Canadianisms
2-4
A case of 24 beer
4 Piece Bath
Another real estate term this month!
Here bathrooms are referred to as "full" or "half". A full can include a shower and/or a bathtub. A half refers to a bathroom with just a toilet and sink. In Canada, bathrooms are referred to as a
2 piece = a sink and toilet
3 piece = a sink, toilet, shower
4 piece = a sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub
Much more descriptive!
"ABM"
No, it doesn't stand for "A Bowel Movement"
it means "Automated Banking Machine"
In the USA it is referred to as an "ATM" or "Automatic Teller Machine"
Anglophone:
This term refers to a Canadian who's native or first language is English.
Bathroom/washroom
I know everyone understands what this is but most Canadians ask for one of these terms instead of using the word restroom - even in public! I don't know about you but I don't plan on resting in any of the public washrooms I've seen! Of course I don't plan on bathing there either!
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas - when wives box their husbands ears for the dumb presents they received on Christmas.
Okay - not really - but it is an official Canadian holiday.
Boxing Day is believed to have originated from the opening of church poor boxes on the Feast of St. Stephen or possibly from the boxes in which boy apprentices collected money at the doors of their masters' clients.
Nowadays it just means the day when there's really good sales at the mall.
"Chesterfield"
Chesterfield is another name for sofa or couch
Chocolate Bar
Candy bars are called chocolate bars in Canada
Duo-Tang
A paper notebook, similar to a double pocket portfolio but it has 3 metal prongs in the center. Each prong has 2 pieces of metal that fit through the 3 ring paper holes. Spread the prongs apart or bend them down to hold the paper in place. Perfect for school reports!
Ensuite
When I first starting looking for a home here I asked for a Master Ensuite. The agent had no clue what I wanted. An ensuite is a bathroom attached to a bedroom. Sounds so much nicer than asking for a "master bath"!
Entrée
In the USA an entree refers to the main portion of the meal. In Canada, because of the French influence, an entrée refers to the beginning of a meal or the appetizer.
Francophone:
This term refers to a Canadian who's native or first language is French.
"Homo Milk"
Whole milk is called homo milk in Canada....short for homogenized. It is sold in cartons by the liter but families tend to buy it by the bag. Inside the bag are 3 more bags holding about one liter each. They go in these handy-dandy containers and we snip off the corner to pour it out.
Hydro
is the Canadian term for Electricity. Americans pay Electricity bills, Canadians pay Hydro bills.
"Knapsack"
Another name for a backpack.
Whenever I mention Knapsack I get that blank stare, nobody I have mentioned it to has heard the term before, and yet I thought it was used in the USA.
I assumed Knap came from Nappies (diapers - square pieces of material) that would be used tied to a stick to carry things (think Tom Sawyer). But according to Webster's it comes from German and Dutch words that refer to a snapping sound....
I like my theory better :)
Molson Muscle
A term for a beer belly - or a large tummy blamed on excessive beer drinking.
Mickey
A 13 oz bottle of alcohol.
"Poutine"
Poutine is actually a French Canadian dish that involves french fries, cheese curd and lots of gravy. Ketchup is good on it too...
"Runners"
Another name for "sneakers". I guess Canadians run and Americans sneak. :)
Serviette
Serviette is a table napkin. If you request a napkin in Canada, you'll be understood. In Britain you may get a sanitary towel or nappy (diaper) instead!.
"Skill Testing Questions"
There is a law in Canada that specifies all lotteries must be operated by the Canadian Government. Companies that offer promotional contests have to work around this law by making the winner answer a "skill testing question" before the prize can be awarded. It is usually a math question.
Smarties
No it's not a group of intelligent people!
It's a child's right of passage at the grocery store. Every Canadian child has purchased Smarties while waiting in line. Smarties are basically like M&M's, but twice as big.