Jump to content

Toronto slang

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Multicultural Toronto English
Toronto slang/Toronto accent
Native toCanada
RegionToronto and the Greater Toronto Area
EthnicityVarious (see Ethnic groups in Toronto)
Early forms
Latin (English alphabet)
SourcesJamaican Patois, Arabic, English and Somali
Language codes
ISO 639-3–

Multicultural Toronto English (MTE) is a multi-ethnic dialect of Canadian English used in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), particularly among young non-White Anglo working-class speakers.[1][2][3] First studied in linguistics research of the late 2010s and early 2020s,[4][5][6] the dialect is popularly recognized by its phonology and lexicon, commonly known as the Toronto accent and Toronto slang, respectively. It is a byproduct of the city's multiculturalism, generally associated with Millennial and Gen Z populations in ethnically diverse districts of Toronto.[7] It is also spoken outside of the GTA, in cities such as Hamilton, Barrie, and Ottawa.[8][9]

History

[edit]
External videos
YouTube logo
1980s use of MTE
video icon Home Feeling Struggle For A Community
External videos
YouTube logo
1990s use of MTE
video icon Cold Front Record Release Party - Much Music Rap City
video icon Maestro Fresh Wes interview
video icon Make Some Noise (1994)
video icon Ghetto Concept Interview
video icon Pelham Park Bloods 1
video icon Pelham Park Bloods 2
video icon Regent Park Focus on CBC

The origin of Toronto's slang and accent can be traced back to widespread migration from the Caribbean, East Africa, and the Middle East to Canada from the 1960s to the 1990s. During this period, a significant influx of immigrants from countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, and Ethiopia predominantly settled in Toronto and other parts of the Greater Toronto Area.[10][11][12] With many of these immigrants fleeing war, conflict, and poor economic conditions, they were left with limited financial resources and, as a result, found homes in Toronto's lower-income communities.[13][14][15] These neighbourhoods rapidly transformed into vibrant melting pots, filled with a diverse array of cultures and ethnic backgrounds.[16][17] This cultural amalgamation played a crucial role in developing MTE, which is rooted in Toronto's multiculturalism and draws heavy influence from Caribbean, East African, and Middle Eastern languages.[18] Towards the end of the 90s, native Toronto rapper Kardinal Offishall released his Billboard-charting single "BaKardi Slang" showcasing a variety of the cities slang throughout the lyrics and signaling the dialect was already significantly developed by this time.[4]

External videos
YouTube logo
2000s use of MTE
video icon Eglinton West 2008 Documentary
video icon Firewar
video icon How Can I Be Down
video icon Beenie Man at Jane and Finch
video icon Inside Access: Sticky Green
video icon Lost in the Struggle - CBC Docuseries
video icon POINT BLANK - Behind the Scenes
video icon Point Blank in Regent Park - CityTV Docuseries
video icon YBK TV - NORTHSIDE JANE & FINCH
video icon EMPz 4 Life 2006 Documentary
video icon Toronto Murder Epidemic Documentary

The second-generation descendants of these immigrants significantly contributed to embedding Toronto's distinctive slang and accent into the city's culture.[19] Faced with limited economic opportunities within their communities, these children of the initial immigrant influx turned to creative outlets like rap music, fashion, and athletics for both expression and livelihood.[20] Their influence as in these areas helped shape the city's popular culture, especially among the youth in the Greater Toronto Area.[21] Consequently, their unique manner of speaking, shaped by the aforementioned multiculturalism of their communities, gained widespread adoption throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, given their status as local tastemakers.[22] 2006 marked the first mention of Toronto's slang or accent in any formal or academic research.[23] The rise of blogging in during this time period played a pivotal role in documenting the use and development of MTE. One notable example is Jane-Finch.com, a community-driven archive dedicated to the Jane and Finch area that captured key examples of MTE's use throughout the decade.[24] Furthermore, documentaries produced by local broadcasters such as CityTV and CBC served to spotlight the dialect's presence in the city.[25][26] This linguistic evolution during this period not only reflected Toronto's multicultural heritage but also served as a unifying cultural element for the city.

External videos
YouTube logo
2010s use of MTE
video icon Sh*t Toronto People Say
video icon 6IX RISING Documentary
video icon Toronto Dictionary Pt 1
video icon Toronto Dictionary Pt 2
video icon T-Dot Goon Scrap 2
video icon Noisey Meets Smoke Dawg
video icon BizzLoc Interview
video icon K Money Interview
video icon WhyG Interview

