15 Canadian Phrases That Sound Funny to Americans

Ever tried talking to a Canadian and felt like you needed subtitles? Even though we speak the same language, our neighbors to the north have some pretty wacky ways of saying things. It’s like they’ve got their own secret code!

These 15 Canadian Phrases might leave Americans scratching their heads.

Give’r

Image Credit: Stéphane CHADOURNE from Pixabay

This phrase means to put in maximum effort or go all out. Canadians use it to encourage someone or describe intense action. It’s like saying “Go for it!” or “Give it your all!” Americans might be confused at first, thinking something is being given away

Two-four

Image Credit: StockSnap from Pixabay

This isn’t about numbers, it’s about beer! A “two-four” refers to a case of 24 beers. It’s commonly used when talking about plans for the weekend or parties. Americans might think Canadians are talking about the time or a date. It’s a handy shortcut for beer lovers.

Timbits

Image Credit: Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay

These are what Americans would call donut holes. They’re bite-sized pieces of fried dough sold at Tim Hortons, a popular Canadian coffee chain. Canadians love snacking on these little treats. Americans might think it’s a weird way to refer to small bits of wood.

Tuque

Image Credit: Till Voigt from Pixabay

This is the Canadian word for a warm winter hat, usually knitted. Americans would call this a beanie. Canadians wear tuques all winter to keep their heads warm. It might sound like “tuck” to American ears, causing some confusion.

Loonie” and “Toonie

Image Credit: Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

These aren’t cartoon characters, they’re nicknames for Canadian money. A “loonie” is a one-dollar coin, and a “toonie” is a two-dollar coin. The loonie has a loon bird on it, hence the name. Americans might think Canadians are talking nonsense when discussing prices.

Double-double

Image Credit: NAOKI NISHIMURA from Pixabay

This isn’t a math term, it’s a way to order coffee. It means a coffee with two creams and two sugars. It’s especially common at Tim Hortons. Americans might be puzzled, thinking it’s a special type of coffee drink.

Hang a Larry” or “Hang a Roger

Image Credit: 683440 from Pixabay

These phrases mean to turn left or right while driving. “Hang a Larry” means turn left, while “Hang a Roger” means turn right. It’s a fun way to give directions. Americans might wonder who Larry and Roger are and why they’re hanging around.

Keener

Image Credit: Ray Shrewsberry from Pixabay

This is used to describe someone who is extremely eager or enthusiastic, especially about work or school. It’s similar to a “teacher’s pet” or “overachiever” in American English. Canadians might use it as a gentle tease. Americans could mistake it for a last name or a strange compliment.

Parkade

Image Credit: Thanh That from Pixabay

This is what Canadians call a multi-level parking garage. It’s a blend of “park” and “arcade”. Canadians use this term casually when talking about where to leave their cars. Americans might think it’s a place to play games while parking.

Mickey

Image Credit: Duy Nod from Pixabay

In Canada, a “mickey” is a small bottle of liquor, usually 375 ml. It has nothing to do with the famous mouse. Canadians might ask for a mickey at a liquor store. Americans could be very confused, wondering why someone wants a Disney character with their drink.

Also read: 11 Weird Yet Fascinating Canadian Traditions

Homo milk

Image Credit: Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

This isn’t as strange as it sounds – it’s just short for “homogenized milk”. It’s whole milk with 3.25% fat content. Canadians use this term casually in grocery stores. Americans might be shocked or confused by the term if they don’t know the context.

Garburator

Image Credit: Hans from Pixabay

This is the Canadian term for what Americans call a garbage disposal. It’s the device in some kitchen sinks that grinds up food waste. Canadians might complain about a broken garburator. Americans could think it’s some kind of weird Canadian monster.

Kerfuffle

Image Credit: Brian Merrill from Pixabay

While not exclusively Canadian, this word is used more commonly there. It means a commotion or fuss, often minor. Canadians might use it to describe a small argument or mix-up. Americans might think it sounds like a made-up word from a children’s book.

Bunnyhug

Image Credit: StockSnap from Pixabay

In Saskatchewan, this is what they call a hooded sweatshirt or hoodie. It’s a regional term that even surprises other Canadians. Saskatchewan folks might ask to borrow your bunnyhug on a chilly day. Americans would probably picture a cute rabbit cuddle instead of clothing.

Fill your boots

Image Credit: Iqbal Nuril Anwar from Pixabay

This phrase means “go ahead” or “help yourself”. It’s used when offering something or giving permission. Canadians might say this when telling someone to take as much as they want. Americans could be confused, wondering why anyone would want to fill their boots with anything.

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Joy Fadogba

Joy Fadogba is a passionate writer who has spent over a decade exploring and writing about lifestyle topics. With a fondness for quotes and the little details that make life extraordinary, she writes content that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of those who read her blogs. You can find her writing on Mastermind Quotes and on her personal blog. When she is not writing, she is reading a book, gardening, or travelling.