10 Canadian English Idioms You Need to Know
While English is spoken in many countries around the world, each region develops its own unique expressions and idioms. Canadian English is no exception, blending influences from British English, American English, French, and indigenous languages. Understanding these distinctly Canadian expressions will help you navigate social situations more confidently and feel more connected to the local culture during your studies in Canada.
1. "Give'r"
One of the most quintessentially Canadian expressions, "give'r" means to put maximum effort into something or to go all out. It's commonly used when encouraging someone to try their hardest or when describing someone who is working with great enthusiasm.
Example Usage:
"If you want to improve your English quickly, you've just got to give'r!"
"She really gave'r on that final exam and aced it."
2. "Double-Double"
This term is so Canadian that it was added to the Canadian Oxford Dictionary in 2004. A "double-double" refers to a coffee with two creams and two sugars, typically ordered at Tim Hortons, Canada's iconic coffee chain. It's a perfect example of how language and culture intersect.
Example Usage:
"I need a double-double to get through this morning class."
"Let's grab double-doubles before heading to the library."
3. "Toque" (pronounced "took")
What Americans might call a "beanie" or what the British might call a "woolly hat," Canadians call a "toque." This knitted cap is essential for surviving Canadian winters, and the word itself comes from French Canadian influence.
Example Usage:
"Don't forget your toque today, it's freezing outside!"
"I can't find my toque anywhere, and we're having a snowstorm."
4. "Loonie" and "Toonie"
These are the nicknames for Canadian one-dollar and two-dollar coins. The one-dollar coin features a loon (a type of bird) on one side, hence "loonie." When the two-dollar coin was introduced, Canadians naturally started calling it a "toonie" (sometimes spelled "toonie"), a play on the number two and the "loonie" name.
Example Usage:
"I've got a loonie and a toonie in my pocket, enough for a coffee."
"The vending machine only takes loonies and toonies, no bills."
5. "Keener"
A "keener" is someone who is extremely enthusiastic, eager, or zealous, especially in an academic context. It's often used to describe a student who is always prepared, asks a lot of questions in class, and generally puts in more effort than others. While it can sometimes be used teasingly, it's not necessarily negative.
Example Usage:
"Sarah's such a keener, she's already finished the assignment that's due next month."
"You don't need to be a keener to do well in this class, just keep up with the weekly readings."
6. "Eh?"
Perhaps the most stereotypically Canadian expression, "eh" is a versatile conversation tag that can be added to the end of almost any statement. It can transform a statement into a question, emphasize a point, check for agreement, or simply keep a conversation flowing. While sometimes exaggerated in portrayals of Canadians, it is genuinely common in everyday speech.
Example Usage:
"Beautiful day, eh?"
"That was a difficult test, eh?"
"He's from Vancouver, eh, so he's used to the rain."
7. "Chinook"
In Western Canada, especially Alberta, a "chinook" refers to a warm wind that blows from the Rocky Mountains and can rapidly increase temperatures in the middle of winter. It's derived from a First Nations term and has become part of Canadian weather vocabulary.
Example Usage:
"We're expecting a chinook this weekend, so the temperature should rise dramatically."
"The chinook melted all the snow overnight!"
8. "Bunnyhug"
Used primarily in Saskatchewan, a "bunnyhug" is what most people would call a hooded sweatshirt or hoodie. This term is so regionally specific that even other Canadians might not recognize it, making it a true linguistic curiosity.
Example Usage:
"It's getting chilly, I should have brought my bunnyhug."
"Can I borrow your bunnyhug for the walk home?"
9. "Hang a Larry" or "Hang a Roger"
These phrases mean to make a left turn (Larry) or a right turn (Roger) while driving or walking. They're playful alternatives to saying "turn left" or "turn right" and are commonly used when giving directions.
Example Usage:
"To get to the campus, hang a Larry at the next intersection, then a Roger at the lights."
"You missed it! I told you to hang a Roger back there."
10. "The Prairies"
While not strictly an idiom, knowing what Canadians mean by "The Prairies" is essential. This term refers to the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, characterized by their flat grassland geography. When a Canadian mentions "The Prairies," they're referring to this specific region, not just any rural area.
Example Usage:
"She grew up in The Prairies before moving to Vancouver for university."
"The Prairies produce much of Canada's wheat and canola."
Conclusion
Learning these Canadian idioms will not only improve your English comprehension but also help you connect with locals and understand Canadian culture more deeply. Language is always more than just vocabulary and grammar—it's a window into how people think and relate to one another.
At MediaIncor Language Academy, we believe that cultural understanding is a crucial part of language learning. Our courses include cultural components to help international students navigate Canadian life with confidence. So next time you're chatting with a Canadian classmate or ordering at Tim Hortons, try using one of these expressions—you might just be mistaken for a local!
Ready to learn more about Canadian culture and improve your English skills? Explore our course offerings or contact us for a personalized language learning plan.
