15 Fun Idioms from Across Canada

If you're learning English in Canada, you might hear expressions that don’t appear in textbooks. These are idioms—phrases with meanings that aren’t always clear word by word. Canada has many idioms and regional slang, and some are only used in certain provinces. Understanding these can help you connect with locals, follow conversations, and sound more natural in your speaking.

Let's look at 15 Canadian idioms you might hear across the country.

British Columbia

1. Give’r – This popular West Coast expression means to try your best or go all out. Examples: We’ve got only one hour left to finish our project—let’s give’r! When the traffic light turns yellow, I just give'r and fly through the intersection.

2. Skookum – From Chinook (BC native) jargon, this word means strong, excellent, or impressive. Example: That’s a skookum truck—it can pull anything!

Alberta

3. Chinook winds – A warm wind that melts snow in winter. Also used metaphorically to mean a sudden positive change. Example: It was -20°C yesterday in Calgary, but a Chinook came in, and now it’s +5! After months of bad luck, a Chinook finally blew into Jack's life—he got a job, made new friends, and felt happy again.

4. Cowboy up – Common in rural Alberta, this means to be strong or face a challenge bravely. Example: You’ve got a hard job ahead today. Time to cowboy up.

Saskatchewan

5. Bunnyhug – A term often heard only in Saskatchewan: a hoodie or hooded sweatshirt. Example: I love your bunnyhug! Where did you get it?

6. Grid road – Refers to the gravel back roads laid out in a grid on the prairie. Example: Take the grid road two miles, then turn left at the red barn.

Manitoba

7. Keener – A person who is very eager or overly enthusiastic, especially about school or work. Example: She’s a real keener—always hands in her homework early.

Ontario

8. Double-double – A coffee with 2 creams and 2 sugars, especially from Tim Hortons.

Example: My morning routine is to grab a double-double and head to work.

9. Hydro – Refers to Ontario's hydro-electricity power, and not water. Example: Don’t leave the lights on—our hydro bill is high this month!

Québec

10. Dep – Short for dépanneur, a small convenience store. Example: I’m heading to the dep to grab some milk.

11. Ça va bien aller – A French expression meaning “It will be okay.” Often seen in rainbows during the COVID-19 pandemic. Example: I know it’s tough, but ça va bien aller.

Newfoundland & Labrador

12. Screeched in – A fun local ceremony where visitors drink a rum called Screech, kiss a fish, and become honorary Newfoundlanders. Example: I got screeched in at a pub in St. John’s!

13. Stay where you’re to till I comes where you’re at – A classic Newfoundland phrase meaning “Stay put—I’ll come to you.”

Nova Scotia & New Brunswick

14. Fill your boots – Means “help yourself” or “enjoy as much as you want.” Example: The seafood buffet’s open—fill your boots!

15. Bluenoser – A historic nickname for someone from Nova Scotia. Example: He’s a proud Bluenoser—never misses a day on the ocean.

Tips for ESL Students in Canada

When you hear an idiom, try to notice the situation and context. Don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense right away.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask! Most Canadians are friendly and happy to explain.

2. If you're not comfortable asking, write the idiom down in your phone or notebook. You can check it later using a dictionary, online, or by asking your teacher, friends, or classmates.

3. Even if you don’t know the words, you can often guess the meaning by watching the speaker’s body language, tone, and the situation.

Learning idioms can be fun—and they’ll help you sound more natural and confident in your English!