Eh? Canadian Slang Expressions to Sound Like a True Canuck

Canada is a wonderful country known not only for its beautiful nature and cold climate but also for a ton of amazing and unique expressions, some of which you can only face there. And that's what we're talking about today! Dive into this article and explore the exciting world of Canadian slang!

Classic Canadian Slang Words and Expressions

The first thing you need to know about the Canadian Slang is its unique blend of French, British, and American influences. As a result, you get a mix of different pronunciations, accents, and borrowed words that together make amazing Canadian slang words and phrases. We've compiled the most common ones in the list below.

• Eh?

Talking about unique Canadian slang without mentioning this one truly feels like a crime. It's not specifically a term, more of a filler word that can be used for dozens of different purposes. It is very versatile; you can hear locals saying it when agreeing with something, asking for an agreement, indicating they don't understand something, etc.

It's nice weather, eh?

• Loonie and toonie

Believe it or not, these two Canadian terms have nothing to do with Looney Tunes. Loonie is the name of the Canadian one-dollar coin. The name appeared because of the loon, a Canadian bird portrayed on one side of the coin. Toonie, on the other hand, refers to a two-dollar coin, and it's called like that just to match the loonie.

I'm a few loonies short for a cab. Can you order it?

• Timmies

This one is the epitome of Canadian stereotypes. This term, alongside its numerous variations (Tim's, Timmy's, etc.), refers to Tim Horton's, a famous Canadian fast-food coffee chain.

I'm heading to Timmies, you want something?

• Double-double

Speaking of Timmies, we can't forget to include this Canadian term as well. This is one of the most popular drinks at Tim Horton's — a brewed coffee with two creams and two sugars. Yum!

I'll have a double-double to go.

• Toque

When the weather gets cold (meaning colder than usual), most Canadians start to pull out their toques — knitted hats, also known as beanies.

Don't forget your toque; it's freezing outside.

• Canuck

This one is quite simple — that's what Canadians call…Canadians. You can hear it a lot during sports matches, but it is also quite widespread in casual conversations.

You look like a true Canuck in this sweater.

• Hang a Roger (or Larry)

If you want to give someone directions using Canadian words, here's the best option for you. To hang a Roger means to turn right, and to hang a Larry — to turn left. Why these two names specifically? We have literally no idea. 

Hang a Roger; there's a restaurant over there.

• Two-four

The last one on the list is a very Canadian term used to refer to a case of 24 beers. You can also say "a 25-piece patio set," which literally means a two-four and a chair.

I'm having a party this weekend; don't forget to bring a two-four.

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Regional Canadian Expressions Worthy of Your Attention

The expressions mentioned above are mostly used universally across the country. However, there are also quite a lot of regional slang terms, and that's what we're covering below.

• Atlantic and Central Provinces (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec).

Dart — a cigarette.

The centre of the Universe — Toronto (because of the citizens' attitudes).

Beaver tail — a dessert made of fried dough.

Bluenoser — citizen of Nova Scotia.

The 6ix — six former cities now making up Toronto.

• Prairie Provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan).

Bunny hug — hoodie or sweater (mostly in Saskatchewan).

Jam buster — donut with jelly.

Takitish — take it easy.

Dainties — sweet treats.

Social — party, typically held by an engaged couple.

• Western and Northern Canada (British Columbia, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon Territory).

Elephant ear — what is called "beaver tail" in the Atlantic and Central provinces.

The bush — an area of hunting, forests, and mines.

Bushed — someone who has spent too much time in the bush; an uncivilized person.

Skookum — something good or big.

Canadian Sayings and Beyond: Learn Foreign Languages with Promova

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Conclusion

While English is still one of two main languages in Canada, there are quite a lot of Canadian accent words and expressions that might be confusing for non-native speakers. In today's article, we've provided you with the most common examples of Canadian slang, which can help you understand local speech. And that's it for now! We're looking forward to seeing you in the next article.