Want to speak like a real Canadian, eh? From Tim Hortons runs to two-fours at the cottage, Canadian slang is as diverse as our country itself. While we may sound similar to our American neighbors, trust us—we’ve got our own weird, wonderful, and wildly confusing phrases.
Whether you’re ordering a double-double, dodging a rink rat, or kicking back in a Muskoka chair, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to Canadian slang words and phrases. So, before you throw a Chesterfield kerfuffle, let’s dive in, eh?
How to Speak Canadian – The Ultimate Guide to Canadian Slang
Most people think Canadians speak a lot like our American neighbours, but the truth is, we’re a little weird up here in the Great White North. Plus, Canadians can pick out a Canadian accent anytime so don’t think that sewing a Canadian flag on your backpack suddenly turns you into a Canuck.
Canuck
The word Canuck is one of my favourites. This term refers to Canadians. We have the Vancouver Canucks, one of Canada’s most beloved hockey teams, and in the 1980s, our downhill skiers who dominated the World Cup circuit were called the Crazy Canucks, and I am personally a proud Canuck. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Canuck is another term for a Canadian. It’s so much simpler and shorter. I’m a Canuck man!
Eh
This is our most popular Canadian saying and everyone mocks us by using “eh” in the most ridiculous phrases and they never get it right. So I am going to give you a quick lesson on how to the word “eh”.
All you have to do is make a statement like “It is a very nice day out today.” If you add “eh” to the end of that statement, you can turn it into a question that will require a friendly reply from the person you are talking to.
Tuque
A knit winter hat, known elsewhere around the world as a beanie. Every Canadian owns at least one. I went my entire childhood and a large portion of my adult life not realizing that this was a word only used in Canada. “Tuque” as it is spelled in Quebec (it is spelled toque in English Canada) is a unique Canadian slang word used across the country to describe a winter hat. Buy your own Canadian tuque on Amazon.
Essential Canadian Words You Need to Know Before Visiting
Loonie and Toonie
Our one-dollar coin is called a “Loonie” (thanks to the loon on it). Naturally, when the two-dollar coin came out, we named it a “Toonie” because it rhymes with Loonie. Logical, right?
Washroom
Forget “restroom” or “bathroom.” In Canada, it’s always the washroom.
Hydro
Canadians don’t pay an “electric bill.” We pay for hydro, even in places where our power isn’t hydroelectric.
Food & Drink Slang You Need to Know
Bloody Caesar
Canada’s version of a Bloody Mary, made with Clamato juice (clam and tomato juice).
Regular / Double-Double
At Tim Hortons, a “regular” coffee comes with one cream and one sugar. A “double-double”? Two creams, two sugars. Sweet enough to make a beaver blush.
Timbits
Donut holes from Tim Hortons. “I’ll grab a box of Timbits for the meeting.”
Kraft Dinner
Our beloved mac and cheese, immortalized in song by the Barenaked Ladies.
Poutine
Canada’s national dish—fries, cheese curds, and gravy. “Let’s grab some poutine after the bar.” Best enjoyed at 3 AM. Read more about Canadian foods such as the Beaver Tail and Nanaimo Bar at our post: Top Must-Try Canadian Foods for Foodies and Travelers
Freezie
A frozen flavored ice treat. “I loved eating freezies during summer as a kid.”
Chocolate Bar
What the rest of the world calls a candy bar.
Homo Milk
Canadians’ term for whole milk. Homogenized Milk.
Classic Canadian Phrases & Sayings
Hoser
Speaking of Bob and Doug Mackenzie, it was these two lovable Hosers that brought the term Hoser to the mainstream in Canada. Hoser is an old-school insult made famous by Bob and Doug McKenzie, meaning an idiot or loser. Example:
“Take off, ya hoser!”
Two-Four
A case of 24 beers. “Pick up a two-four for the party.” We buy our beer at the Beer Store in Canada and a box of 24 beers is simply shortened to the words “two four.”
Molson Muscle
A beer belly. “He’s been working on his Molson muscle all winter.” Well, older Canadians anyway. Most of the GenZ drink craft beer, and wouldn’t touch Molson.
Pop
Americans say “soda.” We say pop.