The late 2000s and much of the 2010s marked a pivotal era of growth for MTE, significantly driven by the third-generation descendants of the original immigration wave. The brewing Toronto music scene, deeply rooted in the artistic expressions of Toronto's lower-income and culturally diverse working-class communities, began receiving nationwide attention.[27][28] The emergence of YouTube and streaming services revolutionized the music industry by dramatically reducing the barriers to music distribution, thus enabling local artists to reach vast audiences beyond the traditional mediums of CDs and mixtapes.[29] Neighbourhoods such as Regent Park, Jane and Finch, Lawrence Heights, Chester Le, Alexandra Park, and Rexdale became hotbeds of cultural growth, producing Rap and R&B artists like Smoke Dawg, Robin Banks, Top5, Pengz, K Money, and Moula1st, to name a few.[30][31][32][33] These artists had significant influence among the youth of the Greater Toronto Area; the use of MTE in their lyrics, a reflection of the dialect spoken within their communities, spread contagiously as they began to amass millions of views and followers in the hundreds of thousands.[34][35][36] Consequently, the dialect once confined to their lower-income communities began breaking ethnic and socioeconomic barriers, making its way into suburbs and highschools, transforming Toronto's linguistic landscape.[37][38] The impact of this cultural and linguistic shift was further magnified by the advent of social media. Platforms such as 6ixBuzz and Waveroom put a spotlight on the culture brewing in these communities through short-form, easily digestible content, attracting millions of followers. This significantly contributed to the widespread adoption and normalization of MTE seen today.[39][40]

Phonology

[edit]

As in Standard Canadian English, this dialect features rhoticity, the Low Back Merger Shift, and GOOSE fronting (led by women speakers). Canadian raising also still exists, however, possibly less so than among Standard Canadian speakers.

The distinct accent features of Multicultural Toronto English include the TRAP vowel before a nasal consonant being unraised or only slightly raised and the GOAT vowel being monophthongal, both of which are "distinctly non-normative" in 21st-century Standard Canadian English and led by men in the Toronto area.[41] Th-stopping is a variable feature, likely adopted from Patois, for instance with words like youth, thing, and them colloquially spelled as yute, ting, and dem.[42]

Vocabulary

[edit]
For a list of words relating to Toronto slang, see the Multicultural Toronto English category of words in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Here is a list of common vocabulary in Multicultural Toronto English:

Adjectives

[edit]
  • "A guy" (used to describe someone who is particularly dangerous or successful, similar to calling someone a "big shot"; not to be confused with "the guy" as both are distinct in their usage)
  • "Amped/Gassed" (to be energetic or excited about something)
  • "Babyfood" (used to describe something as easy)
  • "Bare" (very/a lot/many) [originates from Jamaican Patois][43][44]
  • "Beat" (something that looks ugly, can be used to describe an object or person) [45]
  • "Beg" (someone who is needy, can also describe something as pitiful)
  • "Bent" (describes an individual who is upset)
  • "Blem" (describes an individual who is high or intoxicated) [originates from Jamaican Patois][46]
  • "Cheesed" (pissed, mad, angry)[47]
  • "Certi" (something or someone that is important or of high quality; short for "certified")
  • "Dess" (short for desperate, can also describe something as pitiful)
  • "Deezed" (describes an individual as muscular and strong)
  • "Dutty" (dirty, bad, ugly) [originates from Jamaican Patois][48]
  • "Dry" (uncool, lame, boring, uninteresting)[49]
  • "Fried" (describes an individual who is high or intoxicated)
  • "Greezy" (something impressive or attractive in a fashionable use)[50][51]
  • "Likkle" (small, little) [originates from Jamaican Patois][48]
  • "Live" (used to describe something as lively or exciting, usually an approval or endorsement of an events atmosphere)
  • "Marved" (hungry, starving)[43]
  • "Merked" (ugly, unattractive)[52]
  • "Miskeen" (pathetic, or poor - frequently used referring to someone who is "civilian" and "innocent," not involved in any crime) [originates from Arabic]
  • "Mod" (crazy)[53]
  • "Moshup" (something that is ruined, messed up or botched, commonly used to indicate a situation has gone away) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Neatly" (used to emphasize the quality or manner in which an action will be carried out)
  • "Next" (describes something other than what is currently discussed, often emphasizing a disregard or need for an alternative)
  • "Namebrand" (something that is important or of high quality, usually used to describe an individual)
  • "Peng" (describes a person who is attractive) [originates from Jamaican Patois][54]
  • "Proper" (describes something as legitimate or done right)
  • "Quick times" (for something to be done quickly)
  • "Soft" (describes something that is permissible and does not require worry)[55]
  • "Sick" (used to describe someone who is particularly dangerous or gangster)
  • "Sweeterman/Sweeter-ting” (an attractive person)[55][43]
  • "Vexxed" (annoyed, upset or irritated) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Wossy" (something crazy or unusual, usually describing the actions of a person) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Waste" (describes something as undesirable or dissatisfying) [originates from Jamaican Patois]

