If you ever plan on travelling to Canada in the near future I thought I could debunk some of the most commonly used slag words so you can fit right in! Here we go Steemers
EH?
Pronounced ‘ay.’ This word is the classic term used in everyday Canadian vernacular. Used to indicate that you don’t understand something, can’t believe something is true or if you want the person to respond. Similar to ‘huh,’ ‘right?’ and ‘what?’ commonly found in the U.S. vocal.
Loonie (Toonie)
A loonie, the Canadian $1 coin, gets its name from the picture of the Canadian bird, the loon, that appears on one side of the coin. A toonie, the name for the $2 coin, gained a similar nickname to match the sound of the loonie. Spoiler alert: these loonies and toonies aren’t the same as that commonly known American childhood cartoon.
Timmies
Timmies refers to the much-loved (though, mediocre) fast-food coffee chain, Tim Horton’s, which gets its name from a famous Canadian hockey player. If you don’t know or love Timmies, you’re not a true Canadian. And don’t forget the Timbits, or donut holes in layman’s terms, the perfect match with the popular double-double (see below for definition).
The 6ix
The 6ix refers to the cities that make up the Great Toronto Area (or, GTA), but is mostly used when talking about Toronto. Thanks to Drake, ‘Hogtown,’ ‘Big Smoke,’ and ‘Tdot’ are out, while ‘The 6ix’ is in. Also seen as #TheSix and #The6. Represent, Drake.
Two-Four
Commonly used to refer to a case of 24 beers. Don’t be surprised when a friend asks you to pick one up on the way over.
Toque
Pronounced: too-uk or ‘tuke.’ Derived from the Arabic language, it found it’s way into the Medieval French lingo in the 15th century. Canada’s French influence is prevalent in this word, which refers to a cap with a small brim, or without a brim entirely (i.e., a beanie). It’s usually worn when it’s cold or in spring … so, pretty much year ’round.
Mickey
A word used to refer to a flask-sized bottle of liquor. You can find these at the LCBO or… actually, this is the only place you can buy one (thanks, gov.). Fits perfectly in a purse or in one’s hand.
Pop
Refers to soda, the delicious carbonated beverage that mom rarely let you have.
Canuck
A slang term for Canadians. You may have heard this before in the world of sports (the Vancouver Canucks), but we Torontonians only know the Toronto Maple Leafs. #Pride
Zed
The word for the letter ‘Z’ in the alphabet. ‘Zee’ is acceptable as well, but if you want to follow the British tradition, go for the zed. You’ll fit right in.
Klick
This term is used to refer to kilometres, the unit of length in the metric system equal to 1,000 meters. *Psst, America — one kilometer is approximately 0.6 miles.
Give’er
A slang term that means to give it all you got when all else fails. Used when referring to work, drinking, sports and any other activity that requires you to buckle down and get it done.
Beauty
An expression used to refer to something that was done well, or an exceptionally great person.
Newfie
A slang term for a person from Newfoundland, an eastern province. Also called a Newf or Newfy. Said to be the proudest Canadians, with strong accents, and colloquial expressions distinct to their province.
What you saying’?
Used when asking what someone is doing. Similar to the phrase, ‘what are you up to?’