Chesterfield
An old-school term for a couch or sofa.
Convenience Store
The corner store where you grab snacks and essentials.
Darts
Canadian slang for a cigarette. “Goin’ out for a dart” means you’re stepping outside to smoke.
Canadian Lifestyle & Culture Slang
May 2 – 4 Weekend
Victoria Day weekend, often celebrated by drinking a case of 24 beers. “We’re heading to the cottage for May Two-Four.”
Out and About Not Oot and Aboot
We don’t say “oot and aboot.” It’s closer to “a-boat.” Trust us. If you really want to delve into the reasoning for the difference. Check out Grammar Girl. She explains the diphthong differences eloquently here.
Zed
Canadians say “Zed” instead of “Zee” for the letter Z—except when referring to ZZ Top. I used to drive a Zed 28 car. Americans call it Zee28, and that’s just weird.
Knapsack
Our word for backpack or rucksack, especially among grade school students.
Stag and Stagette or Stag and Doe
Our version of bachelor and bachelorette parties. A pre-wedding party to raise funds for the couple. “They’re hosting a stag and doe next month.”
Bachelor Apartment
And speaking of the term bachelor we call a studio apartment or a small apartment without a separate bedroom a bachelor apartment with an open living and sleeping space. “I found a cozy bachelor downtown.”
Chinook
A warm winter wind that can melt Alberta’s snow in hours. Living in Alberta, Canada, my parents often talked about Chinooks blowing in from the mountains, bringing warmer weather from British Columbia, and how nice it was.
Canadian Words for Cities and Regions
Newfie
Newfie – A proud nickname for someone from Newfoundland. Want to sound local? Say “Newfanland”, not “New-found-land.” If you really want to talk like a Newfoundlander try these talking to a Newfie and say, I Come from Away (an out of towner) want to be Screeched In. (the Newfoundland tradition of kissing the cod)
The 6ix
Toronto’s nickname, popularized by Drake. Toronto has a few nicknames that are still used like T-Dot, Hog Town and the Big Smoke. Check out more fun Canadian nicknames for our cities and towns.
Cowtown
A nickname for Calgary, thanks to its cowboy culture. When in Calgary keep an ear out for these fun slang words like Stampede Stash – The mustache you grow for the Calgary Stampede. Yeehaw Juice – Whisky, typically Crown Royal. Rig Pig – A term for someone who works on the oil rigs and if you want to order a whisky and soda the local way try ordering ranch water.
The Peg
A nickname for Winnipeg (formerly “Winterpeg”). Did you know that Winnipeg is Slurpee Capital? It consumes more Slurpees per capita than anywhere else which is odd since it is colder than most cities.
Funny Canadian Sayings
Buddy / Bud
Don’t worry, it’s very Canadian to drink American beer
In the Maritimes, “buddy” is a universal stand-in for a person’s name. Didn’t catch someone’s name? Just call ’em “buddy.” It’s the Canadian way.
Mickey / Texas Mickey
A “mickey” is a 375ml bottle of liquor—perfect for slipping into your pocket. A “Texas mickey”? That’s a whopping 3-liter bottle. Proceed with caution.
Kerfuffle
A commotion or fuss. “There was a real kerfuffle at the rink last night.”
Bunny Hug
Saskatchewan’s unique term for a hoodie (yes, really). “It’s chilly; grab your bunny hug.”
Beauty
When something’s top-notch, we call it a “beauty.” Scored tickets to a Leafs game? “Beauty, eh!”
Sports & Hockey Slang (Because, Canada)
Rink Rat
Someone who practically lives at the hockey rink, whether they’re a player, skater, or just a superfan. I was a rink rat, people were always saying “She’s a real rink rat, always practicing her skating.”
Deke
A hockey move where a player fakes out an opponent. Off the ice, it means to dodge or avoid something.
Goon
A tough guy or enforcer, especially in hockey. “The team’s goon got into a fight.”
Hang a Larry / Hang a Roger
Need directions? “Hang a Larry” means turn left; “Hang a Roger” means turn right. Why Larry and Roger? Your guess is as good as ours.
Puck Bunny
A fan, typically female, who is more interested in the players than the game. “She’s such a puck bunny, always hanging around the rink.”
