Canada and the U.S. share a border and many cultural similarities, but there are still some uniquely Canadian terms that often leave Americans scratching their heads.
While we might sound alike on the surface, Canadians have a distinct vocabulary filled with words and expressions that reflect our way of life, from weather to sports, to coffee culture. Here are 35 Canadian words and phrases that Americans might not understand:
1. Keener
A “keener” is someone who’s overly eager, often used to describe a teacher’s pet or someone who’s always trying too hard. In the U.S., they might call this person a “brownnoser.”
2. Mickey
In Canada, a “mickey” is a small 375 ml bottle of liquor. While it sounds cute, it’s a popular size for those sneaking booze into an event!
3. Runners
Americans call them sneakers or tennis shoes, but Canadians lace up their “runners” for any athletic activity.
4. Stag/Stagette Party
Known as bachelor and bachelorette parties in the U.S., Canadians refer to these pre-wedding celebrations as stag and stagette parties.
5. Hang a Larry/Hang a Roger
These quirky expressions mean to turn left (Larry) or right (Roger). Perfect for road trips!
6. Two-four
A “two-four” is a 24-pack of beer. It’s a staple for weekend parties, especially on the long weekend known as May Two-Four (Victoria Day).
7. Freezies
An iconic Canadian summer treat, “freezies” are frozen tubes of flavored sugar water. Think popsicles, but tube-shaped.
8. Toque
Pronounced “toohk,” this refers to a knit winter hat, or beanie, a must-have in Canadian winters.
9. Give’r
When someone is putting in maximum effort, they’re “giving’r.” Whether it’s work, sports, or partying, Canadians love to give’r.
10. Homo Milk
Short for homogenized milk, this term is common in grocery stores across Canada, leaving Americans wondering if it’s a different kind of milk entirely.
11. Out for a Rip
Heading out for a ride or adventure? Canadians say they’re going “out for a rip” whether it’s on a car, ATV, or snowmobile.
12. Double-Double
Tim Hortons’ coffee order with two creams and two sugars, it’s as Canadian as hockey.
13. Timbit
The Canadian term for a doughnut hole, most notably from Tim Hortons.
14. Parkade
Instead of calling it a parking garage, Canadians use the term “parkade” for those multistory parking structures.
15. Toonie
A $2 coin. It’s bigger than the $1 “loonie” and is two-colored, featuring a polar bear on one side.
16. Tourtière
A traditional French-Canadian meat pie, often enjoyed around Christmas.
17. Serviette
Instead of napkin, Canadians often use the French term “serviette,” especially in Quebec.
18. Holiday
In Canada, “holiday” refers to what Americans call a vacation. A Canadian might say, “I’m going on holiday to the U.S. this summer.”
19. Washroom
A more polite term for “bathroom” or “restroom” used by Canadians. Asking for a washroom is much more common than “bathroom.”
20. Chesterfield
An old-school term for a couch or sofa that’s still used in parts of Canada, especially by older generations.
21. Garburator
Americans know this as a garbage disposal, but in Canadian kitchens, it’s a “garburator.”
22. Housecoat
What Americans call a bathrobe, Canadians refer to as a housecoat, typically worn around the house in the morning.
23. Texas Mickey
A gigantic 3-liter bottle of alcohol, the Texas Mickey is perfect for parties but doesn’t actually have anything to do with Texas.
24. Gotch/Gitch/Gonch
Men’s tight underwear, typically referring to briefs or “tighty-whities.”
25. Pencil Crayons
Americans call them colored pencils, but in Canada, kids ask for “pencil crayons” to fill in their coloring books.
26. College
In Canada, “college” refers specifically to community colleges, while “university” is used for degree-granting institutions. So, a Canadian going to college might not be pursuing a degree.
27. Pop
That fizzy drink Americans call “soda”? In Canada, it’s “pop.”
28. Haligonian
If you meet someone from Halifax, Nova Scotia, they’re not just from Halifax—they’re a “Haligonian.”
29. Cheque
It might look like a typo, but Canadians spell “check” (as in a bank check) with a “q” as “cheque.”
30. Bunnyhug
In Saskatchewan, a hoodie is called a “bunnyhug.” The rest of Canada finds this term pretty funny, but it’s a prairie province tradition.
31. Dep
Short for the French term dépanneur, meaning corner store, “dep” is used in Quebec to refer to convenience stores.
32. Hey vs. Eh
Though Canadians are stereotypically known for saying “eh,” in parts of Western Canada, “hey” is used more commonly. Both are used like “right?” at the end of a sentence.
33. All-Dressed
A popular potato chip flavor in Canada, combining BBQ, ketchup, sour cream, and onion into one chip. An American’s taste buds might be overwhelmed!
34. Zed
The Canadian way to pronounce the last letter of the alphabet, whereas Americans say “zee.” This one comes up often in arguments over spelling.
35. Hoser
A good-natured or joking term for a foolish person, made famous by Canadian comedians Bob and Doug McKenzie. It’s rarely used seriously, but it’s a staple in Canadian pop culture.
These uniquely Canadian expressions might leave our American friends scratching their heads, but they’re just part of what makes Canada charmingly distinct. So next time you’re across the border, be sure to throw out a few “ehs,” grab a double-double, and go out for a rip—you’ll be fitting right in with the locals in no time!
