Canada is a culturally diverse country with a rich history. Like any nation, Canadians have their own unique expressions, idioms, and sayings that reflect their values, attitudes, sense of humor, and identity. Some Canadian sayings have become popular worldwide, while others are obscure outside the country. This article will explore some of the most well-known and beloved Canadian sayings.
What are some examples of popular Canadian sayings?
Here are some classic Canadian sayings that many Canadians would recognize:
- “I’m just going out for a rip.” – Going out for a casual drive, ride, or walk.
- “Pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er.” – Let’s get going, hurry up.
- “That’s a gooder!” – That’s really good!
- “Put some jacks on.” – Put your boots on.
- “Giver ‘er!” – Give it some effort, go for it.
- “Double-double.” – A coffee with two creams and two sugars. Comes from the Tim Hortons coffee order.
- “Runners.” – Any athletic or running shoes.
- “Toque.” – A knitted winter hat.
- “Got your toque?” – Do you have your hat for warmth?
- “The cold goes right through you.” – It’s very cold outside.
- “Grade eight dance.” – Teenage romances. Comes from school dances in 8th grade.
- “Chirping.” – Making fun of someone lightheartedly.
- “Beauty!” – Great! Excellent!
- “Couple two tree.” – A few/several.
- “Eh?” – Added to the end of a sentence in place of “right?”
These are just a sampling of some quintessential Canadian sayings. Certain phrases are more popular in some regions than others. Canada’s large geography and regional cultures lead to variations in slang and dialect.
What is the origin of “Eh?”
“Eh” is arguably the most recognizable Canadian saying worldwide. It is used at the end of sentences in place of “right?” or “don’t you think?”. “Eh” has become shorthand for Canadians’ stereotypical politeness and sensitivity to others’ opinions.
Linguists debate the exact origin of this tick, but some accounts suggest it comes from the influence of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Adding “eh” to statements politely asks for validation or agreement from the listener. It softens declarations to suggestions.
This habit of appending “eh” flourished in rural areas but met some opposition as urban Canadian speech tried to sound less provincial. However, “eh” persists as an endearing verbal tic from coast to coast to coast.
What does “I’m just going out for a rip” mean?
One of the most Canadian phrases is “going out for a rip.” This means going out for a casual trip or joyride, often just around town or the neighborhood. A “rip” is an excursion without a specific destination, just for the sake of getting out of the house.
The origins of this phrase are unclear but it emerged in the prairie provinces in the early 20th century. At the time, many families went on evening drives or sleigh rides together just to pass time. The phrase endures as part of the casual Canadian lexicon.
Where does “pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er” come from?
The saying “pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er” is an idiomatic phrase used to tell someone it’s time to get moving. “Pitter patter” imitates the sound of light footsteps, conveying the idea of hustling. “Let’s get at ‘er” means let’s get going.
Some etymologists link it to pioneering times when people had to act quickly to take advantage of good weather for farming, logging, or fishing. The phrase later became a household Canadian saying to gather the family or get kids ready to leave the house.
An abbreviated version can be heard today when Canadians say “Let’s pitter patter!” to mean “Let’s get going!”
Why do Canadians say “Got your toque?”
A toque is a knitted cap worn for warmth in cold climates. This style of hat originated with Quebecois fur traders. The word comes from Middle Breton “toque” for a felt hat.
By the 20th century “toque” was Canadian slang for any winter cap. Canadans needed to bundle up against bitter weather, so remembering hats and mittens was crucial.
Parents and teachers ask “Got your toque?” whenever kids head out to remind them not to forget warm headwear. It continues as a common saying to show Canadians’ awareness of their cold winters.
What does “the cold goes right through you” mean?
Canadians face subzero temperatures every winter, so they have plenty of sayings to express the bone-chilling cold.
“The cold goes right through you” means it’s extremely cold outside and you feel it seeping through your clothes. No matter how many layers you wear, the cold permeates everything.
Other similar Canadian sayings include “It’s colder than a well-digger’s arse” and “colder than a witch’s tit.” Colourful language emphasizes that you should dress very warmly before going outside.
