Slang is informal words, phrases, and expressions used between people of the same social group. Being informal, it is mainly used in spoken conversation and avoided in formal writing.
Slangs often form as a way to form a certain group’s identity. This is why people, despite speaking the same language, use different slang depending on their social backgrounds.
Canadian Slangs
English has many varieties, the largest being British English and American English. However, other English-speaking countries have formed their own blend of words they use in unique ways. We’ve already done British slang, now let’s look at the Canadian patois.
1. Canuck
A canuck is an informal term for a Canadian. It is also the official nickname of their national rugby union team.
Example: Canucks make the best maple syrup, bar none.
2. Toque
Do you know what a beanie is? Well, Canadians call this type of headwear a toque.
Example: Do ‘ya think I need a toque just for a short walk outside?
3. Loonie and Toonie
A loonie is a Canadian one-dollar coin. It gets its name from the loon, printed on one side of its face. Similarly, a toonie is a Canadian two-dollar coin, gaining the nickname to match the loonie.
Example: Bud, got a spare loonie I could borrow?
4. Hoser
A hoser is someone who is either stupid or foolish.
Example: Can you believe what that hoser did?!
5. Timmies
Timmies, short for Tim Hortons, is a coffee chain named after co-founder and legendary hockey player Tim Horton. It’s essentially the Canadian equivalent of Starbucks.
Example: I’ll grab some double-double (see definition below) at Timmies. You want any?
6. Double-Double
A double-double is specifically used at Tim Hortons to mean a regular coffee with two creams and two sugars.
Example: Nothing beats starting your day with a double-double.
7. Eh
Pronounced as “ay”, eh is a permanent fixture of Canadian Vernacular. It doesn’t mean anything on its own but is used to punctuate a statement and turn it into a question that hopefully receives a friendly reply. Kind of like the phrase “ain’t it?”
Example: Quite the snowstorm last night, eh?
8. Two-Four
A two-four is a case containing 24 beers.
Example: We’re celebrating tonight! Grab a two-four on your way home.
9. Molson Muscle
In Canada, you call it a molson muscle instead of a beer belly.
Example: Some people prefer a man with a molson muscle.
10. Chirping/Beaking
Chirping means to make fun, taunt, or trash-talk someone. This is often in the context of competitive activities such as sports of video games. Beaking is also used in the same way.
Example: I had an annoying teammate who kept chirping the whole game.
11. Darts
When a Canadian talks about smoking darts, they’re talking about cigarettes.
Example: Dan’s on his second box of darts already.
12. Keener
A keener is someone who is too keen on doing something. Interchangeable with tryhard, brown-noser, or overachiever.
Example: Come on man, don’t be such a keener!
13. Gong Show/Gonger
A gong show or gonger event that ends up being disastrous, often in a funny way.
Example: The whole thing turned into a total gong show because someone spiked the drinks.
14. Gitch/Gonch/Gotch
A gitch is a man’s underwear. Canadians also use gotch/gotchies, gonch/gonchies to refer to tighty-whities or briefs.
Example: How do you wash your gitches? Separate or with socks?
15. Mickey/Texas Mickey
A mickey is a flask-sized bottle of whiskey that fits a person’s hand, pocket, or purse. On the other hand, a Texas mickey is a a giant bottle of alcohol.
Example: My friend always sneaks a mickey in his jacket when attending concerts.
16. Hang a Larry/Roger
No harming Larries or Rogers. In Canada, to hang a Larry simply means to turn left while to hang a Roger is to turn right.
Example: She got confused when the car navigator told her to hang a Roger.
17. Homo milk
Nope, not what you’re thinking. Homo milk is simply the shortened form of homogenized milk.
Example: Homo milk is milk with 3.25% fat.
18. Jesus Murphy
To avoid blasphemy but still curse, Canadians replace “Christ” with Murphy instead.
Example: Avoid going to hell by shouting Jesus Murphy instead.
19. Champagne birthday
A champagne birthday is your birthday where you turn the age of your date of birth. If you were born on the 12th of September, then your 12th birthday is your champagne birthday. People in the US call this a golden birthday.
Example: I’m having my champagne birthday this year.
20. Runners
Runners mean any kind of athletic footwear. They’re called sneakers in the US and trainers in the UK.
Example: My runners are already worn down. I might need a new pair soon.
21. Hydro
Canadians refer to their electricity as hydro, short for hydroelectric power, which is more common in Canada.
Example: I just got back from paying the hydro bill.
22. Out for a rip
To go out for a rip means two things: going out for a drive or other extreme activity, or hanging out with friends.
Example: Hey, I’ll pick you up after school and we’ll go out for a rip.
23. Parkade
A parkade is a multi-story parking lot, otherwise known as a parking garage.
Example: Parking was so bad he had to leave his car at a parkade almost all the way across town.
24. Rink Rat
A rink rat is someone who spends most of their time at a hockey arena, whether playing the sport or not.
Example: Some rink rats are youths who have devoted themselves to hockey. Others are parents who always watch their kids play.
25. Skookum
While it kind of sounds bad, skookum has a range of positive meanings such as excellent, impressive, brave, strong, and powerful.
Example: That’s a skookum jacket you’re wearing tonight.
Talk Like a Local Canadian
It doesn’t matter whether you’re only visiting or staying permanently, knowing the local slang will always be an advantage when exploring a new place.
Keep in mind, you may already know English, but you might not be familiar with Canadian English. There’s enough variance in vocabulary and use that you’ll be confused with how they talk and what they mean.
When you’re new to a location, speaking and writing like a local helps you build connections and have a better experience overall.
What other Canadian slangs can you think of? Share them in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 35 British Slang Words We Should All Be Using
- 25 Weird English Words to Expand Your Vocabulary
- Terms of Endearment: Pet Names from Around the World
- Getting a Handle on Colloquialisms: Using Regional Terms, Expressions, and Dialect
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
