10 Things That Mean Something Totally Different In Canada

We know you think you have a good grasp on English. But would that be the case in Canada?

1. Loonie (noun)

What it really means: A crazy person.
What it means in Canada: A one dollar coin. Called a ‘loonie’ because of the emblem of a Loon.

Steve: Hey Jim. You got change for a 5?
Jim: Sure. I’ve got three loonies and a toonie- does that work for you?
Steve: Perfect! Thanks man.

2. Senators (noun)

What it really means: A bunch of old guys in government
What it means in Canada: The Ottawa hockey team

Steve: Jim! Did you see the Senators game last night?
Jim: I did! They killed it! Not a chance in hell of them making to the playoffs though.
Steve: Nah, definitely not.

3. Leafs (noun)

What it really means: producing leaves or turning pages
What it means in Canada: the Toronto hockey team

Steve: Jim! Did you see the Leafs game last night?
Jim: Of course not Steve. You know I hate the Leafs.
Steve: Oh, yeah. You’re a Montreal fan.

4. Double double (noun)

What it really means: two of (two of) something.
What it means in Canada: a coffee with 2 cream/milk and 2 sugars.

Steve: Hey, I’m on a Timmies run. Can I grab you anything?
Jim: Sure. Could you get me a large double double.
Steve: No problem. Anything else? Maybe a honey cruller?
Jim: Nah, just the double double.

5. Darts (noun)

What it really means: sharp toys that are thrown at a board to win points.
What it means in Canada: cigarettes

Steve: Hey, ya got any darts on ya?
Jim: Nah, man, sorry. I’m trying to quit. I can swing ya by the Irving to pick up a pack if you like?
Steve: Yeah sounds good Jim. Thanks buddy.

6. Homo (adjective)

What it really means: a combining form, from Greek, meaning 'like' or 'same'
What it means in Canada: whole milk

Steve: Hey, did you pick up any homo milk at the Superstore?
Jim: No man, I just got skim. Why, what do you need homo milk for?
Steve: It’s in this cupcake recipe. No worries, I’ll go grab some.

7. Two four (noun)

What it really means: two random numbers placed next to each other
What it means in Canada: a case of 24 beers

Steve: I just went to the beer store and picked up a two four of Molson.
Jim: Awesome. Did it come with any free stuff?
Steve: Yah, man. I got this Oilers Jersey.

8. Mickey (adjective)

What it really means: the name of a famous mouse.
What it means in Canada: a bottle of any alcohol measuring approximately 375 ml.

Steve: I got a mickey of fireball to take on the hayride.
Jim: Ah fireball, I love the warmth that spreads from your stomach to your extremities when you drink fireball. Are you sure a mickey will be enough?
Steve: It’ll be enough for me…

9. Had the biscuit

What it really means: someone has eaten a cookie.
What it means in Canada: something is finished, done or broken.

Steve: Jesus man, would you look at these tires? They’ve had the biscuit.
Jim: Yeah they’re in pretty rough shape. Canadian Tire has a sale on all seasonals at the moment.
Steve: I better go get a set.

10. Screech (noun)

What it really means: a loud screaming sound.
What it means in Canada: a potent alcohol made in Newfoundland.

Steve: Damn Jim. You look rough today.
Jim: My cousin was up visiting from Newfoundland and he brought us up a bottle of Screech. I haven’t been this hung-over since Mary’s Wedding.
Steve: God man, wanna get breakfast at the Big Stop? A little grease will help.

If the variety of the English language continues to fascinate you, why not see how much of a grasp you really have on it with our free English level test?