Need to discuss like an actual Canadian, eh? From Tim Hortons runs to two-fours on the cottage, Canadian slang is as various as our nation itself. Whilst we would possibly sound very similar to our American neighbors, consider us—we’ve were given our personal bizarre, superb, and wildly complicated words.
Whether or not you’re ordering a double-double, dodging a rink rat, or kicking again in a Muskoka chair, we’ve were given you coated with this final information to Canadian slang phrases and words. So, earlier than you throw a Chesterfield kerfuffle, let’s dive in, eh?
Methods to Discuss Canadian – The Final Information to Canadian Slang
Most of the people suppose Canadians discuss so much like our American neighbours, however in actual fact, we’re a bit bizarre up right here within the Nice White North. Plus, Canadians can select a Canadian accessory anytime so don’t suppose that stitching a Canadian flag for your backpack all of sudden turns you right into a Canuck.
Canuck
The phrase Canuck is one among my favourites. This time period refers to Canadians. We now have the Vancouver Canucks, one among Canada’s maximum cherished hockey groups, and within the Nineteen Eighties, our downhill skiers who ruled the International Cup circuit have been known as the Loopy Canucks, and I’m in my view a proud Canuck. For those who haven’t figured it out but, Canuck is some other time period for a Canadian. It’s such a lot more practical and shorter. I’m a Canuck guy!
Eh
That is our hottest Canadian pronouncing and everybody mocks us by way of the usage of “eh” in essentially the most ridiculous words and so they by no means get it proper. So I’m going to provide you with a snappy lesson on learn how to the phrase “eh”.All you need to do is make a observation like “This is a really nice time out lately.” For those who upload “eh” to the top of that observation, you’ll be able to flip it right into a query that may require a pleasant answer from the individual you’re chatting with.
Tuque
A knit wintry weather hat, recognized somewhere else world wide as a beanie. Each Canadian owns a minimum of one. I went my whole youth and a big portion of my grownup existence no longer figuring out that this used to be a phrase best utilized in Canada. “Tuque” as it’s spelled in Quebec (it’s spelled toque in English Canada) is a singular Canadian slang phrase used around the nation to explain a wintry weather hat. Purchase your individual Canadian tuque on Amazon.
Crucial Canadian Phrases You Wish to Know Prior to Visiting
Loonie and Toonie
Our one-dollar coin is known as a “Loonie” (due to the loon on it). Naturally, when the two-dollar coin got here out, we named it a “Toonie” as it rhymes with Loonie. Logical, proper?
Washroom
Disregard “restroom” or “rest room.” In Canada, it’s all the time the washroom.
Hydro
Canadians don’t pay an “electrical invoice.” We pay for hydro, even in puts the place our energy isn’t hydroelectric.
Meals & Drink Slang You Wish to Know
Bloody Caesar
Canada’s model of a Bloody Mary, made with Clamato juice (clam and tomato juice).
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.
Timbits
Donut holes from Tim Hortons. “I’ll snatch a field of Timbits for the assembly.”
Kraft Dinner
Our cherished mac and cheese, immortalized in track by way of the Barenaked Girls.
Poutine
Canada’s nationwide dish—fries, cheese curds, and gravy. “Let’s snatch some poutine after the bar.” Best possible loved at 3 AM. Learn extra about Canadian meals such because the Beaver Tail and Nanaimo Bar at our put up: Most sensible Should-Check out Canadian Meals for Foodies and Vacationers
Freezie
A frozen flavored ice deal with. “I cherished consuming freezies right through summer time as a child.”
Chocolate Bar
What the remainder of the sector calls a sweet bar.
Homo Milk
Canadians’ time period for entire milk. Homogenized Milk.
Vintage Canadian Words & Sayings
Hoser
Talking of Bob and Doug Mackenzie, it used to be those two adorable Hosers that introduced the time period Hoser to the mainstream in Canada. Hoser is an old-school insult made well-known by way of Bob and Doug McKenzie, which means an fool or loser. Instance:“Take off, ya hoser!”
Two-4
A case of 24 beers. “Select up a two-four for the birthday celebration.” We buy our beer on the Beer Retailer in Canada and a field of 24 beers is just shortened to the phrases “two 4.”
Molson Muscle
A lager stomach. “He’s been running on his Molson muscle all wintry weather.” Neatly, older Canadians anyway. Lots of the GenZ drink craft beer, and wouldn’t contact Molson.
Pop
American citizens say “soda.” We are saying pop.
Chesterfield
An old-school time period for a sofa or settee.
Comfort Retailer
The nook retailer the place you snatch snacks and necessities.
