To speak like a real Canadian is not that hard. There are three little secrets:
1. You need to respect the country’s linguistic diversity;
2. You should know the slang that can vary from region to region due to, again, Canadian multiculturalism;
3. You should use the interjection “eh,” which is commonly associated with Canadian English.
Here we have prepared the most commonly used Canadian slang terms and phrases that may be helpful for all international student coming to study in Canada:
1. As previously mentioned, “Eh?!” is a very important Canadian word. Pronounced like “Ay,” it may be used quite often in a regular conversation in Canada. It usually means “okay?”, “right?” or “don’t you agree?”
Example: So you got a new phone, eh? = So you got a new phone, is that right?
She was totally wrong, eh? = She was totally wrong, don’t you agree?
2. Loonie and toonie. The ‘loonie’ is a Canadian one-dollar coin which has a loon on it. The plural form will be ‘loonies.’ The ‘toonie’ means a two-dollar coin. The plural form will be ‘toonies.’
Example: I had a toonie and a loonie left over, so I could pay for the subway token.
3. Hockey.
It’s not a slang word but you must know that Canadians are hockey crazy and it’s really important to follow hockey to be able to discuss it with your Canadian friends. You don’t necessarily have to say “ice hockey” as there is only one type of hockey in Canada and it’s played on the ice.
Example: Hockey is our everything!
4. Timmies means Tim Horton’s restaurant where you can buy fresh coffee and doughnuts. It’s the most popular chain of coffee shops across the country. And you know what? It’s not surprising because it was founded by a Canadian hockey player, Tim Horton.
5. Double-double.
It’s a real Canadian invention, commonly used for ordering a coffee with two creams and two sugars at Timmies. Coffee with one cream and one sugar is a ‘regular.’
Example: I went to Timmies to have a double-double.
6. Poutine. Originated in Quebec, poutine is another Canadian food invention that can be found at any fast food chain across the country. It is made with french fries, topped with cheese curds and gravy. Very tasty, try it!
Alena Khabibullina