Where does “double-double” come from?
A “double-double” refers to a coffee with two creams and two sugars, a popular order at the Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons. The “double” refers to getting double the usual amount of cream and sugar.
The term took hold across Canada in the 1990s as Tim Hortons expanded. The default order of cream and sugar at Tim Hortons is one of each, so “double-double” indicates a stronger sweetness.
The phrase soon became shorthand for a very Canadian experience shared from coast to coast. Ordering a “double-double” immediately identifies you as a Canuck.
Most Popular Tim Hortons Coffee Orders in Canada
| Order | Percentage of Orders |
| Double-double | 37% |
| 2 cream, 1 sugar | 17% |
| Black | 14% |
| 1 cream, 1 sugar | 10% |
| 2 cream, 2 sugar | 7% |
As shown in this table, the double-double is by far the most popular coffee order at Tim Hortons across Canada.
What are “runners” in Canadian slang?
Canadians commonly refer to athletic shoes and sneakers as “runners” rather than sneakers. The term is thought to come from the purpose of running shoes for sports and exercise.
By the 1990s, runners emerged as a widespread Canadian term. Running shoes gained popularity as jogging and exercise took off, distinguishing them from casual shoes.
The use of “runners” rather than sneakers is seen as an accent shibboleth highlighting someone as Canadian. Brands like Adidas and Nike are still referred to as “runners” in advertising and everyday speech.
Where did “grade eight dance” originate?
In Canadian schools, grade eight was traditionally the first year students were allowed to attend dances. Grade eight marked a coming of age around age 13-14 when early teen romances began.
Ever since, a “grade eight dance” is Canadian slang for youthful relationships without much substance or commitment. It implies innocent teenage infatuation rather than true love.
Canadians use it humorously for adult relationships that seem frivolous or unwise. Calling a risky romance a “grade eight dance” urges more caution and level-headedness.
What does it mean to give something “a gooder”?
The phrase “that’s a gooder!” is a classic rural Canadian way of expressing approval. It means “that’s really good!” or “that’s excellent!”
Using “gooder” as a comparative adjective is considered ungrammatical in formal English. However, it persists in Canadian slang to enthusiastically say something is outstanding or the very best.
The phrase likely originated with German, Dutch and Slavic immigrants learning English. Their native grammar rules influenced playing with degrees of comparison in quirky Canadian English.
“Gooder” slipped into Canadian vocabulary as a folksy superlative to praise something as wonderful, often food dishes, achievements, or bargains.
What does it mean to be “chirping” someone?
Being “chirped” in Canada means being teased or jokingly ridiculed by friends or teammates. It comes from the sounds birds make.
Lighthearted ribbing helps Canadians show affection and build rapport without having to express real criticism. Giving someone a hard time about something minor is an icebreaker and a way to bond.
The chirping tradition is especially strong in hockey locker rooms where teammates constantly poke fun at each other. But regular Canadians also use chirping across ages and contexts as playful banter among friends.
Why do Canadians say “couple two tree”?
Rural parts of Atlantic Canada are known for using imaginative number substitutions. For example, “couple two tree” means “a few” or “several.”
Linguists think this practice has Gaelic origins but is also tied to Acadian French influence. It adds color to the language using rhyming or descriptive terms in place of numbers.
This syntax persists as a unique dialect marker and way of speaking more poetically. Phrases like “couple two tree” help strengthen a sense of Atlantic Canadian regional identity and community.
Conclusion
Canadian sayings provide insight into Canucks’ experiences, cultures, values, and senses of humor. They reveal pride in everyday elements of Canadian life like bitter winters, Tim Hortons runs, and hockey chirping sessions. Understanding Canadian slang gives a peek into what makes the true north strong and free.
The next time you hear an unusual expression like “pitter patter” or “got your toque,” it may just be a Canadian trying to connect. Responding with “that’s a gooder, eh?” is sure to cement a new friendship. Canadian sayings form the vocabulary of a distinct national identity that resonates both within the country and worldwide.