be sure you dont put any stink on the word; as annoyed as you might be, its important to say sorry without sounding like youre trying to start something. Canadian words, phrases or slang that most Americans wouldn - reddit A keener is sort of a mix between a know-it-all and a goody-two-shoes. There was this Frenchman from Quebec who liked to say something like Batoime ! when he was surprised but something, said it was a family expression. I said it! I learned a only a few years ago that 'goof' is Canadian prison . I was staying in Alberta earlier this year and never once heard can used, but washroom was used not only exclusively, but actually written above public toilet entrances and on directional signs too. 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. Hmmm, kinda hard to sound it outkinda like boy without the o. It typically refers to students who are teachers pets or trying to be. 4) Hella great place." Did it get around I wonder ?? I actually live in Scotland but I have Canadian relatives on my dads side and Id move there in a heartbeat. Shoresy is one of the most popular characters in the show known for saying hilarious things. It's a term of affection like "bro" or "my dude.". By now most of the world knows the Canadian tuxedo: wearing an all-denim outfit. , You stopped toe curlin in the hot tub cause you heard sperms stay alive in there, and youve seen Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles enough times to know how that story ends. If you want to learn Australian curse words, read on. Technically this isnt slang since its a translation, but it means thank you. A very typical Canadian chocolate bar is a coffee crisp. Naniamo Bar (obviously) basically a chocolate sandwich with some kind of wierd cream in the middle (it is so good). Your champagne birthday is when you turn the same age as your birthdate. Its like the American Big Foot or the northern Yeti. Quebec is the only place in North America where Pepsi has traditionally outsold Coke. Some have a French Canadian influence. One of my favourite phrases that is uniquely Canadian is Two-Four. Is you do you Canadian slang or American? % of people told us that this article helped them. Pencil crayons are pencils that feature coloured graphite. For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommendSkyscanner. For example, you may say that Timmies is kitty-corner to your home if it is diagonally across an intersection. This cold region has unique slang with British, French, and indigenous influences. If your friends say something surprising, spring a OHHH YIS BY! on them. Pop for soft drink or soda. Two four. And then I started traveling. For example, you can use it when something is incredulous. I learned a lot from you. In the Ottawa Valley, the accent is heavily influenced by the Irish who settled the area. They change from province to province and city to city without much notice. A half-sack of beer is half a dozen. Carny Slang. Mmm Yummy. Wonder if she put that shes bilingual on her resume. Of course, every country has the term beauty or some form of it. A Canadian term of both derision and affection, popularized - but NOT invented - by the MacKenzie Brothers (from their "Great White North" segments on the old SCTV programme). However, its very commonly referred to, even by Canadians, as being Canadian slang. Another idiom that confuses Canadians from other provinces than Ontario, is ordering Regular coffee (one cream, one sugar); in my experience, Ontario Tims locations seem to be the only ones that operate that way. While I know it is used in at least Ontario (where I have family), it originated in Detroit, where Im from. Essential French-Canadian/Qubcois slang terms and phrases While you can still find them on Canadian slang posts or the Wikipedia about Canadian language, Ive genuinely never heard them used before. We call it pop in the Detroit area of Michigan. Save more in booking your flights and accommodations by using this platform! Here is the post about Canadas lack of food identity https://theplanetd.com/canadian-food, Jesus Murphey we all say it.. look ma, the neighbors walking around in his underwear Jesus Murphey!. We even have them at office meetings now. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. . Thats not Canada talking there. Heres what one Maritimer wishes hed known before moving to Montreal. Now that you know the Canadian insults to avoid, check out the Canadian road trips everyone should take at least once. ke:/RE!yABZ AlahmE;Gc$TE"j rj!\Uf_V+neeEfK,#nOtb\B2C4%i'.rz +O"? However, I sure have heard this in Burrrrtaa (Alberta)! Although we have many islands, this term is meant for people from Prince Edward Island in the Maritimes. Its unclear where this term came from but from what I can tell no actual hangings were involved (whew!). As you can tell, I have a special relationship with out and about, since I named my blog after it. Thanks! Fun article but many manyof the claims in the comments are not solely Canadian. Learn these 25 Canadian slang terms that will help you navigate life in the north a little bit easier. im fluent in English & french. If youre from Canada, I think its important to learn these Canadian terms to know more about our national identity. Here, a recent Canadian immigrant shares what he wishes hed known before moving to Canada. Most people think Canadians speak a lot like our American neighbours, but the truth is, were a little weird up here in the Great White North. I wonder if anyone else in the world calls it a pilon or is it just we Canadians? Tim Hortons is such an intrinsic part of Canada that weve built it into the dialogue. Sasquatch isnt just a term, its actually a Canadian creature. Everyone in Canada knows this, which is