Quebec Slang – Tabarnak! Learn the Lingo
Think you know French? Well, Quebecois slang is a whole other beast. It’s part French, part English, and 100% uniquely Canadian. Whether you’re grabbing snacks at a dep or swearing at winter like a true Montrealer, here are a few French Canadian phrases that’ll help you survive in La Belle Province.
Dépanneur (Dep)
Forget calling it a “corner store”—in Quebec, it’s a dépanneur (or just “dep”). This is where you go for beer, chips, smokes, or last-minute survival essentials when everything else is closed. And yes, you can buy booze at the dep. Quebec wins.
Frette
If you visit Montreal in winter, this word will become your best friend—and worst enemy. Frette = Freezing cold.
?? “Tabarnak, c’est frette dehors!” (Translation: “Holy *%$# it’s freezing outside!”)
Also used to describe beer:
? “Grab me a frette one from the fridge.” (Translation: “Cold beer, please.”)
Câlisse
Ah yes, Quebec’s favorite swear word—so versatile it can be used as a noun, verb, or exclamation. Originally a religious term (referring to the chalice in Catholic Mass), it has since evolved into a go-to curse word.
? “Câlisse de neige!” (Translation: “Holy *%$# that’s a lot of snow!”)
Char
Forget “voiture”—in Quebec, a car is a char (pronounced “shar”). “Mon char est pogné dans la neige!” (Translation: “My car is stuck in the snow!”) Just another reminder that winter in Canada is a battle.
Patente
The ultimate catch-all word for “thingamajig” or “whatchamacallit.” “Passe-moi la patente à côté du truc.” (Translation: “Pass me that thing next to the other thing.”) Honestly, if you ever forget the name of something, just call it a patente—you’ll fit right in.
More Canadian Words and Phrases
Great Canadian sayings
Mountie
A Mountie is a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Canada’s federal police force from coast to coast to coast.
Pencil Crayon
What we call colored pencils.
Keener
Someone who’s overly eager or enthusiastic, often the teacher’s pet. “That keener finished the assignment a week early.”
Parkade
A multi-level parking garage, mostly used in Western Canada.
Serviette
A napkin, but fancier.
Lineup
What others call a queue, we call a lineup. “There’s a lineup at Timmies this morning.”
For Sure
A definitive yes. “You coming to the party?” “For sure!”
Gong Show
A chaotic or wild event. “That party turned into a real gong show.”
Unique Canadian Slang
Fill Yer Boots
An invitation to take as much as you want. “We’ve got plenty of food, so fill yer boots!”
What You Sayin’?
A casual greeting meaning “What are you up to?” “Hey
Jesus Murphy
Yep, I am guilty of using this one a lot and apparently it is a unique Canadian term.
To Be On Pogey
Being on welfare or unemployment benefits. “He’s been on pogey since the mill closed.”
Chirping
Good-natured teasing or taunting, especially in sports. “The players were chirping each other all game.”
Eavestrough
What others might call a gutter. “Clean the leaves out of the eavestrough before winter.”
Gas Bar
A gas station, often with a convenience store. “Let’s stop at the gas bar for snacks.”
Snowbirds
Canadians who migrate south for the winter. “My grandparents are snowbirds; they spend winters in Florida.”
Runners
Canadians don’t wear sneakers—we wear run
Clicks
Canadian speak for kilometers. Example: Toronto is about 500 clicks from Montreal.”
Muskoka Chair
The ultimate Canadian chill spot—found on every dock, cottage deck, and lakeside retreat. While Americans call it an Adirondack chair, we all know the Muskoka chair reigns supreme. Grab a beer, kick back, and enjoy the view, eh?
So, there you have it, many things Canadians say that are a little bit out of the ordinary up here in the Great White North. So, when you visit Canada, make sure to enjoy our beaver tails, use the metric system and when you are heading out to the East Coast make sure to endearingly call a Newfoundlander a Newfie. Got it?
Did we miss any classic Canadian slang? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re planning a trip to Canada, check out our Ultimate Canadian Travel Guide for tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to blend in with the locals!
Please visit:
Our Sponsor