10 Popular Canadian Slang Words Americans Should Know

Canadian Slang in English! Well, Americans and Canadians speak the same language, right? Not quite; although it’s not easy to locate a Canadian in the US. For the most part, they both sound alike and both share a whole lot of values. They also identify with the same references in the aspects of culture. The truth is Canadians actually cherish and pride in their linguistic diversity and cultural heritage, and there are a lot of Canadian slang words that show this heritage. Most of the time, this slang throw Americans into confusion when used by them. That’s why we have compiled a list of some of this slang here in this article. They are common Canadian slang words Americans should know.

Contents

Canadian Slang Words List

Double-double
Loonies and toonies
Toque
Homo milk
Icing Sugar
Skookum
Mickey
Timmies
Runners
Pop

Canadian Slang Words with Examples

1. Double-double

This is not a slip of tongue. It is a common phrase said to order a coffee with two creams and two sugars. It is a kind of coffee from Tim Horton, the most popular coffee shop in Canada.
An example is “Could you order a double-double for me?”

2. Loonies and toonies

To appreciate these two words, a brief history about them is needed. The Canadian $1 bill was replaced with a $1 coin in 1987. An image of a common loon was on stamped the coin. This encouraged our animal-loving neighbors to refer to the coin as Loonie. In 1996, the Canadian $2 was also introduced, and the words “two” and “Loonie” became a single term, Toonie.
Example – “All I have on me is a loonie”. “I can get it for a toonie”.

3. Toque

It is pronounced toohk’. Speaking of the very cold weather over there in Canada, a toque is actually a winter hat. It’s what others commonly refer to as ski hats or beanies. It is formed from a French word that shares the same meaning, “cap”. Some spell this word tuque’.
Example – It’s too hot outside right now for a toque.

4. Homo milk

This is one of the Canadian slang words that refer to milk with 3.25% fat. It should however not be confused with the Canadian whole milk. Canadians are given that look when they use this slang in the US. Usage of the Homo in the US refers to homosexuality. But in Canada, it’s actually a word that is plastered on milk to refer to a specific kind of milk, all over stores. In America, this milk is known as homogenized milk.
Example – Get me a homo milk at the store

5. Icing Sugar

This is a kind of fine granulated sugar used while baking to make icings. The alternative word for this is powdered sugar.
Example – I prefer cakes without icing sugar

6. Skookum

Sounds funny right? This word means exceptional or impressive. It’s a word gotten from the British Columbia.
Example – Darling, you look so skookum in that dress

7. Mickey

Mickey is a word referring to a bottle of liquor that is flask-sized, such as rum or Canadian rye whiskey. It is a 375 ml alcohol bottle that can fit in a lady’s purse perfectly. It is similar to a two-four.
Example – All I need is a Mickey, am keeping it low-key tonight

8. Timmies

When almost every Canadian you meet say something like I am going to Timmies’ You can’t but wonder who is this Tim guy, must be very popular.’ By Timmies, they are actually referring to Tim Horton’s coffee shop, which is the most popular coffee shop in Canada.
Example – Meet me at Timmies in the morning.

9. Runners

Runners are your casual sport shoes, like the sneakers or tennis shoes. This word can be used when referring to street shoes too.
Example – Grab your runners and follow me

10. Pop