Need to communicate like an actual Canadian, eh? From Tim Hortons runs to two-fours on the cottage, Canadian slang is as numerous as our nation itself. Whereas we might sound much like our American neighbors, belief us—we’ve acquired our personal bizarre, fantastic, and wildly complicated phrases.
Whether or not you’re ordering a double-double, dodging a rink rat, or kicking again in a Muskoka chair, we’ve acquired you lined with this final information to Canadian slang phrases and phrases. So, earlier than you throw a Chesterfield kerfuffle, let’s dive in, eh?
Canadian Slang – How To Converse Canadian
Most individuals suppose Canadians communicate rather a lot like our American neighbours, however the reality is, we’re a bit bizarre up right here within the Nice White North. Plus, Canadians can select a Canadian accent anytime so don’t suppose that stitching a Canadian flag in your backpack immediately turns you right into a Canuck.
1. Canuck
The phrase Canuck is considered one of my favourites. This time period referes to Canadians. Now we have the Vancouver Canucks, considered one of Canada’s most beloved hockey groups, and within the Nineteen Eighties, our downhill skiers who dominated the World Cup circuit had been referred to as the Loopy Canucks, and I’m personally a proud Canuck. In case you haven’t figured it out but, Canuck is one other time period for a Canadian. It’s a lot less complicated and shorter. I’m a Canuck man!
2. Eh
That is our hottest Canadian saying and everybody mocks us through the use of “eh” in probably the most ridiculous phrases they usually by no means get it proper. So I’m going to offer you a fast lesson on tips on how to the phrase “eh”.All it’s a must to do is make a press release like “It’s a very good time out at the moment.” In case you add “eh” to the tip of that assertion, you’ll be able to flip it right into a query that may require a pleasant reply from the particular person you’re speaking to.
3. Loonie and Toonie
Our one-dollar coin is known as a “Loonie” (because of the loon on it). Naturally, when the two-dollar coin got here out, we named it a “Toonie” as a result of it rhymes with Loonie. Logical, proper?
4. Tuque
A knit winter hat, identified elsewhere around the globe as a beanie. Each Canadian owns at the very least one. I went my whole childhood and a big portion of my grownup life not realizing that this was a phrase solely utilized in Canada. “Tuque” as it’s spelled in Quebec (it’s spelled toque in English Canada) is a singular Canadian slang phrase used throughout the nation to explain a winter hat. Purchase your individual Canadian tuque on Amazon.
5. Hoser
Talking of Bob and Doug Mackenzie, it was these two lovable Hosers that introduced the time period Hoser to the mainstream in Canada. Hoser is an old-school insult made well-known by Bob and Doug McKenzie, that means an fool or loser. Instance:“Take off, ya hoser!”
6. Common / Double-Double
At Tim Hortons, a “common” espresso comes with one cream and one sugar. A “double-double”? Two lotions, two sugars. Candy sufficient to make a beaver blush.
7. Rink Rat
Somebody who virtually lives on the hockey rink, whether or not they’re a participant, skater, or only a superfan. I used to be a rink rat, individuals had been at all times saying “She’s an actual rink rat, at all times practising her skating.”
8. Two-4
A case of 24 beers. “Choose up a two-four for the social gathering.” We purchase our beer on the Beer Retailer in Canada and a field of 24 beers is just shortened to the phrases “two 4.”
9. Molson Muscle
A beer stomach. “He’s been engaged on his Molson muscle all winter.” Properly, older Canadians anyway. A lot of the GenZ drink craft beer, and wouldn’t contact Molson.
10. Hydro
Canadians don’t pay an “electrical invoice.” We pay for hydro, even in locations the place our energy isn’t hydroelectric.
11. Knapsack
Our phrase for backpack or rucksack, particularly amongst grade faculty college students.
12. Washroom
Neglect “restroom” or “toilet.” In Canada, it’s at all times the washroom.
13. Chocolate Bar
What the remainder of the world calls a sweet bar.
14. Chinook
A heat winter wind that may soften Alberta’s snow in hours. Being born in Alberta, Canada, my mother and father usually talked about Chinooks blowing in from the mountains, bringing hotter climate from British Columbia, and the way good it was.
15. Out and About Not Oot and Aboot
We don’t say “oot and aboot.” It’s nearer to “a-boat.” Belief us. In case you actually wish to delve into the reasoning for the distinction. Take a look at Grammar Woman. She explains the diphthong variations eloquently right here.
16. Zed
Canadians say “Zed” as a substitute of “Zee” for the letter Z—besides when referring to ZZ High. I used to drive a Zed 28 automobile. People name it Zee28, and that’s simply bizarre.
17. Might 2 – 4 Weekend
Victoria Day weekend, usually celebrated by consuming a case of 24 beers. “We’re heading to the cottage for Might Two-4.”
18. Poutine
Canada’s nationwide dish—fries, cheese curds, and gravy. “Let’s seize some poutine after the bar.” Greatest loved at 3 AM. Learn extra about Canadian meals such because the Beaver Tail and Nanaimo Bar at our submit: High Should-Strive Canadian Meals for Foodies and Vacationers
19. Bunny Hug
Saskatchewan’s distinctive time period for a hoodie (sure, actually). “It’s chilly; seize your bunny hug.”
20. Stag and Stagette or Stag and Doe
Our model of bachelor and bachelorette events. A pre-wedding social gathering to boost funds for the couple. “They’re internet hosting a stag and doe subsequent month.”
