Whenever I’m talking with Americans, the conversation inevitably turns to the differences between Canada and America. Although we’re similar in a lot of ways, we’ve also got more than a few things that make us distinct. Thankfully, someone has started documenting these for all the world to see on Tumblr. Here are a few of my favorites:
The entrance to a house. In Canada, pronounced the French way: “foy-AY” as opposed to the flat-sounding American “FOY-er.” This is generally where you’re supposed to take your shoes off, Americans.
“Homo milk” is short for homogenized whole milk. This isn’t even colloquial, it’s just straight up printed on milk containers. Almost any milk you buy at a grocery store is homogenized, but in Canada, “whole milk” refers to creamline (unhomogenized) milk. Still, homo milk sounds pretty funny.
See also “bagged milk.”
A cardstock folder with a built-in three ring binder is called a Duo-Tang in Canada. This is another example of a “proprietary eponym,” where a brand name becomes synonymous with the category. Duo-Tang. What a whacky name.
And one more…
In the US, “Smarties” is a chalky, tart, stackable candy that comes in little plastic wrappers. (This candy is called “Rockets” north of the border.) In Canada, Smarties are candy-coated chocolates – sort of like unlabeled M&Ms that come in dark blue boxes.
American friends, I hope this helps you better understand the peculiar land that is Canada.