Ever heard someone say, “Could you grab me a two-four, eh?” and wondered if it’s code for something mysterious? You’re not alone. When I first moved to Toronto for a summer internship, I quickly realised that understanding Canadian sayings is like learning a secret national language — part humour, part history, and entirely full of charm.
Canada may be known for politeness and maple syrup, but it’s also home to some of the quirkiest, funniest, and most heartwarming expressions you’ll ever hear. These sayings reveal more than just a sense of humour; they show how Canadians see the world — with warmth, humility, and a dash of self-deprecation.
In this article, we’ll explore 15+ unique but funny Canadian sayings, decode their meanings, and share a few stories and expert insights that reveal why they stick around generation after generation.
1. “Eh?”
Let’s start with the big one. If there were a single word that defines Canadian identity, it would be this tiny two-letter sound.
Meaning: It’s not just a question tag. “Eh?” can mean don’t you agree?, right?, or are you listening? depending on tone and context.
Example: “It’s cold out today, eh?”
Linguist Jack Chambers from the University of Toronto calls it a form of solidarity marker — a subtle way for Canadians to invite agreement and friendliness into conversation. It’s more than a phrase; it’s a cultural handshake.
2. “Double-Double”
If you order a coffee anywhere in Canada, you’ll want to know this one.
Meaning: Coffee with two creams and two sugars — a staple at Tim Hortons, the nation’s unofficial coffee shop.
Example: “I’ll take a double-double before work, eh?”
A 2017 survey by the National Post found that more than 70% of Canadians use this phrase weekly. It’s not just coffee; it’s comfort in a cup.
3. “Toque” (pronounced “too-k”)
Meaning: A warm knitted hat, often worn during Canada’s long winters.
Example: “Don’t forget your toque, it’s freezing out there!”
In British English, you might call it a woolly hat or beanie, but in Canada, calling it a toque is non-negotiable. According to linguist Margery Fee, this word traces back to 15th-century French, linking Canada’s bilingual heritage with its cold climate.
4. “Loonie” and “Toonie”
Meaning: A loonie is a one-dollar coin featuring a loon (a Canadian bird), and a toonie is the two-dollar coin.
Example: “Got a toonie for parking?”
Funny enough, these nicknames started informally in the 1980s but became so common that the Royal Canadian Mint eventually embraced them.
5. “Keener”
Meaning: Someone who is overly enthusiastic or eager to please.
Example: “He’s such a keener, handing in his homework early again!”
Sociolinguist Dr. Sandra Clarke from Memorial University notes that this term reflects Canada’s subtle cultural value of modesty — being too keen can almost be a social faux pas.
6. “Canuck”
Meaning: A nickname for a Canadian person.
Example: “We Canucks sure love our hockey!”
While some might assume it’s slang, Canuck is often used affectionately. Even the Vancouver Canucks hockey team proudly wears the name.
7. “Two-Four”
Meaning: A case of 24 beers.
Example: “Let’s grab a two-four for the long weekend.”
This one is essential for summer cottage trips. It’s so popular that The Globe and Mail once dubbed it “Canada’s unofficial unit of celebration.”
8. “Out for a rip”
Meaning: Going for a fun drive or spontaneous adventure.
Example: “We went out for a rip after work.”
In 2013, a viral song by B. Rich titled Out for a Rip turned this rural Ontario slang into a national joke. It perfectly captures Canada’s laid-back, humour-loving vibe.
9. “Beauty, eh?”
Meaning: A way to compliment something or someone as awesome or impressive.
Example: “That goal was a beauty, eh?”
Canadians often use “beauty” as an adjective to express approval. It’s positive, unpretentious, and distinctively warm-hearted.
10. “Molson Muscle”
Meaning: A beer belly, named after the Molson Canadian beer brand.
Example: “He’s working on his Molson muscle this summer.”
This one is tongue-in-cheek and shows Canada’s self-aware humour. Even the brand itself leaned into it during their 1990s advertising campaigns.
11. “Gong Show”
Meaning: A chaotic, funny, or disorganised situation.
Example: “That party was a total gong show!”
The term comes from The Gong Show, a 1970s American TV talent show where bad acts got “gonged.” Canadians adopted it with their own twist — to describe anything hilariously messy.