why its so frustrating when people around the world dont seem to realize that our home isnt simply the 51st state of the U.S. Their confusion is somewhat understandable: Canada and the U.S. are such strong allies and many Canadian celebrities hop the border to find success in Hollywood. I am going to Timmies to grab a box of timbits and a large Double Double. That is what you say when leave the house to order an assortment of tasty doughnut centres and an oversized cup of coffee with two creams and two sugars at Tim Horton Doughnuts. At last, I can dazzle my Canadian expat friends here in L.A. with my knowledge of Loonies and I have you to thank! Whats a tuque? Pepsi: French Canadians: Empty from the neck up. To understand Canadian slang, you'll need to learn phrases used across the country such as "Eh?" maybe schoolbooks. , Your dad says guys with big trucks have little d**ks. endobj It softens the expression and instead of it sounding like a command, it becomes more like a persuasion. Your living area is above the first floor. Why people think we say aboot is beyond me. Huh, the things you learn writing a blog post:-), Ive been so busy picking up (and writing about) words from different countries, that I realize Ive forsaken my own Canadian heritage! Funny Cowboy Sayings. Pencil crayons are what Americans call colored pencils and the British call colouring pencils. Canadians have a reputation for being the politest people on the planet that is until someone butts in line at Tims. Thats cool Mel, I didnt realize that it was called pop in Kansas. Does that mean brother, buddy, or what?? they were described as chocolate beans. I think its fascinating how terms develop and change over time and across borders. Toronto has started trying to co-opt it, but Vancouverites still hold on to the term. How did 'Monday' become a racist slur? - The Boston Globe Here you will learn about the most important words in this part of the language. Oh the Canadian lingo is always evolving . I thought that the US called it a bathroom and a restroom. 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. The lexicography team for the Canadian Oxford Dictionary tell me the . Its true what they say about accents: everyone has one and you cant always hear your own, but this whole business about Canadians saying a-boot instead of about is just confusing. Or Im a student at the university of Cincinnati. I dont know which came first: Americas obsession with it or our general use. I could have used this a few years ago when we lived in Prague. Calgary, due to the stampede and its cattle history. Thats interesting eh? So, come lah, come visit Malaysia and see for yourself. Nobody can do without their Timmies. Another Canadian word: Shed>>> pertains to any small building outside a larger dwelling.this word often used in the East Coast of Canada. What about deep fried pickles? Love it! A reference to anyone from the Prairies. He poked me in the eye. On the West Coast, a few words mixed in from Indigenous trade languages chuck for the ocean, Skookum for pretty big, pretty neat. . A sourdough is a permanent resident of the Yukon who has lived there for all four seasons. Canadian slang isn't as obvious as other country's. We use the terms so simply that people barely register them. More specifically, it is a coffee with a double shot of cream and sugar. To help keep track of where these Canadian slang terms come from, Ill be grouping them by their location. Also, I have to disagree on the smartiesthey had these abroad and I wasnt overly impressed, Ill take my M&Ms!!! Even though the series has been around for quite some time, fans still ask, is Letterkenny over? Besides, I dont go there to wash. We say toilet (thats not vulgar, its simply a more accurate noun). PDF Commonly used Canadian-English Slang and Phrases In the winter, Canadians break out their toboggans or sleds to go tobogganing down snowy hills. One win. 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. Canadian Slang | Canada Wiki | Fandom Welcome back my channel! Where in the US, we would say, Hey guys! If you are a regular who watches this series, then certain phrases from the show will not shock you. Its basically two loonies, so we came up with toonie. I am thinking that perhaps it is a uniform? Ive also heard it used to describe someone who looks good, like complimenting a girlfriend. They find it hilarious for reasons I cant quite figure out. Why cant you just go f**k yourself? Even our swearing is tamer we typically only swear if were angry (or drunk), and the only people in my eastern Canadian home who ever swear around minors are bitter old curmudgeons and weird jerks on the public transit. And yeah, it definitely gets *cold* herecoldest recorded temperature was -80 F, set back in Camp Prospect in January 1971. Either way, you probably will hear someone say it in passing while youre in Canada. Canuck / knk / is a slang term for a Canadian. 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. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Oddly both terms mean the same thing: to seek a provider of alcohol. Ive been saying it for years and annoying my dad that I wont just say shoes, but apparently I was being patriotic the whole time! If you dont know how beer is supposed to taste, please keep your comments to yourself. 