Canada and the U.S. might share a border, but when it comes to language, there are some words and phrases that just don’t translate. If you’ve ever chatted with a Canadian and found yourself scratching your head at some of the things they say, you’re not alone. Canadians have their own unique way of speaking that can leave Americans a bit puzzled. Here are 10 Canadian words and phrases that often leave folks in the U.S. wondering what the heck their northern neighbors are talking about, eh?
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“Double-double”
When a Canadian orders a “double-double” at a coffee shop, they’re not asking for two drinks but rather one coffee with two creams and two sugars. This term is so ingrained in Canadian culture, especially at Tim Hortons, that it’s hard for Canadians to imagine ordering coffee any other way. For an American, though, the term might seem strange or confusing.
“Toque” (pronounced “tooo-k”)
Canadians know that winter isn’t complete without a toque to keep warm. This word refers to the knitted, cozy hat that Canadians wear to battle the cold. Although Americans might call it a beanie or just a winter hat, in Canada, it’s always a toque. It’s a word that Americans have likely never heard.
“Loonie” and “Toonie”
The loonie and toonie are the Canadian $1 and $2 coins, respectively. They’re staples in Canadian wallets. The loonie gets its name from the loon bird that graces one side of the coin, while the toonie, introduced later, combines the words “two” and “loonie” to describe the $2 coin. Although Americans are used to paper bills for these amounts, Canadians use these coins as part of their everyday transactions.
“Pop”
When Canadians want a fizzy drink, they ask for “pop.” It’s a simple, straightforward term that’s widely understood across the country. In contrast, Americans might be more likely to say “soda,” depending on where they’re from.
“Chesterfield”
A “chesterfield” is what many older Canadians might call a couch or sofa. Although the term has become less common among younger people, it still pops up from time to time, especially in smaller towns or older homes. The word itself has a bit of a vintage feel, and to an American, it might sound like something out of the past.
“Hydro”
When Canadians talk about paying their “hydro” bill, they’re referring to their electricity bill. This term comes from the fact that a lot of Canada’s electricity is generated from hydroelectric power, so “hydro” became shorthand for electricity. In the U.S., people may confuse ‘hydro’ with a water bill.
“Runners”
In Canada, “runners” are what you’d call your sneakers or athletic shoes. You might be heading to the gym or just going for a casual walk – “runners” is the go-to term for comfy, sporty footwear. Americans might say “sneakers” or “tennis shoes.”
“Mickey”
In Canada, a “mickey” is a small bottle of liquor, usually 375 milliliters in size. It’s a handy size that’s popular for personal use or taking to a party. Americans might think of a small bottle as a “half-pint” or “flask.”
“Tims”
“Tims” or “Timmies” is the affectionate nickname Canadians use for Tim Hortons, the beloved coffee and doughnut chain that’s almost a national symbol. Saying “I’m heading to Tims” means you’re going to grab a coffee or a quick snack.
“Klick”
In Canada, a “klick” is slang for a kilometer, a unit of measurement for distance. You might hear someone say, “It’s about 10 klicks down the road,” meaning it’s 10 kilometers away. This term is commonly used in the military and has made its way into everyday Canadian language.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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