12. “Hoser”
Meaning: A slightly teasing insult meaning someone unsophisticated or goofy.
Example: “Don’t be such a hoser!”
This word gained fame from the 1980s comedy duo Bob and Doug McKenzie on SCTV. It’s playful, not mean-spirited — a perfect example of Canadian banter.
13. “Mickey”
Meaning: A small 375ml bottle of liquor, often taken to parties.
Example: “Grab a mickey for the night.”
Unlike the mouse, this “Mickey” packs a punch. Liquor Control Board of Ontario reports show it’s one of the most purchased alcohol sizes across the country.
14. “True North Strong and Free”
Meaning: A patriotic phrase from the Canadian national anthem, often used to express pride.
Example: “We are the True North, strong and free!”
It symbolises Canada’s resilience, independence, and unity. Many Canadians quote it during sports games, national holidays, and even tattoos.
15. “Skookum”
Meaning: Excellent, strong, or impressive — derived from Chinook Jargon, a trade language used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers in British Columbia.
Example: “That’s a skookum truck you’ve got there!”
This term reflects the deep Indigenous influence on Canadian English. Linguists consider it a proud reminder of Canada’s multicultural roots.
16. “Snowbirds”
Meaning: Canadians who travel south (usually to Florida or Arizona) during the winter to escape the cold.
Example: “My parents are snowbirds; they head to Florida every December.”
With over 375,000 Canadians doing this annually, according to Statistics Canada, this saying perfectly captures the country’s weather-driven wanderlust.
17. “Hang a Larry” / “Hang a Roger”
Meaning: Take a left (Larry) or right (Roger) turn while driving.
Example: “Hang a Larry at the lights, then a Roger at the next stop.”
It’s informal navigation, uniquely Canadian, and sounds more fun than giving typical directions.
Why These Sayings Matter
Beyond being funny or quirky, these sayings show Canada’s linguistic identity — shaped by English, French, and Indigenous languages, plus a culture that values humour and humility.
Language expert Dr. Charles Boberg from McGill University points out that Canadian English evolved from a mix of British and American influences, but its slang developed independently, giving it that distinct friendliness you won’t find elsewhere.
Practical Takeaway: How to Use These Sayings Naturally
- Listen first: Pay attention to how locals use them; mimic tone and context, not just words.
- Don’t overuse “eh”: Sprinkle it naturally, like seasoning — not like a full-course meal.
- Learn regionally: Western Canadians use “skookum,” while Ontarians lean towards “out for a rip.”
- Have fun with it: Canadians value authenticity over perfection. Laugh if you mix them up; they will too.
FAQs
1. Do Canadians really say “eh” all the time?
Not constantly, but often enough. It’s a conversational cue that invites friendliness or agreement.
2. What’s the funniest Canadian phrase?
“Out for a rip” or “Molson muscle” takes the crown for sheer Canadian humour.
3. Are these sayings used across Canada?
Mostly, yes — though some (like “skookum”) are regional.
4. Is “hoser” offensive?
Not usually. It’s meant playfully, though tone matters.
5. What’s the best way to sound Canadian?
Adopt a friendly tone, throw in an “eh” now and then, and don’t forget your toque.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s sayings aren’t just funny quirks — they’re a reflection of how people connect, joke, and express pride in everyday life. From coast to coast, whether you’re grabbing a double-double or heading out for a rip, these expressions reveal a nation that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
So next time you hear someone say, “Hang a Larry after the Timmies, eh?” you won’t be lost — you’ll be in on the joke.
Which of these sayings have you heard (or used) before? Drop your favourite in the comments — and maybe add your own Canadianism to the list!
Read Also: Speak to Inspire: How Great Presenters Turn Dispatches into Movements
Recommended Products
Habit Building Strategies for Minimalist Living | Speak Awesomely Guide
Original price was: $ 12.$ 5Current price is: $ 5.Add to CartUnshakable Self Confidence PDF Guide | Speak Awesomely
Original price was: $ 10.$ 5Current price is: $ 5.Add to Cart100 First Texts That Always Get a Reply
Original price was: $ 15.$ 5Current price is: $ 5.Add to CartAll Emoji Meanings Guide (3500+)
Original price was: $ 15.$ 7Current price is: $ 7.Add to Cart
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some wonderful points, I too think this s a very great website.