Canada and the United States share a long border and a common language, but when it comes to slang, there are some noticeable differences. Canadian English features a range of unique terms that can completely baffle American speakers.
Whether it’s the way Canadians refer to everyday items or quirky expressions for common activities, these 24 Canadian words can leave Americans scratching their heads.
From “keener” to “Molson muscle,” these terms give a glimpse into the distinct Canadian way of speaking.
Here are 24 Canadian words that can completely confuse Americans:
1: Keener
Keener refers to someone who is very keen or eager. It is typically used in a not-so-nice way and can be synonymous with a “brown-noser”. This term describes someone overly enthusiastic, often in a way perceived negatively.
2: Chirping
Chirping is Eastern Canadian slang used for making fun of someone. In Western Canada, the equivalent term used for this is “beaking”. Understanding this term is important when interacting with people from Eastern Canada.
3: Caesar
If you request a Caesar in Canada, you likely will not receive a salad. Instead, a Caesar is a type of drink. It is described as being similar to an American Bloody Mary, featuring a unique Canadian twist on a common brunch drink.
4: Toque
When the weather gets cold in Canada, your friend might wear a toque. This is the specific Canadian term for what is known in the United States as a “beanie”. It is a common item of winter clothing with a different name.
5: KD
Canadians consume significantly more Kraft Mac N’ Cheese than Americans. They commonly shorten its full name, Kraft Dinner, and simply refer to this popular cheesy pasta as KD. This abbreviation is widely recognized in Canada.
6: Parkade
In Canada, you do not park your car in a parking garage. The structure Americans call a parking garage is referred to as a parkade by Canadians. This term is used for a multi-level parking structure.
7: Timbits
Tim Hortons is the largest restaurant chain in Canada. They sell a very popular breakfast treat called Timbits. In the United States, these small, round pastries are known as donut holes.
8: Serviette
Calling a napkin is considered “so very American”. In Canada, the paper squares that you use to wipe your hands and face while eating are called serviettes. This is a common everyday item with a distinctly Canadian name.
9: Gitch
Gitch is a Canadian term used to describe men’s underwear. It particularly refers to white briefs or what Americans might call tighty whities. Canadians also use the terms gotch and gonch interchangeably for this garment.
10: Pencil Crayons
For Americans, the term pencil crayons can be quite confusing because pencils and crayons are seen as different items.
However, in Canada, pencil crayons simply refer to standard colored pencils. It’s the common Canadian name for this art supply.
11: Dart
In Canada, “dart” is slang for a cancer stick. This means a cigarette. If your Canadian friend invites you out back for a dart, you should know they do not mean throwing sharp projectiles at a target.
12: Gonger
A gonger refers to a situation that got out of hand in a funny way. It can also be used to describe a party that went wild. This term encapsulates a situation that became unexpectedly chaotic or exciting.
13: Larry or Roger
When a Canadian is providing directions, they might tell you to “hang a Larry” or “hang a Roger”. These are Canadian slang terms used to mean left and right, respectively. Understanding this is key to navigating.
14: Homo Milk
In Canada, homo milk is a shortened term. It is short for homogenized milk. When Canadians use this term, they are typically referring to the whole milk that is purchased at the grocery store.
15: Two-Four
Picking up a two-four is considered essential if you are hosting a party in Canada. This distinct Canadian slang term specifically refers to a 24-pack of beer. It’s a common way to buy and refer to a large quantity of beer.
16: Champagne Birthday
In America, when someone turns the age that matches the date of their birthday (e.g., turning 7 on the 7th), it is called a golden birthday. In Canada, this special occasion is referred to as a champagne birthday.
17: Chinook
While “Chinook” can refer to salmon or a military helicopter, if you are in Canada, it often describes unseasonably warm winds. This specific meteorological meaning is primarily Canadian and can be confusing to Americans.
18: Eavestroughs
Cleaning out rain gutters is a chore that most people dislike. However, in Canada, you get to call them eavestroughs. The source notes that this Canadian term is “at least more fun to say” than rain gutters.
19: Garburator
A garburator is the Canadian slang term used for a garbage disposal. The source suggests that although “garbage disposal” is descriptive, the term “garburator” seems to better capture the essence of the under-sink machine.
20: Double-Double
Depending on where you are in America, a double-double might mean a type of hamburger or a basketball achievement. In Canada, it is a very popular order at Tim Hortons. It means a coffee with two milks and two sugars.
21: Runners
What Americans commonly call sneakers or sometimes tennis shoes, Canadians refer to as runners. The source notes that this Canadian term makes a lot of sense because the footwear is often specifically designed for running.
22: Chesterfield
In Canada, instead of using the term sofa, they often say chesterfield. Originally, a chesterfield was a specific couch style with a tufted back, but its name became so popular it was used for all couches in Canada.
23: Pogie
Pogie is a Canadian term that refers to someone being on welfare or social assistance. The source suggests that the term may be derived from the British slang term “pogey,” which referred to a poorhouse.
24: Molson Muscle
What Americans might call a beer belly, Canadians humorously refer to as molson muscle. This term references Molson, a brand of Canadian beer, which helps make this funny term more understandable in Canada.
Alicia Richards