Happy Canada Day, eh! From 'giv'er' to 'freezie': Online dictionary highlights uniquely Canadian terms

[cbabe]

https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2025/07/01/from-giver-to-freezie-online-dictionary-highlights-uniquely-canadian-terms/

From ‘giv’er’ to ‘freezie’: Online dictionary highlights uniquely Canadian terms

By Lisa Steacy
Published: July 01, 2025 at 8:00AM EDT

Just in time for Canada Day, a team of B.C. researchers has updated an online dictionary of “Canadianisms” – words and phrases unique to the country ranging from serious to slangy, trivial to tragic, prosaic to political.

The Dictionary of Canadianisms on Historical Principles got its most recent update this year and is now mobile-friendly. In total, the third edition contains more than 14,500 meanings for more than 12,000 words.

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On the lighter side, using the term “Canadian tuxedo” to refer to an all-denim ensemble is another new entry – with the dictionary noting its popularity grew in the 2000s after the release of the movie “Super Troopers.”

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Other new additions to the dictionary include iconic Canadian foods – ketchup chips and Nanaimo bars. Nicknames for cities also feature, including “Raincouver,” “T-dot,” and “the Peg.”

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A quiz where people can test their knowledge of Canadianisms can be found on the UBC website.

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