Eh? – Used at the end of a sentence, this expression generally means, “Don’t you agree?” That movie was great, eh? Book off work – To take off time from work. [1] X Research source I’m going to book off work next week. Write a test – To take a test. I’m writing a test today in English.
Poutine – A delicious French-Canadian dish made from French fries, squeaky cheese curds, and gravy. This poutine is amazing! Double-double – A phrase that’s said when ordering a coffee with two creams and two sugars. I could really use a double-double right now. Loonie– A Canadian one-dollar coin that has a loon on it. Can you lend me a loonie? Back-bacon – Known in America as “Canadian bacon”or thinly sliced and cured strips of ham. I eat eggs and back-bacon for breakfast every day.
Washroom – Bathroom or toilet. Where’s your washroom? Runners – Trainers or sneakers. I wear runners when I exercise. Housecoat – A bathrobe. Where’s my housecoat when I need it? Toque – Pronounced “took,” this word refers to a ski cap or wool hat. It’s too hot outside for a toque.
Some expressions don’t carry over from province to province. For example, Québec does not speak English and won’t have many expressions originating from British Columbia.
Caper – A person from Cape Breton Island. My boyfriend’s a caper. Hollywood North – Another word for Toronto, as this city is located geographically further north than Hollywood in California, and is known for producing films. I’m heading to Hollywood North this weekend for the film festival. The Rock – An endearing term for Newfoundland. I’m going back to the Rock for Christmas. Maritimer – A person from the Atlantic Provinces, not including Newfoundland (Newfoundland joined Canada later and isn’t included in this term). [3] X Research source Everyone in my extended family is a Maritimer.
Serviette – The French word for “napkin,” this word is commonly used by French and English speakers alike. May I have a serviette, please? Jam buster – A jelly-filled doughnut is called in Manitoba and surrounding areas. I’d like a jam buster, please. Takitish – Conversationally used to mean “take it easy,” or “see you later,”. Takitish, John! Lines – Small old country roads, usually dating back to the Colonial era. Which line should I take back to the farm?
Gitch – Also called “gotch,” this expression refers to men or women’s underwear. It’s laundry day; time to wash my gitch. Kitty-corner – Caddy-corner, or diagonally across from something else. The drugstore is kitty-cornered to the movie theater. Hey – Used instead of “eh” in the Prairies, asking for agreement. That was a great dinner, hey? Bunny-hug – A hooded sweater. [4] X Research source I love your new bunny-hug!
Squatch – A large, hairy, unkept man. If you don’t start shaving and showering more often, you’ll look like a squatch. Terminal City – Another name for Vancouver, BC. I’m headed to Terminal City, wish me luck! Whale’s Tail – Also called Beaver Tail or Elephant ear, this dessert is made from fried dough, lemon juice, and cinnamon sugar. [5] X Research source This Whale’s Tail is delicious! Fingered (Insult) – The action of showing the middle finger to someone, common during road-rage incidents. I cut-off a woman by mistake, she fingered me as she sped by. " (Do not use this in Eastern Canada, it has a very different meaning. )
Masi – Thank you, from the French word “Merci. ” Masi! Have a good night. Twofer – Also called two-four, this term refers to a case of 24 beers. Let’s pick up a twofer for the party tonight! Mucking down – Shoveling food into your mouth. Stop mucking down and get dressed, we’re late!
You may have to pay to find a Canadian language partner. If not, make sure to show your partner that you appreciate their time by sending them a thank-you note. To use these services you will need a computer and a microphone.
Watch the same movie several times. This will help you memorize the words you don’t know. [6] X Research source If you want to develop a Canadian accent, try to say the lines along with the actors on the third or fourth viewing. This will help you sound more Canadian.
