They became the most popular part of … According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the Modern English eh derives from Middle English interjections such as ey, ei and a. Everyday Slang Eh? ex. So, let’s start by talking about what “eh” is. He's not so bright, eh? -"I know, eh?" Bob and Doug McKenzie, the Strange Brew comedy duo, introduced Americans (and many Canadians) to the phrase Take off, you hoser! The McKenzie Brothers -- beer-swilling, bacon-munching, hockey-loving Canadian stereotypes -- were played by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas, and started as improvised filler material on the sketch comedy show SCTV. Eh (/ ˈ eɪ / or / ˈ ɛ /) is a spoken interjection in English that is similar in meaning to "Excuse me?," "Please repeat that", or "Huh?". Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: Canadians do say “Eh,” and if you make fun of it, you won’t make many friends here. Canuck : nickname for a Canadian clicks : slang for kilometres or kilometres per hour hoser : unsophisticated person keener : boot-licker, brown-noser, suck-up In 1971, Time Magazine published an article entitled Canadian English: It’s a little different, eh? Since then, “eh” has come to serve as a confirmation of sorts. We say, "eh?". A lot of people, who are trying to mock Canadians, use it incorrectly. "Looks like a storm comin' in, eh?" "(instead of "It's nice here, right?"). Yeah, it sure is nice out. Conversational device that allows an unconfrontational canadian to turn a statement into a poll of opinion. Aside from increasing your Timmies intake and becoming a rink rat, learning the right kind of Canadian slang will help you blend in wherever you go in the country.. The good news is that you won’t have to polish off a mickey just to feel confident enough to start using your new Canadian slang. It is also sometimes used with "I know", and in that case it doesn't really mean anything. Today, I’m going to introduce you to a unique Canadian word, “eh”, and how English speakers in Canada use it. Well, what do you expect? The modern spelling, eh, could have developed independently from Middle English variants; however, it was most likely adopted from the French eh.The use of eh as a demand for repetition compares with Chaucer’s use of I in Troilus and … Aye would be pronounced, "I", like the letter. is a word you add to the end of a sentence, to ask for a response of agreement or disagreement, similar in meaning to "don't you think?" Don't you think? So next time you come across a Canadian, you won’t be so confused when they speak. "Eh?" in Canada. Interested in learning Canadian slang, eh? We use it at the end of sentences to seek confirmation for an assertion. In this list, you will learn some of the most common slang words used by Canadians. Meanwhile, Bob and Doug McKenzie of the hit show Great White North popularized the hoser stereotype. It is very common for people to use slang in both formal and informal settings. Examples, What a beautiful day, eh? Slang is an important element of the English language. In Canada, we have a collection of slang words. This word is uniquely Canadian. which focused on “eh” as a true Canadianism. The way Canadians use their slang is pretty skookum eh? It’s included at the end of sentences, and can be interpreted as “am I right?”. This “eh” is a big part of the Canadian-English accent. "Eh?" A COMPLETE GUIDE TO CANADIAN SLANG “Eh?” In what is likely the most iconic Canadian phrase, “eh” has been a staple phrase of North American settlers since before Canada was even conceived. We don't say that. Common Canadian Phrases You Should Know. -"Wow, the Flames really kicked ass tonite!" Historical Context. If you ever go to Canada, you will hear Canadians using the word/interjection “eh” in their speech, frequently. It is also commonly used as an alternative to the question tag right?, i.e., method for inciting a reply, as in "It's nice here, eh? These are some of the popular Canadian slang words.