Darts
Canadian slang for a cigarette. “Goin’ out for a dart” method you’re stepping out of doors to smoke.
Canadian Way of life & Tradition Slang
Would possibly 2 – 4 Weekend
Victoria Day weekend, frequently celebrated by way of consuming a case of 24 beers. “We’re heading to the cottage for Would possibly Two-4.”
Out and About Now not Oot and Aboot
We don’t say “oot and aboot.” It’s nearer to “a-boat.” Accept as true with us. For those who actually wish to delve into the reasoning for the adaptation. Take a look at Grammar Woman. She explains the diphthong differences eloquently here.
Zed
Canadians say “Zed” as an alternative of “Zee” for the letter Z—apart from when regarding ZZ Most sensible. I used to power a Zed 28 automotive. American citizens name it Zee28, and that’s simply bizarre.
Knapsack
Our phrase for backpack or rucksack, particularly amongst grade faculty scholars.
Stag and Stagette or Stag and Doe
Our model of bachelor and bachelorette events. A pre-wedding birthday celebration to lift finances for the couple. “They’re internet hosting a stag and doe subsequent month.”
Bachelor Rental
And talking of the time period bachelor we name a studio rental or a small rental and not using a separate bed room a bachelor rental with an open dwelling and slumbering house. “I discovered a comfy bachelor downtown.”
Chinook
A heat wintry weather wind that may soften Alberta’s snow in hours. Residing in Alberta, Canada, my oldsters frequently mentioned Chinooks blowing in from the mountains, bringing hotter climate from British Columbia, and the way great it used to be.
Canadian Phrases for Towns and Areas
Newfie
Newfie – A proud nickname for any individual from Newfoundland. Need to sound native? Say “Newfanland”, no longer “New-found-land.” For those who actually wish to communicate like a Newfoundlander take a look at those chatting with a Newfie and say, I Come from Away (an out of towner) wish to be Screeched In. (the Newfoundland custom of kissing the cod)
The 6ix
Toronto’s nickname, popularized by way of Drake. Toronto has a couple of nicknames which can be nonetheless used like T-Dot, Hog The town and the Large Smoke. Take a look at extra amusing Canadian nicknames for our towns and cities.
Cowtown
A nickname for Calgary, due to its cowboy tradition. When in Calgary stay an ear out for those amusing slang phrases like Stampede Stash – The mustache you develop for the Calgary Stampede. Yeehaw Juice – Whisky, generally Crown Royal. Rig Pig – A time period for any individual who works at the oil rigs and if you wish to order a whisky and soda the native manner take a look at ordering ranch water.
The Peg
A nickname for Winnipeg (previously “Winterpeg”). Do you know that Winnipeg is Slurpee Capital? It consumes extra Slurpees in keeping with capita than anyplace else which is peculiar since it’s less warm than maximum towns.
Humorous Canadian Sayings
Pal / Bud
Don’t fear, it’s very Canadian to drink American beer
Within the Maritimes, “pal” is a common stand-in for an individual’s title. Didn’t catch any individual’s title? Simply name ’em “pal.” It’s the Canadian manner.
Mickey / Texas Mickey
A “mickey” is a 375ml bottle of liquor—easiest for slipping into your pocket. A “Texas mickey”? That’s a whopping 3-liter bottle. Continue with warning.
Kerfuffle
A commotion or fuss. “There used to be an actual kerfuffle on the rink final night time.”
Bunny Hug
Saskatchewan’s distinctive time period for a hoodie (sure, actually). “It’s cold; snatch your bunny hug.”
Good looks
When one thing’s top-notch, we name it a “attractiveness.” Scored tickets to a Leafs sport? “Good looks, eh!”
Sports activities & Hockey Slang (As a result of, Canada)
Rink Rat
Anyone who almost lives on the hockey rink, whether or not they’re a participant, skater, or only a superfan. I used to be a rink rat, other folks have been all the time pronouncing “She’s an actual rink rat, all the time working towards her skating.”
Deke
A hockey transfer the place a participant fakes out an opponent. Off the ice, it method to dodge or steer clear of one thing.
Goon
A tricky man or enforcer, particularly in hockey. “The workforce’s goon were given right into a combat.”
Cling a Larry / Cling a Roger
Want instructions? “Cling a Larry” method flip left; “Cling a Roger” method flip proper. Why Larry and Roger? Your bet is as excellent as ours.
Puck Bunny
A fan, generally feminine, who’s extra within the gamers than the sport. “She’s this sort of puck bunny, all the time striking across the rink.”
