Message #11344

[radaro]

Canadian - US English dictionary or how to speak like a Canadian, eh.



Canadians are very polite.  Be sure to use the words "thank you" and "excuse me" a lot, even if not necessary.  You may wish to watch some Canadian TV shows to make sure you can speak the language like a native.  Try "Due South", "Street Legal", "The Littlest Hobo", or "Road to Avonlea".



Terms:



Pocketbook - In the US you may use this term to refer to a small purse.  In Canada, a pocketbook is a book that you put in your pocket (see the logic?)



Silverware (US) - Cutlery (Canada) 'cause some time it can be made of materials other than silver i.e. plastic.  Once again, see the logic?



Tennies (US) - Sneakers or running shoes (Canada) - even if you don't play tennis, sneak or run in them.  Okay, so the logic falls apart here.



Our national sport is lacrosse however, hockey (played on ice) is definitely more popular.  If you refer to it as "ice hockey" you are a dead US give-away.  In Canada there is only one hockey, all others (floor hockey, field hockey, table-top hockey) are just pale comparisons  of the REAL thing.



Next week's topic, the history and proper use of the term "eh"