New Brunswick Slang: Local Terms and Expressions
The blend of Scottish, Irish, English, and French influences in New Brunswick has given rise to several distinctive dialects, infusing the local vocabulary with intriguing words and phrases throughout its history. Presented below are some New Brunswick slang terms that are likely to remain exclusive to this region. While English and French are the primary languages spoken in New Brunswick, the province has its own unique phrases and expressions that reflect its distinct culture. Understanding these nuances will not only enhance your communication but also foster a deeper sense of connection with the local population.
1. Buddy
If you don't know someone's name, "Buddy" works just as well, whether talking to them directly or about them. For example, "Hey, check it out, Buddy forgot his hat" or "Hey there, Buddy, how's your night going?"
2. Come-from-away (CFA)
"CFA" describes people who moved to New Brunswick from another province in Canada. The time to be considered a CFA isn't strict; it could be a few months or even 20 years.
3. Dart
Another word for cigarettes, as in, "Hey, I'm goin' for a dart."
4. Fill yer boots
This means you're welcome to take as much as you want. New Brunswicker #1: "Can I finish off the tea?" Maritimer #2: "Go ahead, fill yer boots."
5. Dooryard
When someone from New Brunswick says "dooryard," they're referring to the front yard. If you want to find my house, look for the maple tree in the dooryard.
6. Go on
This New Brunswick slang term is used in response to something unbelievable. "There was a fire on King Street today. Go on!"
7. Greasy
This is another word for shady as in, 'That was a greasy business deal."
8. No Way!
When a New Brunswicker responds with "No Way!" this after your statement, it often means they either doubt what you've said or your remark surprised them. For example, "The shop is closed due to just a few centimetres of snow? No way!"
9. Owly
This word describes someone who's easily annoyed. "She's quite owly tonight. Probably time for someone to go to bed."
10. Right
Similar to "some," "right" can replace "very." For example, "That guy doing flips outside of Brunswick Square is right drunk."
11. Some
While New Brunswickers typically use the word "some" like the rest of Canada (as in "I want some dulse"), they also use it to emphasize intensity. For example, "That bus was going some fast."
12. Sook
In New Brunswick, the term "sook" is the same as "sulk" elsewhere. "Whenever it starts to rain, my dog turns into a real sook and refuses to go outside."
13. Boughten Bread
"Boughten bread" is bread bought from a store, distinct from homemade. For example, "All we have left is boughten bread—you finished off the homemade loaf yesterday."
14. The Inhaled Yes
This phrase serves two purposes. It can be a quick inhale in response to a question or the word "yep" during an inhale, both meaning agreement. New Brunswicker 1: "I'm not into public transit. What do you think?" New Brunswicker 2: * inhale affirmative.*
15. What are you sayin'?
This means, "What you're up to?" It's not about your clarity of speech.
