Canadian Slang Explained: A Guide to Understanding Local Expressions

One of the most challenging aspects of learning English in Canada is coming face-to-face with expressions and slang that you won't find in textbooks. Whether you're planning to study, work, or live in Canada, understanding these colloquialisms will help you feel more at home and connect with locals more easily. In this guide, we'll explore some uniquely Canadian expressions and explain what they mean.

Everyday Canadian Expressions

"Sorry"

Yes, the stereotype is true – Canadians say "sorry" a lot! But it doesn't always mean they're apologizing. Canadians use "sorry" in many contexts:

• To genuinely apologize: "I'm sorry I was late."
• As a way to politely disagree: "Sorry, but I think it's this way."
• When someone else bumps into them: "Sorry!" (Even though it wasn't their fault)
• To ask someone to repeat something: "Sorry?"

This frequent use of "sorry" reflects the value Canadians place on politeness and consideration.

"Eh"

Perhaps the most famous Canadian linguistic feature is the use of "eh" at the end of sentences. It serves several purposes:

• To turn a statement into a question seeking agreement: "Nice weather today, eh?"
• To check for understanding: "You're going to the store, eh?"
• To emphasize a statement: "That hockey game was amazing, eh!"
• To add inclusivity to a statement: "Let's go to the movie, eh?"

While the use of "eh" varies by region and is not as universal as stereotypes suggest, you'll definitely hear it, especially in more casual settings.

"Toque" (pronounced "tooke")

This is the Canadian word for a knitted winter hat or beanie. You'll hear this a lot during winter months:

• "Don't forget your toque, it's freezing outside!"
• "I lost my toque at the hockey game."

"Double-double"

This term comes from Tim Hortons, Canada's beloved coffee chain. It refers to a coffee with two creams and two sugars:

• "I'll grab a double-double on my way to work."
• "Do you want a double-double or do you take it black?"

Regional Canadian Slang

Canada is a vast country with regional linguistic differences. Here are some expressions you might hear in specific areas:

Eastern Canada (Maritimes and Newfoundland)

• "Bunnyhug": In Saskatchewan, this refers to what others call a hoodie or hooded sweatshirt.
• "Stay where you're at and I'll come where you're to": Newfoundland expression meaning "Don't move, I'll come to you."
• "Some good": In Newfoundland, this means "very good" or "excellent" (e.g., "That dinner was some good!").

Central Canada (Ontario and Quebec)

• "The 6ix": Nickname for Toronto, popularized by Drake.
• "Hydro": Electricity or the electricity bill (e.g., "I need to pay the hydro bill").
• "Washroom": What most Canadians call a public restroom or bathroom.

Western Canada (Alberta, British Columbia)

• "Skookum": In British Columbia, particularly among First Nations, this means "excellent" or "powerful."
• "Chinook": In Alberta, this refers to a specific warm wind that provides a break from winter temperatures.
• "Gong show": A situation that is chaotic or has gone wrong (e.g., "The traffic was a complete gong show").

Food and Drink Terminology

Canadian food vocabulary has some unique terms you should know:

• "Poutine": French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy – a quintessential Canadian dish.
• "Caesars": A cocktail similar to a Bloody Mary but made with clamato juice (tomato juice and clam broth).
• "Pop": What many Canadians call soda or soft drinks (e.g., "I'll have a pop with my burger").
• "Kraft Dinner": Boxed macaroni and cheese, often abbreviated as "KD."
• "Homo milk": Short for "homogenized milk" – whole milk with 3.25% fat content.
• "Mickey": A small bottle of alcohol (375 ml).
• "Two-four": A case of 24 beers.

Canadian Phrases and Expressions

Here are some common phrases you might encounter in everyday conversation:

• "Give'r": To put maximum effort into something (e.g., "If you want to finish on time, you'll have to give'r").
• "Hang a Larry/Hang a Roger": To make a left turn/right turn while driving.
• "Out for a rip": Going for a drive or outing, especially in rural areas.
• "Keener": An eager person or overachiever, particularly in academic settings.
• "Loonie" and "Toonie": One-dollar coin and two-dollar coin, respectively.
• "The States": How Canadians commonly refer to the United States.
• "Clicks": Kilometers (e.g., "The store is about 5 clicks away").

Hockey-Related Terminology

Hockey is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture, and many expressions come from this national sport:

• "Tilly": A hockey fight (e.g., "Those players are having a tilly").
• "Beauty": A great person or a great play (e.g., "What a beauty of a goal!").
• "Barn": An ice hockey arena.
• "Hoser": Originally referring to losers who would have to hose down the ice after a game, now a mild insult similar to "fool" or "idiot."
• "Deke": To deceive an opponent through a fake movement (this has entered general usage to mean tricking someone).

Tips for Learning Canadian Slang

Here are some practical strategies for picking up these expressions:

• Watch Canadian TV shows and movies: Programs like "Schitt's Creek," "Letterkenny," or "Kim's Convenience" showcase different aspects of Canadian speech.
• Listen to Canadian radio: CBC Radio is a great resource for hearing natural Canadian English.
• Don't be afraid to ask: Most Canadians are happy to explain slang terms when asked.
• Context matters: Pay attention to the situation in which certain expressions are used.
• Regional differences: Remember that slang varies across Canada's provinces and territories.

Conclusion

Understanding Canadian slang and expressions will help you integrate more fully into Canadian society and build stronger connections with locals. While it might take some time to get comfortable with these terms, approaching them with curiosity and a sense of humor will ease the process.

At Disinadont Language School, our courses include cultural components that help you navigate these linguistic nuances. Our Canadian teachers can provide context for these expressions and help you use them appropriately in conversation.

Remember, language learning isn't just about vocabulary and grammar—it's about understanding the cultural context in which language is used. By familiarizing yourself with Canadian expressions, you're gaining insight into Canadian values, humor, and way of life.