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What makes a word ‘Canadian’? These linguistic warriors are hard at work to find out. In a coffee shop in Toronto, a sign replaces the term “Americano” with “Canadiano,” a seemingly patriotic gesture. But is it necessary? The term “Americano” was originally coined by Italians to describe the way American soldiers diluted their espresso during World War II, effectively labeling it as weak coffee. However, in an era where national identity is paramount, embracing language that defines us as uniquely Canadian could be seen as a worthy pursuit.
The origin of ‘Canadian’ words
Professor Sali Tagliamonte, a linguist from the University of Toronto, is part of a select group of specialists tasked with determining what makes a word distinctly Canadian. She encourages the use of idiosyncratic words to preserve and promote the Canadian linguistic identity. By using uniquely Canadian terms such as “forest fire” instead of “wildfire” or “washroom” instead of “bathroom,” these words may get recognized as Canadian in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), preserving them for posterity.
However, identifying a word as ‘Canadian’ and its entry into the OED is not always straightforward. For instance, the word “gotch,” added to the OED in 2020 as a Canadian term for underwear, is derived from the Ukrainian word for trousers, “gotchi”.
Canadian words in the Oxford English Dictionary
Currently, there are 553 entries recognized as Canadian in the OED. But the decision to include a word is based on its frequency and availability of evidence, rather than a simple claim of its Canadianness. This means that it’s usage that determines inclusion, not the other way round.
Stefan Dollinger, another Canadian linguist, shed some light on the historical battle between dictionaries to claim the Canadian linguistic space. The Gage Canadian Dictionary, published by W. J. Gage and Co. in Toronto, dominated the dictionary market in Canada by 1983, gradually replacing the British and American dictionaries used in the country. However, the 1990s saw the development of The Canadian Oxford Dictionary by the OED, which eventually led to the demise of the Gage brand.
Canadian words: A reflection of culture and history
Even though some words recognized as ‘Canadian’ might have American origin, they reflect a complex interplay of history, social influences, culture, and commerce. For example, the term “duotang,” a uniquely Canadian word for a type of folder, is derived from the now-defunct American Duo-Tang Company. Similarly, the term “gong show,” meaning a chaotic event, originated from an American television program.
While the debate on what constitutes a ‘Canadian’ word may continue, the words we use and how we use them are a reflection of our identity and culture. And if the relationship between Canada and the United States continues to evolve, perhaps we won’t need to order another ‘Canadiano’ after all.
