CANADIAN LINGO 101: With Meanings and Applications
Words that might seem familiar elsewhere can have completely different meanings in Canada. This blog post explores a few of the quirky terms used regularly in the everyday life of Canadians.
When you step foot into Canada, you might find yourself puzzled by some of the words and phrases Canadians casually toss around. The meanings of these words can differ significantly from their dictionary meanings. Sometimes, these words are brand new and don’t exist in any dictionary.
Let's dive into some of the most surprising words and phrases that make Canada, well, Canada!
Loonie & Toonie (No, these aren’t cartoon characters).
Meaning: A one-dollar coin is called a "loonie" (because of the loon bird on it), and a two-dollar coin is a "toonie."
Example: "I’ve got a loonie, but I need a toonie for the vending machine."
Double-Double
Meaning: A coffee with two creams and two sugars, most commonly ordered at Tim Hortons.
Example: "I’ll take a double-double, please."
Timmies
Meaning: A nickname for Tim Hortons, Canada’s famous coffee and donut chain.
Example: "I’m heading to Timmies, want anything?"
Hydro
Meaning: Refers to electricity. This comes from the fact that much of the country’s power is generated from hydroelectric dams.
Example: "My hydro bill was super high this month."
Two-Four
Meaning: A case of 24 beers.
Example: "Pick up a two-four for the long weekend."
Pop
Meaning: Soda or soft drink.
Example: "Can you grab me a pop from the fridge?"
Kerfuffle
Meaning: A commotion or fuss, reflecting a polite way of describing a disturbance.
Example: "There was a bit of a kerfuffle at the hockey game last night."
These are just a few examples of Canadian lingo that might surprise you. Have any of these Canadian phrases surprised you? Share your experience in the comments below!