It was introduced in 1987 and replaced the $1 bill, which is no longer in circulation. The loonie is the gold-colored $1 coin that features a loon on one side and Queen Elizabeth II on the other. Usage: “It's really cold out there! Don’t forget to wear your toque!” 3. (Note that a toque in Canada is not be confused with that tall white chef’s hat, which is called a toque blanche.) But today, toque is commonly used throughout the country. The Canadian sense of the word originated in the late 1800s during the French fur trade with indigenous people in Quebec and parts of western Canada. Toque/TuqueĪ wool knit cap commonly worn in winter. Usage: “I’m taking the winter off and going on pogey!” 2. The origin of pogey in Canadian usage is somewhat unclear, although some have suggested it was a general North American term in the late 19th century meaning workhouse or poorhouse. The term is found mainly in the Maritime provinces of Atlantic Canada and in parts of Ontario, and is used to describe unemployment insurance or social assistance.

So, dear Americans, here are a few of the most common slang words that will have you speaking Canuck in no time.

While Canadians are typically chided aboot their accents and for saying “eh?,” Canadian slang is largely unheard of south of the border. The same applies to the United States and Canada, especially when it comes to slang. It’s often said that Great Britain and the United States are two countries separated by a common language.

Poser canadian lingo