Understanding cultural nuances is a huge part of adjusting to a new country, and Canada is no exception. If you’re planning to visit or live in this North American country that’s known for its politeness and all things maple, it would serve you well to understand and use Canadian slang. In this article, we will explore major Canadian slang expressions, giving you a fundamental guide to navigate Canada like a local.
Hoser
The term “hoser” is a nickname for Canadians, essentially the equivalent of a “joe” in the US or a “bloke” in the UK. Originally used in the 1980’s comedic television show SCTV by the characters Bob and Doug McKenzie, it has since been truly accepted by Canadians and often used in a joking, playful way.
Loonie and Toonie
In Canada, “dollar” isn’t the casual term for currency. Instead, Canadians refer to their $1 and $2 coins as “loonie” and “toonie,” respectively. The term “loonie” was derived from the image of a loon, a bird representative of the country, depicted on the coin. When the $2 coin was launched, its name became a play on “loonie,” leading to the moniker, “toonie.”
Double-double
Should you find yourself in line at Tim Hortons, Canada’s beloved coffee chain, don’t be baffled when the person in front of you orders a “double-double.” This term refers to a coffee with two creams and two sugars. It’s by far one of the most ordered items and a staple for Canadian coffee lovers.
Eh
No list of Canadian slang would be complete without “eh.” It’s arguably the most famous slang term, used as a tag question to solicit agreement or affirmation, similar to “right?” or “isn’t it?” It shows up in daily conversation, e.g., “It’s a beautiful day, eh?”
The 6ix
Referring to Toronto, “The 6ix” is a reference to the city’s area codes 416 and 647. But it was globally popularized by Toronto-based rapper, Drake, who uses the term frequently in his music. The denizens now often refer to the city as “The 6ix.”
Keener
A “keener” in Canadian parlance is what Americans might call a “brown-noser.” In other words, it’s someone who is overly eager or extremely zealous, especially in academic or professional settings.
Two-four
One of the key ingredients to a memorable Canadian party is a “two-four.” This term specifically refers to a case of 24 beers. So if you’re asked to pick up a two-four for a social gathering, now you know exactly what to fetch.
Canuck
Another term for a Canadian person is a “Canuck.” It’s not derogatory and has been accepted in colloquial Canadian speech. There is even a professional ice hockey team named the ‘Vancouver Canucks.’
Give’r
“Give’r” is a phrase widely used in Canada to express the act of doing something wholeheartedly and giving it all you’ve got. Whether in the context of work, sports, or other pursuits, if you’re told to ‘give’r,’ it means you should put your best effort forth.
Touque
A “touque” is a winter hat or a beanie. Given Canada’s notably cold winters, you’re bound to hear this term quite a bit if you’re visiting during the cooler months. Unlike most beanies, a touque typically has a pom-pom on top.
Chesterfield
Instead of referring to a couch or a sofa, Canadians might invite you to sit on their “Chesterfield.” This British-originating term was so commonly used in Canadian household vocabulary that it even ended up in a song by the popular Canadian band, Sloan.
Understanding and using these Canadian slang terms will not only help foreigners to fit in but also show respect towards the Canadian culture. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides a comprehensive starting point for those interested in learning more about the unique slang used across Canada. So, on your next visit, don’t forget to ask for a “double-double” and brace yourself to embrace the Canadian winter with a “touque.”
Just remember – while Canadians are generally polite, it’s always best to use slang in reasonable and context-appropriate ways, eh? So go ahead, give’r your best shot in your next Canadian adventure.