21. Bachelor Condominium
And talking of the time period bachelor we name a studio residence or a small residence with no separate bed room a bachelor residence with an open dwelling and sleeping area. “I discovered a comfy bachelor downtown.”
22. Kerfuffle
A commotion or fuss. “There was an actual kerfuffle on the rink final night time.”
23. Newfie
A Newfie is a slang phrase to explain an individual from the Canadian province of Newfoundland. Folks from Newfoundland usually discuss with themselves as Newfies, and lots of Canadians name individuals from Newfoundland Newfies. It’s an endearing time period of affection and respect. Nonetheless, we often persist with Newfoundlanders. Be aware: In relation to announcing Newfound land, don’t over pronounce the “Discovered.” As an alternative, make it sound extra like “Newfanland”. That’s extra Canadian.
24. Runners
Canadians don’t put on sneakers—we put on run
25. Clicks
Canadian communicate for kilometers. Instance: Toronto is about 500 clicks from Montreal.”
26. Kraft Dinner
Our beloved mac and cheese, immortalized in music by the Barenaked Women.
27. The 6ix
Toronto’s nickname, popularized by Drake.
28. Cowtown
A nickname for Calgary, because of its cowboy tradition.
29. The Peg
A nickname for Winnipeg (previously “Winterpeg”).
30 . Magnificence
When one thing’s top-notch, we name it a “magnificence.” Scored tickets to a Leafs sport? “Magnificence, eh!”
31. Mountie
A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
32. Pencil Crayon
What we name coloured pencils.
33. Keener
Somebody who’s overly keen or enthusiastic, usually the trainer’s pet. “That keener completed the project per week early.”
33. Chesterfield
An old-school time period for a sofa or couch.
34. Pop
People say “soda.” We are saying pop.
35. Comfort Retailer
The nook retailer the place you seize snacks and necessities.
36. Darts
Canadian slang for a cigarette. “Goin’ out for a dart” means you’re stepping outdoors to smoke.
37. Parkade
A multi-level parking storage, principally utilized in Western Canada.
38. Napkin
A serviette, however fancier.
39. Buddy / Bud
Within the Maritimes, “buddy” is a common stand-in for an individual’s title. Didn’t catch somebody’s title? Simply name ’em “buddy.” It’s the Canadian means.
39. Hold a Larry / Hold a Roger
Want instructions? “Hold a Larry” means flip left; “Hold a Roger” means flip proper. Why Larry and Roger? Your guess is pretty much as good as ours.
40. Mickey / Texas Mickey
A “mickey” is a 375ml bottle of liquor—good for slipping into your pocket. A “Texas mickey”? That’s a whopping 3-liter bottle. Proceed with warning.
41. Bloody Caesar
Canada’s model of a Bloody Mary, made with Clamato juice (clam and tomato juice).
42. Deke
A hockey transfer the place a participant fakes out an opponent. Off the ice, it means to dodge or keep away from one thing.
43. Lineup
What others name a queue, we name a lineup. “There’s a lineup at Timmies this morning.”
44. For Positive
A definitive sure. “You coming to the social gathering?” “For certain!”
45. To Be On Pogey
Being on welfare or unemployment advantages. “He’s been on pogey for the reason that mill closed.”
46. Chirping
Good-natured teasing or taunting, particularly in sports activities. “The gamers had been chirping one another all sport.”
47. Goon
A tricky man or enforcer, particularly in hockey. “The crew’s goon acquired right into a combat.”
48. Timbits
Donut holes from Tim Hortons. “I’ll seize a field of Timbits for the assembly.”
49. Eavestrough
What others would possibly name a gutter. “Clear the leaves out of the eavestrough earlier than winter.”
50. Gasoline Bar
A fuel station, usually with a comfort retailer. “Let’s cease on the fuel bar for snacks.”
51. Freezie
A frozen flavored ice deal with. “I cherished consuming freezies throughout summer season as a child.”
52. Snowbirds
Canadians who migrate south for the winter. “My grandparents are snowbirds; they spend winters in Florida.”
53. Puck Bunny
A fan, usually feminine, who’s extra within the gamers than the sport. “She’s such a puck bunny, at all times hanging across the rink.”
54. Gong Present
A chaotic or wild occasion. “That social gathering became an actual gong present.”
55. Fill Yer Boots
An invite to take as a lot as you need. “We’ve acquired loads of meals, so fill yer boots!”
56. What You Sayin’?
An off-the-cuff greeting that means “What are you as much as?” “Hey
57. Jesus murphy
Yep, I’m responsible of utilizing this one rather a lot and apparently it’s a distinctive Canadian time period.
58. Muskoka Chair
The final word Canadian chill spot—discovered on each dock, cottage deck, and lakeside retreat. Whereas People name it an Adirondack chair, everyone knows the Muskoka chair reigns supreme. Seize a beer, sit back, and benefit from the view, eh?
So, there you’ve got it, many issues Canadians say which might be a bit bit out of the bizarre up right here within the Nice White North. So, if you go to Canada, be certain to get pleasure from our beaver tails, use the metric system and when you’re heading out to the East Coast be certain to endearingly name a Newfoundlander a Newfie. Acquired it?
Are you able to consider every other Canadian sayings which might be distinctive to your area or the nation? Inform us some phrases distinctive to your nation, we wish to hear them.