Quebec Slang – Tabarnak! Be told the Lingo
Assume you already know French? Neatly, Quebecois slang is a complete different beast. It’s section French, section English, and 100% uniquely Canadian. Whether or not you’re grabbing snacks at a dep or swearing at wintry weather like a real Montrealer, listed below are a couple of French Canadian words that’ll can help you live to tell the tale in Los angeles Belle Province.
Dépanneur (Dep)
Disregard calling it a “nook retailer”—in Quebec, it’s a dépanneur (or simply “dep”). That is the place you opt for beer, chips, smokes, or last-minute survival necessities when the whole lot else is closed. And sure, you’ll be able to purchase booze on the dep. Quebec wins.
Frette
For those who talk over with Montreal in wintry weather, this phrase will develop into your absolute best buddy—and worst enemy. Frette = Freezing chilly.?? “Tabarnak, c’est frette dehors!” (Translation: “Holy *%$# it’s freezing out of doors!”)Extensively utilized to explain beer:? “Seize me a frette one from the refrigerator.” (Translation: “Chilly beer, please.”)
Câlisse
Ah sure, Quebec’s favourite swear phrase—so flexible it may be used as a noun, verb, or exclamation. At the start a non secular time period (regarding the chalice in Catholic Mass), it has since advanced right into a go-to curse phrase.? “Câlisse de neige!” (Translation: “Holy *%$# that’s a large number of snow!”)
Char
Disregard “voiture”—in Quebec, a automotive is a char (pronounced “shar”). “Mon char est pogné dans l. a. neige!” (Translation: “My automotive is caught within the snow!”) Simply some other reminder that wintry weather in Canada is a struggle.
Patente
Without equal catch-all phrase for “thingamajig” or “whatchamacallit.” “Passe-moi l. a. patente à côté du truc.” (Translation: “Go me that factor subsequent to the opposite factor.”) Truthfully, if you happen to ever disregard the title of one thing, simply name it a patente—you’ll are compatible proper in.
Extra Canadian Phrases and Words
Nice Canadian sayings
Mountie
A Mountie is a member of the Royal Canadian Fastened Police (RCMP). Canada’s federal police power from coast to coast to coast.
Pencil Crayon
What we name coloured pencils.
Keener
Anyone who’s overly keen or enthusiastic, frequently the instructor’s puppy. “That keener completed the project every week early.”
Parkade
A multi-level parking storage, most commonly utilized in Western Canada.
Napkin
A serviette, however fancier.
Lineup
What others name a queue, we name a lineup. “There’s a lineup at Timmies this morning.”
For Certain
A definitive sure. “You coming to the birthday celebration?” “Evidently!”
Gong Display
A chaotic or wild tournament. “That birthday celebration was an actual gong display.”
Distinctive Canadian Slang
Fill Yer Boots
A call for participation to take up to you need. “We’ve were given various meals, so fill yer boots!”
What You Sayin’?
An informal greeting which means “What are you as much as?” “Howdy
Jesus Murphy
Yep, I’m in charge of the usage of this one so much and it sounds as if this is a distinctive Canadian time period.
To Be On Pogey
Being on welfare or unemployment advantages. “He’s been on pogey because the mill closed.”
Chirping
Just right-natured teasing or taunting, particularly in sports activities. “The gamers have been chirping each and every different all sport.”
Eavestrough
What others may name a gutter. “Blank the leaves out of the eavestrough earlier than wintry weather.”
Fuel Bar
A fuel station, frequently with a comfort retailer. “Let’s prevent on the fuel bar for snacks.”
Snowbirds
Canadians who migrate south for the wintry weather. “My grandparents are snowbirds; they spend winters in Florida.”
Runners
Canadians don’t put on footwear—we put on run
Clicks
Canadian discuss for kilometers. Instance: Toronto is set 500 clicks from Montreal.”
Muskoka Chair
Without equal Canadian sit back spot—came across on each and every dock, cottage deck, and lakeside retreat. Whilst American citizens name it an Adirondack chair, everyone knows the Muskoka chair reigns ultimate. Seize a lager, chill, and benefit from the view, eh?
So, there you have got it, many stuff Canadians say which can be a bit bit out of the abnormal up right here within the Nice White North. So, whilst you talk over with Canada, be sure you experience our beaver tails, use the metric gadget and if you end up heading out to the East Coast be sure you endearingly name a Newfoundlander a Newfie. Were given it?
Did we leave out any vintage Canadian slang? Tell us within the feedback! And if you happen to’re making plans a shuttle to Canada, take a look at our Final Canadian Shuttle Information for recommendations on the place to move, what to consume, and learn how to mix in with the locals!
