The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added several new Canadian-inspired words in its latest quarterly update, highlighting the growing influence of Canadian culture and slang on the global English lexicon. The additions include terms that have gained popularity through social media and everyday use across Canada.
New Canadian Terms in the OED
Among the newly included words are slang expressions that originated in Canada or have strong Canadian associations. One notable term is "toque," a knitted hat commonly worn in winter, which has been used in Canada for decades but only now officially recognized by the OED. Another addition is "double-double," a coffee order popularized by the Canadian chain Tim Hortons, referring to a coffee with two creams and two sugars.
Other Canadian-inspired words include "hydro," used in Canada to refer to electricity (derived from hydroelectric power), and "loonie" and "toonie," the colloquial names for the one- and two-dollar coins. The update also features terms like "poutine," the iconic Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, and "Canuck," a nickname for a Canadian person.
Social Media Influence
Many of the new words have been popularized online through social media platforms. The OED noted that the slang term "rizz," short for charisma, has been widely used on TikTok and other platforms, though its exact origin is unclear. "We are seeing a trend where words emerge from online communities and quickly spread into mainstream usage," said an OED spokesperson. "Canadian contributions to this phenomenon are particularly strong."
Impact on Language
The inclusion of these words reflects the evolving nature of English and the increasing recognition of regional variations. According to the OED, the update contains over 1,000 new words, senses, and revisions, with Canadian English playing a significant role. "This update underscores the importance of Canadian English as a distinct and influential variety of the language," the spokesperson added.
Linguists have praised the move, noting that it validates the unique vocabulary developed in Canada. "These words are part of everyday life for Canadians, and their inclusion in the OED helps preserve and celebrate our linguistic heritage," said Dr. Sarah Johnson, a linguistics professor at the University of Toronto.