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. Americans say About like it is A-Baow-T with a more open ah sound. Im not saying Canadians cant be vulgar or crude, but Canada doesnt quite have that raunch culture element that America does (and Im glad of that). (Lol I hope I got that right.). It's the native language of approximately 7.3 million Canadians, comprising 20.6% of the Canadian population. Most people that love this show tune in just to hear their characters say their favourite phrases. In these parts, we also have chips flavoured like Roast Chicken and Fries and Gravy, and soft drinks like Pineapple Crush. This tongued twister word is made from the hit Hollywood musical, Marry Poppins. A (bad) hockey player who spends all her time on the bench, gathering dust. Smarties were introduced by Rowntree of York in 1882. I use all of those except for take off. This is both a slang and a trend among Canadian men. Make An Offer On Your Hotel Room - Get A Price Exclusive To You You have probably heard the following phrases if you are a regular. We say only 50 clicks to go. 3. Although no country is perfect, and Canada has its share of domestic problems, like others, it is still one of the best on planet earth. Im told its a Canadian thing. Theyll love it. That comes from our history fur trading. No, we dont say aboot. It appears as though the characters have no limits on their insults and cuss words. Oh, I hope he got a tracking number. But seriously, is there a slang insult for really bad situations, beyond calling some a "hoser?" I'm writing a story and one of my characters is Canadian and has a thick accent, and for one part, I want him to use an insult that would be reserved for only truly bad guys. These abbreviations are for the longer form government names for our liquor stores. Montreal Canadiens insults, on the other hand, can get you in trouble whether you're in Beaver Creek, Yukon, or Blackhead, Newfoundland. I kind of like comfort room. We even opened a Tim Hortons in Afghanistan for our troops overseas. Change of Subject: Is `Canuck' an ethnic slur? - Chicago Tribune Fun fact: KD is our most consumed product in Canada, even beating out maple syrup! Whats the best site to buy Canada flights? It's another term of endearment. My wife and I are getting ready to move to Canada after leaving 5 years ago. 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. Thanks for the input. I knew that the capital city was a smart one:-). A living room, family room, and den, are three different types of rooms. CANADIAN SLANG FROM THE NORTHERN PROVINCES This region includes the Nunavut, Yukon, and Northwest Territories. 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. Im Canadain and shes merican. For some reason, rather than saying ok, we say true. When I first started traveling 10 years ago, I said to myself, Well, I better buy a new knapsack to carry everything.. I had to include this term with the insane heat and humidity were currently getting in Toronto. Twenty-sixer, by the way dont just stop at the 2-6. For the uninitiated, poutine is a common Canadian dish that consists of french fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and gravy. Shaded provisions are not in force. Looking to book your next trip? <> Tell us some words unique to your country, we want to hear them. [6] which Canadians and Americans themselves can their own two accents,[7] mostly sometime Western American English and California English, for example) is under going the Canadian Vowel Shift that was first reported in mainland Canadian English in the early 1990s? We have a lot of Canadian slang, so Ill be dividing these into categories to make them easier to understand. And Canadian company Ganong claims to have invented to chocolate bar,so I think that give our name precedence, dont you? . Fortunately, no, it is not over. Letterkenny quotes will remind any lover of the Canadian comedy series why they watch the show in the first place. 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. One word that is mostly only used in SK, is BunnyHug. Basically, posts must be of insults that are apologetic, mild, formal, and/or Canadian-themed. It's similar to the phrases "huh," "right?" and "what?" commonly used in the USA. This foul term has the approximate weight of "holy sh*t" or "holy f*ck" in English. It refers to the bedrock in Vancouver that prevents basements and the insane housing prices that mean people need to rent. Yes Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! I find a lot of this familiar. Can someone explain to me the reason for the cultural fascination that affluent Qubcois have with wanting to have back yard swimming pools? Often its not even a true or false statement! These are all the names of the liquor stores across Canada. How about hoser from the MacKenzie brothers? As for oot and aboot, it may not be Canadian but it is pure Scottish. Im sorry that these terms existed in our history. Check out Grammar Girl. They mock us by using "eh" in the most ridiculous phrases and they never get it right. Or when in university, a 1st year or 2nd year student. And lets not forget donairs! Lets start at the West Coast and work our way East through Canadian slang phrases. , Youre pretty good at wrestlin there, Katy, and thats what I appreciate about you. I mean, why on earth is it nearly 40C every single day?? Im in grade 12, said the Canadian. It is needed because Alberta can be extremely cold in the winter. . .-= Shannon ODs last blog ..A Little WarmthA Wee Bit of Irish Hospitality =-. Accents and slang develop differently in each city and province, creating a great tapestry of Canadian dialects. Although the origins of this exaggerated accent are obscure, it must have been invented shortly after the countrys inception in 1867because its really starting to show its rust. Or do you want to come over for supper? Another term I had no idea was very Canadian-specific! One fellow was described as a Canadian Baby, maybe a typical personal crack, not the photography company which apparently started in 1965. It still does, but sweatpants have become more prominent. Turn left (Larry) or right (Roger).