OT- Understanding Canadians...

[Dreambird]

BUB Interprets that FAMOUS Canadian phrase *EH*!

Subject: Understanding Canadians
It has come to my attention that some people are having a tough time understanding Canadians like myself. So I am
going to run through a very brief translation of the Canadian dialect and hopefully ease some minds out there.

EH = pronounced AY (similar but not the same as huh)
Eh is a useful word that is very important and is the basis of all Canadian communications. It is used in conjunction with other words, or simply by itself. The tone or the slight difference in exclamations also changes the meaning.
Eh = what did you say?
Eh? = what do you think
EH? = something to say just to end a sentence
Eh!! = WOW!!
EH!? = what do you mean?
Eh?? = your joking!!!??
EH!! = Hello... you off in the distance!!!
Eh? = want a donut?
Eh! = sure!!
Eh!Eh! = coffee double cream too please!
Eh? = what you say when you realize you have no money to pay for it
Eh... cmon eh? = asking them to let you pay for it next time.
hey... eh! = want to go to the drive in movie??
Eh... uhuh = yes sure!
Eh... y'know = I'll pick you up at 8
Eh... cmon!! = well thats early... but ok
Eh... wanna? eh? = lets fool around
EHHHHHHH = sounds coming from the car
hey... um... er eh... = Im pregnant
EH??? = how did that happen?
EHHehhEHHehhEHHH = sounds from the delivery room
EHHH ehh EHHH ehh = babys first cry
Ehh... whadya think eh? = marry me

other usefel terms:
hoser = a good friend...
take off! = you are kidding,no way,fly an airplane
skates = what all canadians wear as first shoes(thats why we walk funny)
lumberjack = something in our genes...
screech = a nice drink
swish = a drink made from leftover screech barrels
The Rock = Newfoundland
Newfoundland = pronounced noofunlan
Dory = Newfoundland cruise liner
Toronto = pronounced Trawna
Lake Ontario = where all sewers drain into
Yukon = a drink
Two Four = case of beer
sixty pounder = large bottle of screech
Over by = still havent deciphered that term yet

The Canadian citizenship test:
spell canada = C eh N eh D eh
who was the first Prime Minister = Sir John EH Macdonald
So if you hear me talking like this.
Hey... eh... cmon eh hoser!
y'know take off!!
EH?? umm err well hey ok eh!
it's friendly!
8-)
bub


 

[gmann]

Sounds like my brother in law, and he is a transplant from the states.

[CyberPet]

Guess I have to add this to my Canadian-Swedish word book, because hubby told me "eh!" means "I'm done talking, it's your turn".

[Bruce_F]

Thanks, Dreambird! I needed a good laugh!

[Mayo]

My wife and I recently returned from a two+ week trip that included Vancouver, Salt Spring Island and Victoria.  The Canadians we met were Sweet As Can Be...what a laid-back country compared to the USA!

The Lonely Planet Guide to Vancouver proved to be invaluable.  It led us to Cafe Roma, an Italian sports bar on Commercial Drive in Vancouver that has the best espresso in BC, not to mention a great ambiance.  The guide turned us on to many other great places as well...

While in Canada we attempted to affect a few Canadian traits so as to "fit in."

1.  Add "eh" to your speech when appropriate.
2.  Whenever possible, complain about the ferry service...
3.  Use the terms "loony" (spelling?) when referring to a dolar coin and "toonie" for a two dollar coin.  I'm sure that I am spelling them wrong...  For some reason the only trouble I had with Canadian culture was the friggin' coins!
4.  My own contribution to Canadian Lore:  That BC Prime Minister Campbell and Pres. Bush were separated at birth.  That got some knowing laughs from the locals.