Buzz
Originally released in 1967, A Dictionary of Canadianisms on Historical Principles (updated in 2017) is the first historical dictionary of Canadian English. The initial version was digitized, offering an excellent resource to explore the linguistic heritage of Canada, often referred to as "our neighbors to the North" (a term that can be seen as either an Americanism or a cliché). Discover some Canadianisms that are far more intriguing than the overused eh.
1. Back Junk
The term 'junk' referred to a log segment or firewood piece. 'Back junk' specifically means 'a large log positioned at the rear of a fire to prolong its burn.'
2. Calgary Redeye
Instead of a Bloody Mary, try this local favorite: "a blend of tomato juice and beer, a beverage closely linked to Calgary, Alberta, and its surrounding regions."
3. Calumet fever
This phrase, popular among lumberjacks in the Ottawa Valley, described the "anxiety of riding a log crib down the slide at Calumet, Quebec."
4. Fishocracy
A term that outlines the hierarchy within Newfoundland's fishing industry. A 1940 reference states, "the fishocracy was organized in a descending order: (1) major merchants, top officials, and select lawyers and medical professionals; (2) smaller merchants, prominent shopkeepers, lawyers, doctors, and mid-level officials; (3) grocers, skilled tradesmen, and schooner owners; and (4) fishermen."
5. Hogtown
A moniker for Toronto, often linked to its historical ties to the meat-packing industry, though the dictionary suggests it's "used because outsiders claim Torontonians tend to monopolize everything."
6. Hydro
Refers to hydro-electric power. Canadians still commonly refer to their electricity bill as the "hydro bill."
7. Idiot Stick
A miniature, inexpensive replica of a Native totem pole, often sold as a souvenir to tourists in British Columbia.
8. Improved Britisher
A lighthearted term used to describe "a British immigrant, particularly an Englishman, who has spent enough time in Canada to shed some of their original cultural quirks." Similar to the term "improved Scotsman."
9. Jawbone
An old Western slang term for credit, "likely because convincing a creditor required a lot of talking." A 1966 example states, "the mower parts would have been bought on credit or, as locals say, put on his jawbone."
10. Mal de Raquette
Derived from the French term for 'snowshoe sickness,' it describes "a painful condition of swollen joints and muscles experienced by snowshoers, caused by excessive strain on leg tendons."
11. Moose Milk
Northern slang for homemade alcohol, it has also evolved to describe mixed beverages made with rum and milk.
12. Muscovadoey
A term used in Eastern Quebec to describe snow that has the consistency of muscovado, or raw sugar.
13. Mudpup
A nickname for "a young Englishman sent to Western Canada to gain experience in farming." A 1955 reference notes that "when World War I began, every Mud Pup enlisted, and the bachelor community in Duncan disappeared almost instantly."
14. Muffin
A 1965 historical account explains, "at the start of winter, each young man would select 'a muffin'—a seasonal companion—an arrangement that would end by mutual agreement in the spring." An 1865 book also introduced the term muffinage to describe being in such a relationship. However, an 1873 source noted, "no woman admitted to being a muffin until she felt comfortable enough with her partner to reveal it."
15. Ogopogo
A legendary lake creature believed to inhabit Okanagan Lake in British Columbia. A 1936 account details its appearance: "Ogopogo's head resembles Henry VIII, its body is accordion-like, and its tail resembles a shillelagh."
16. Rubaboo
A hearty stew made from pemmican, flour, and whatever ingredients are available. Today, it symbolizes a mix of diverse elements. An arts festival in Alberta adopted the name Rubaboo, inspired by "a Michif (Métis) term meaning a stew brimming with vitality and nourishment for the soul."
17. Sugaring-Off
"The method of boiling maple sap to produce syrup and sugar by evaporating and crystallizing the liquid." Additionally, "a festive gathering held in the sugar bush during the sugaring-off season."
18. Winnipeg Couch
A basic couch that could be converted into a bed. A 1958 source describes it as "a sturdy classic, constructed with solid iron and coil springs during an era when Canadians often went to bed without removing their boots."
19. All-Dressed
The latest edition of A Dictionary of Canadianisms on Historical Principles introduced the Eastern Canadian term all-dressed, referring to "all available toppings on fast food items."
20. Bunny Hug
Also featured in the new edition, this Saskatchewan term describes "a hooded sweatshirt."
21. Loonie
A term for the "one-dollar coin" included in the updated dictionary.
22. Midget
"A category of amateur sports typically for players aged 16-17"; or "a participant in such a league."
23. Toonie
"A two-dollar coin."
This article was originally published in 2013 and has been updated for 2021.
