Canada Eh!

Speaking Canadianese The new Canadian Oxford Dictionary includes two thousand Canadianisms, words and expressions that folks living in the rest of the world just wouldn't understand. And then there's the Canadian eh!

Learning the Language of Eh! Eh, the expression of choice by Canadians, has received much ridicule, especially from our American friends. But, when they speak Canadianese, what is the first word they try to use? Eh? Before anyone can become fluent in Eh, they have to understand it's meaning, eh. Eh (pronounced AY), an all inclusive word, is the fundamental basis of Canadian communications. It can be used with other words or simply by itself. The tone differentiates its meaning making it extremely versatile and reducing the need to grasp the high flying words of the English language. More formally, the Canadian Oxford Dictionary says it is used for "ascertaining the comprehension, continued interest, agreement, etc., of the person or persons addressed." Pretty good word, eh?

The All-Purpose Word Eh! State Opinion - Nice weather, eh? Request Opinion - What do you think, eh? Question - When are you coming, eh? (nice) Question - When are you leaving, eh? (nasty) Repeat Please - Eh? Fear/Anxiety - I'm pregnant, eh. Exclamation - WOW, eh. Insult - It's all about you, eh. Punctuation - End this sentence, eh. A Narrative - I was just driving down the road, eh, and this other car came right out of nowhere, eh, and crashed right into the driver's side, eh. Indifference - I don't care, eh. Expression - Thanks, eh. (nice) Expression - Thanks, eh. (nasty) Accusation - You took my toque, eh. Confirmation - Sure, eh. Harsh Warning - No Eh. Attention - After that, eh.

More Canadianese - A to Z Buckle Bunny - A term used in the west, particularly in Alberta, to refer to a rodeo groupie, always female, who chases rodeo riders or dates rodeo riders. Canadian Tire - A store similar to Walmart. Chesterfield - A couch. Chinook - A warm, dry wind experienced on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. Chips - French Fries Dick All - Nothing. Double Double - A coffee with two cream and two sugar. (also triple triple & four by four). Elastic - Rubber Band. Flat - Case of 24 Beer. Garburator - Garbage Disposal unit in the sink. Grits - Members of Liberal Political Party.  Homo - Whole milk. Hoodie - Hooded Sweatshirt. Loonie - $1.00 coin. There are no one dollar bills. Mountie - Officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Parkade - Parking Garage.  Pogey - Social Assistance, Welfare, Unemployment Insurance. Poutine - French fries with gravy and cheese. Runners - Sneakers, Tennis Shoes. Screech - Potent Newfoundland Rum. Serviette - Napkin. Smarties - Candy Coated Chocolate, M & M's. Texas Mickey - A huge bottle of whiskey. Timmys - Tim Horton's Donuts Chain. Toboggan - Sled. Toonie - $2.00 Coin. There are no two dollar bills. Toque - Woolen Hat Washroom - Toilet, Restroom. Z(ed) - Z(ee).

Slang & Nicknames for Canadians Bluenoser - A person from Nova Scotia Canuck - A Canadian Caper - A person from Cape Breton Island Cowtown - Nickname for Calgary, Alberta Edmonchuk - Nickname for Edmonton, Alberta Frog - A French Canadian (derogatory) Hogtown - Nickname for Toronto Islander - Person from PEI Manisnowba - Nickname for Manitoba Newfie - A person from Newfoundland Oilberta - Nickname for Alberta Saskabush - Nickname for Saskatchewan Stubblejumpers - A person from the Prairie Farmlands The Peg - Nickname for Winnipeg The Rock - Nickname for Newfoundland

I'm Canadian Eh! "I felt like it was time to stand up and show some recognition for the places and people of this country. There is nothing like country music when it comes to conveying a little patriotism, and I'd love to be the voice that sings about what makes Canadians feel proud." George Fox I'm Canadian Eh! A song by George Fox

Links and Resources Eh - Merriam-Webster Dictionary Eh - The Canadian Encyclopedia Eh - Wikipedia