How Canadian Slang Differs From Coast to Coast

We all know about the Canadian words our American friends don’t understand, but ever say something to your out-of-province pals that leaves them scratching their heads? There are some things said on the Rock that those in Cowtown just don’t understand. And the slang uttered in The 6ix is nowhere near what’s spoken on the Island. But it’s all good, eh?

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“Cabins” (British Columbia)

People in British Columbia refer to their vacation homes as cabins, not cottages, regardless if it's a shed that fits two uncomfortably or is comprised of ethically sourced logs, has a three-car garage and its own private beach.

You may want to brush up on your teen slang phrases if you want to pass for semi-cool.

Rear view of woman paddleboarding on lake with mountains in front of her

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“Skookum” (British Columbia)

Comes from Chinook, the First Nations trading language, meaning strong or robust.

Woman looking frozen and uncomfortable outside in snow

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“Cheechako” (Yukon)

Taken from the Chinook word, it translates to a newcomer to the Yukon. Originally it referred to a newbie there for the gold rush, but it still stands.

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“Sourdough” (Yukon)

A permanent resident in the Yukon who lives, or has lived there, for all four seasons. Though the bread is also delish. Just saying.

Photographer next to lake shooting Aurora Borealis

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“Ever” (Northwest Territories)

Tag it to another word, for emphasis. So if something's nice, it's "ever nice." If a meal is good, it's "ever good." If the night sky is amazing, it's "ever amazing." You get the picture.

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“Eschia” and “escha” (Northwest Territories)

Pronounced ess-chee-ya and ess-cha, it's a verbal scoff, in the "yeah, right!" and "you're full of sh*t!" family.

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“May longy” (Alberta)

The long weekend in May, obvi. That makes way more sense than Ontarians calling it the May two-four weekend, which doesn't always fall on the weekend of May 24th.

Boxers briefs that looks like Canadian flag

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“Gitch” and “gotch” (Alberta)

Men's briefs. Enough said.

Hoodie-clad young woman sitting on skateboard looking at sunset

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“Bunny hug” (Saskatchewan)

Forget hoodies. "Bunny hugs" make them seem so much cozier.

Woman and girl both drinking glasses of chocolate milk

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“Vi-Co” (Saskatchewan)

When Dairyland bought out Dairy Producers in 1995, the Vi-Co chocolate milk line was abolished. But that hasn't stopped Saskatchewans from still referring to the drink as "Vi-Co."

Pile of jelly doughnuts, one cut in half showing jelly oozing out

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“Jam buster” (Manitoba)

A jelly-filled doughnut. We'll take one, please and thank you. Pfft, who are we kidding? Make it a dozen.

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Man wearing rainboots stepping in muddy puddle

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“Booter” (Manitoba)

You know that annoyingly messy period in early spring when things are mucky and you step into what you think is a puddle, but you wind up practically knee-deep and your footwear becomes flooded with dirty water? A "booter" is the result.

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“Mamaqtuq” (Nunavut)

Pronounced ma-makh-too, it translates to "delicious." Also? It also happens to be the title of a popular song by Iqaluit's favourite band, The Jerry Cans. OK, not so much slang, just a fun word with some trivia to go with it.

Person in red coat walking down isolated street in snowstorm

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“Nunavut gear” (Nunavut)

It refers to the pace of things in Nunavut, where daily life is largely affected by the weather.

Interior of car showing speedometer and headlight-lit road ahead

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“Klicks” (Ontario)

Referring to a kilometre or kilometres per hour, as in: "You're going 40 klicks over the limit, slow down!" Not that anyone's ever said that to us. Or you. We're all law-abiding citizens here.

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“Two-four” (Ontario)

A case of beer (usually come in 24s, though sometimes 28s). But the name stuck.

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“Dep” (Quebec)

It's short for the French word "depanneur," which means corner store. So the phrase "dep run" is something heard quite often.

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“All dressed” (Quebec)

Not to be confused with the chips flavour (which was invented in Canada), but for those in Quebec, it means "loaded" or "the works," as in pizza or a burger. Mmm.

Woman smoking outside while looking at her phone

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“Dart” (New Brunswick)

Another word for cigarettes, as in, "Hey, I'm goin' for a dart."

Woman looking thoroughly irritated by man

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“Greasy” (New Brunswick)

A shady, dirty move.

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“Sure g’awn witcha” (Nova Scotia)

An exclamation of disbelief, as in, "No way, that can't be true!" or "GTFO!"

Happy woman punching the air in celebration

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“Right good” (Nova Scotia)

AKA awesome. Short and sweet.

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“Mayzel” (Prince Edward Island)

Basically a smushed word for "may as well." Because why waste spaces and syllables?

Two women smiling and laughing as one woman shakes the hand of unseen person

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“The very best” (Prince Edward Island)

A common response to the question "How is it going?" or "Whaddya sayin'?" or "How's she goin?" though the later two are also mostly slang on the East Coast.

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“Me ol’ trout” (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Don't get your back up, it's actually a term of endearment. Really. Though if you're from anywhere in Canada other than Newfoundland and Labrador, you might want to avoid saying it.