How Insulting!?

Question

I have only been to Canada once, as a small child, but was hoping to get a work visa and eventually live there permanantly. One thing that people don't ask that tends to come back and bite them later- what do Canadians find insulting? I know there are things that most of the world finds benign that would be a great insult to USA citizens, so there MUST be some in Canada. I just don't like insulting people, accident or otherwise. I would feel horrible as I really love Canadians:-) Are there any words that I should avoid (or watch for that others might use to insult me, all the while I'm clueless to it)? I've heard that people from Quebec don't like comments about frogs or something of the sort, but I'm not positive on anything else. Also, a bit of the slang would be of use to. Thank you!

Answer 1

Tell us that we're the same as Americans, or worse yet, confuse us for Americans.

Answer 2

Dont ask if my igloo is cold. I lve in BC  dont ask if i know your buddy in toronto. Dont call someone from Newfoundn land a newfy

Answer 3

In addition to the living in an igloo thing and the notion that Canadians say "eh" a lot, most Canadians generally don't like being considered akin to Americans (except with free health care) and sometimes go to great lengths to describe the differences between Canadians and Americans. Also, reciting lines from the movie "Canadian Bacon" will probably just elicit awkward laughter or groans from your Canadian friends. They've heard it all before, and are probably really tired of having Americans say "you hoser" to them. So, stay away from the typical Canadian stereotypes that you might be familiar with from living in the States.

Around Quebeckers, stay away from the topic of separatism, especially around young people. They're tired of hearing about it, so just leave the topic alone. Also, language issues in Quebec can be heated, whether you're with anglophones (English speakers) or francophones (French speakers).

But, you'd be surprised at how tough-skinned Canadians can be. They won't be insulted if you profess some ignorance to the Canadian way of life. But expect some jabs in return, as Canadians love to poke fun at Americans.

As for slang, Canadian English is very similar to American English spoken in the northeast and parts of the midwest. Some words you might hear may include: "tuque" is a winter cap, a "two-four" is a case of beer, "college" refers to a community college only and is not used in the same way as in the US (when Americans say "going to college", Canadians say "going to university"), a "washroom" is a restroom, "cutlery" is silverware, a "loonie" is a dollar coin ("toonie" is a two-dollar coin), and "hydro" means electricity.

Good luck!

Answer 4

- Thinking that Canadians say "eh" all the time

- Asking if they have electricity or live in an igloo (I'VE HEARD IT...grrr).

- Assuming all canadians are lumberjacks

Answer 5

As a Canadian, I am not aware of any particular 'touchy spots' except, perhaps, the matter of Quebec. Sadly, too many non-Quebecers (especially those from the prairie provinces) have antagonistic feelings towards Quebec whom they see as impetuous, ungrateful children who must be appeased no matter the cost...(the usual)... So, if you indicate any sympathy towards the Quebec separatism movement, you may find yourself having to explain yourself.

Words to avoid? I really can't think of anything specific...don't refer to Quebecers as "frogs", or people from the prairies as DACF (dumb a** country f***).

As a Canadian, personally, my sense of self-esteem comes solely from within and is not in the least dependent upon how others view my country. I suspect you will find that most Canadians feel similarly, especially if your visit is limited to cities.

Answer 6

I'm a US citizen but I guess it would be "**** you and your extra tax" LOL

I actually find that additional taxing insulting (Yes, insulting to myself!)

Answer 7

Canadians are mostly easy going people.  Don't use the word "Eskimo" to refer to the Inuit, or the word "Newf" to refer to Newfoundlanders, or any of the usual derogatory words that would also apply in the US.

Answer 8

Many of us are insulted when others, usually Americans, are completely ignorant about Canada. It's understandable if someone from some sub-tropical place thinks this is a cold country and asks how we cope with snow all year round, but since Canada and the US are so close together it's astonishing how little many Americans know about us. What's also insulting is assuming that if it's Canadian rather than American, it must be second rate, especially when the reverse is more likely to be true. So, just don't be one of those Americans who acts like America is superior in every way and you'll be fine.