Canadian Slang Words for Newcomers - English Study Helper

Moving to Canada? If yes, here are some Canadian slang words for newcomers that you should know!

Why does it matter?

Well, I found out the hard way—when I first arrived, I was sure I spoke English… until I heard people talking around me. 😅

These expressions will help you blend in faster and feel more at home.

When I first arrived in Canada, I couldn’t stop looking up.

The sky over Toronto was unlike anything I’d seen—wide, open, and painted in the most breathtaking colors. I was enchanted.

But my ears? Not so enchanted.

From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt like I hadn’t learned English.

“Want a double-double from Timmies?” someone asked with a smile.

“A what?” I blinked.

It turns out I knew English grammar, but I didn’t know Canadian. And that's something no textbook or language app had ever prepared me for.

So if you're planning to move to Canada, or you've just arrived, this post is for you. I will walk you through 20 common Canadian slang words for newcomers that you’ll hear almost every day—and show you how to use them like a local.

As a language mentor and a long-time learner myself, I know the power of learning the real language that people use.

It not only helps you understand others, but it also helps you feel like you belong.

So let’s jump in.

Ready to boost your path to fluency?

Join my weekly newsletter today and receive a free Language Learning Roadmap guide to help you take the right steps toward success!

Sign Me Up!

Table of Contents

🍁 Why Learn Slang in the First Place?

Before we dive into the list, let me ask you: Have you ever watched a movie in English and thought, What on earth are they saying? You understood the grammar, the vocabulary… but not that phrase.

Slang is like a secret code that locals use. If you want to be part of conversations, make friends faster, and feel more confident when speaking, learning slang is essential.

When I moved to Canada, I realized that even simple conversations could feel like decoding a puzzle. But once I started picking up the slang, everything became easier—and way more fun.

20 Canadian Slang Words for Newcomers You’ll Hear Everywhere

1. Toonie / Loonie

These are Canadian coins! A loonie is the $1 coin (with a loon bird on it), and a toonie is the $2 coin.
➡️ “Do you have a toonie for the vending machine?”

2. Eh?

Ah yes, the most famous Canadian word! It’s used at the end of sentences to ask for agreement.
➡️ “Nice day today, eh?”

💬 Language mentor tip: Try using “eh” when you're unsure and want the other person’s opinion. It's a friendly way to connect.

3. Timmies

Short for Tim Hortons, Canada’s beloved coffee and donut chain.
➡️ “Let’s grab breakfast at Timmies.”

4. Double-Double

A coffee with two creams and two sugars. Only at Timmies.
➡️ “One double-double, please!”

5. Keener

A person who is very eager or enthusiastic, especially about school or work.
➡️ “She’s such a keener—always has her homework done early.”

6. The 6ix

Toronto’s nickname, popularized by rapper Drake.
➡️ “Welcome to the 6ix!”

7. Chesterfield

An old-fashioned term for a couch or sofa.
➡️ “You can crash on the chesterfield tonight.”

💬 Mentor tip: Even if a word sounds strange, just go with it—locals will love that you’re trying.

8. Hydro

Means electricity or electric bill in Canada.
➡️ “Our hydro bill was so high last month.”

9. Pop

This is what Canadians call soft drinks or soda.
➡️ “Do you want a pop with your meal?”

10. Poutine

A delicious Canadian dish: fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
➡️ “You have to try the poutine here!”

11. Washroom

Canadians don’t say “bathroom” or “restroom”—it’s washroom.
➡️ “Excuse me, where’s the washroom?”

12. Serviette

A napkin, especially in restaurants.
➡️ “Could I get a serviette, please?”

13. Snowbird

Someone (usually older) who spends winters in a warmer place like Florida.
➡️ “My parents are snowbirds—they go south every January.”

14. Hoser

A playful or joking insult, kind of like “goofball.”
➡️ “Don’t be such a hoser!”

15. Hang a Larry / Hang a Roger

Take a left turn (Larry) or a right turn (Roger) while driving.
➡️ “Hang a Larry at the next light.”

16. Give’r

This means to give it your all or go full force, whether you're working hard or just having fun.
➡️ “We’re gonna give’r on the road trip this weekend!”

17. Mountie

Short for a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
➡️ “You’ll probably see a Mountie if you visit Ottawa.”

18. Runners

What Canadians call sneakers or athletic shoes.
➡️ “Don’t forget your runners for gym class.”

19. Freezie

A frozen juice snack that comes in a plastic tube—popular with kids in the summer!
➡️ “Let’s grab some freezies, it’s boiling out!”

20. Gotch / Gitch

These fun words mean underwear! “Gotch” is used in some provinces like Ontario; “gitch” is more common in the Prairies.
➡️ “Don’t forget to pack an extra pair of gotch for the trip!”

🚦How to Practice Canadian Slang (Without Feeling Awkward)

You might be wondering, “How do I use these words without sounding silly or fake?”

Great question! Here's what I tell my students:

1. Start by listening.

Pay attention to what words people use and in what situations. TV shows, YouTube, podcasts, and daily conversations are perfect for this.

2. Repeat in your mind.

When you hear someone say “double-double” or “keener,” say it silently in your mind. This helps you become familiar with the sound and flow.

3. Use one new word per day.

Don’t try to use all 15 in one week! Start small. Maybe today, try ordering a “double-double” at Timmies. Tomorrow, say “washroom” instead of “bathroom.”

4. Use the Mirror Technique.

Stand in front of the mirror and practice saying slang phrases aloud. It builds confidence and helps your pronunciation too!

Unlock the secrets to setting the starting point of your roadmap correctly

Get the Roadmap to Fluency: Setting Up Course and take your first step toward fluency!

Oh! Tell Me More!👀

🌟 Real-Life Story: My First “Double-Double”

I remember my first week in Toronto. A kind woman at work offered to get me a coffee. “Want a double-double?” she asked.

I smiled nervously. “Umm… sure?”

I had no idea what I agreed to, but I drank it—and honestly, it was delicious.

The next day, I walked into Tim Hortons and said it like a pro:
“One medium double-double, please.”

The person behind the counter smiled. I felt like I had passed a test. One small moment, but it gave me a huge confidence boost.

🔄 Why Slang Makes You Feel Like You Belong

Language is more than grammar and vocabulary. It’s how people connect. When you understand slang, you join conversations—not just as a learner, but as a participant.

Even if you get a word wrong at first, don’t worry. People will appreciate your effort. I’ve found Canadians to be super friendly and encouraging.

💡 Tip from a mentor: If you’re not sure what a word means, just ask! “What’s a loonie?” or “What do you mean by Timmies?”—That’s how learning happens.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Curious

Learning slang is a fun way to improve your English and connect more deeply with Canadian culture. You don’t need to memorize everything overnight.

Here’s your quick-start checklist:

Pick 3 slang words to focus on this week
Watch a Canadian TV show or YouTuber
Use one slang word in a real conversation
Try the mirror technique
Keep a “Canadian Slang” section in your notebook

If you need more tips and guidance to grow your language learning skills, be productive, and reach real progress, explore my membership, which offers courses, guides, and resources.

Feel free to come and say hi on my Facebook group!