Interjections

[edit]
  • "Abaay, Abaay" (an expression of surprise, similar to "oh my god") [originates from Somali]
  • "Ahlie" (expression to agree with something or "am I lying?") [originates from Jamaican Patois][56]
  • "Are you dumb?" (to describe someone who behaves stupidly and completely idiotically)[56]
  • "Bless up!" (expression of greeting or farewell)[57] [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Dun Know/dunno" (replaces "you already know," "of course," or "I know", and also used as a farewell) [originates from Jamaican Patois][58]
  • "Eediat ting" (can refer to an event or action that was stupid or embarrassing to the point of disbelief) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Fend that" (instructing someone to defend themselves, or respond to confrontation)
  • "Fiyah/Fire" (used to refer to a homosexual individual, similar to the equivalent word "Bawtymon" or "Batty boy") [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Haye, haye" (an adlib that directly translates to "okay, okay" or "alright, alright") [originates from Somali]
  • "Holy!" (pronounced 'holay' and used as an expression of surprise)[59]
  • "Say honest?" (used to rhetorically emphasize honesty, truth or sincerity, similar to "You serious?" or "Really?")
  • "Soobax" (directly translates to "come outside" or "lets go") [originates from Somali]
  • "Swrong" (short for "what's wrong", typically used in phrases like "swrong with him?")
  • "Gwan easy" (telling someone to "take it easy", or "calm down") [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Inshallah" ("If God wills it") [originates from Arabic]
  • "Jheez" (used to express surprise, excitement or support)
  • "Jokes!" ("that's jokes!", compliments something funny or hilarious)[60]
  • "Khallas" (signifies that something is finished, completed or done) [originates from Arabic]
  • "Mashallah" (used to congratulate someone) [originates from Arabic]
  • "Nyeah eh" ("yeah eh?" or "oh really?", used in a hostile tone)
  • "More life" (used to wish someone good will, most commonly used to replace "happy birthday") [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Nize it/nize that" (to tell someone to shut up or stop talking) [58]
  • "Say less/say no more/don't say a word" (used to enthusiastically or supportively agree to a demand, request, or suggestion)
  • "Seen/Zeen" (A way of saying “got it” or “understood”) [originates from Jamaican Patois][61]
  • "Styll" (pronounced "still" and means agree to someone or the truth and is occasionally used at the last part of a statement)[62][63] [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Top left" (used to emphasize the truth or sincerity of a statement, similar to "I swear" or "I promise")
  • "Wagwan" (an equivalent greeting to "what's up" or "what's going on?") [originates from Jamaican Patois][64][56]
  • "Wallahi" ("I swear to God") [originates from Arabic][65]
  • "Warya" (used to address a man directly, or get his attention) [originates from Somali]
  • "What're you sayin?" ("what you up to?" used as an expression of greeting) [originates from Jamaican Patois][60]
  • "Y-pree" (used to tell someone to mind their own business or asking them what they're up to) [originates from Jamaican Patois][66]

Pronouns

[edit]
  • "Mans" or sometimes "man-dem" (I/me/you/people; first-person singular is the most notable usage) [originates from Jamaican Patois][38]
    • Mans in 21st-century Toronto English has gained special attention in being applied as a variety of personal pronouns, including (most notably) as a first-person singular pronoun (like I or me), a second-person singular pronoun (like you), or an indefinite pronoun (similar to people or folks). A plural-conjugated verb is required with the use of mans; for example: "Mans are ready" can mean "I am ready", "you are ready", or "we are ready". "What are mans saying?" can mean "What am I saying?", "What are you saying?", or "What are we saying?". The similar usage of man as a pronoun is common in Multicultural London English (MLE), but mans as a singular pronoun is exclusively Torontonian;[67] the two terms likely developed in parallel timeframes, but not with one dialect directly affecting the other.[68] It is likely that both usages ultimately come from man with a Jamaican Patois or other Caribbean Creole origin, though no Creole uses mans in this exact way. The process of this pronoun emerging from the original noun, man(s), has been happening in Toronto since roughly 2005 to the present.[69]
  • "Them/dem-mans/man-dem" (them)
  • "Us mans" (we)
  • "You mans" (you, plural)
  • "Fam" (Friend, or more broadly anyone considered 'family' in a communal sense; can be used in place of 'we' or 'us') [originates from Jamaican Patois]

Nouns

[edit]
  • "6ix" (Toronto, in reference to its six districts and both its area codes containing the number "6")[70]
  • "Abti/upti" (uncle) [originates from Somali]
  • "Akhi" (directly translates to brother, but refers to one's close friend) [originates from Arabic]
  • "Bawtymon" (a derogatory term used to refer to a homosexual individual) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Beak" (a mouth, usually in reference to someone's loose lip)
  • "Bid" (a gun, originates from the word "biir" which roughly translates to "steel") [originates from Somali]
  • "Bin" (jail or Prison)
  • "Bill" (a hundred dollars)
  • "Boydem/Bwoydem" (refers to government or police) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Bone/Bones" (a dollar/dollars)
  • "Bucktee/bean" (someone who is an addict, homeless, or acts as such) [originates from Somali]
  • "Bangout" (a large fight or brawl, usually one with an audience)
  • "Canteen" (referring to jail or prison)
  • "Chop" (to sell drugs)
  • "Chrome" (a gun or firearm)
  • "Chune" (refers to a song or music) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Cotch/on cotch" (to have something ready or prepared)
  • "Crib" (someone's place of residence)[71]
  • "Cro/crodie" (crip version of 'bro/brodie' but usually refers to a friend, popularized among non-gang-affiliated individuals through local rap music)[72]
  • "Cronem" (group of 'cros', crip version of 'bronem', and refers to a group of friends)
  • "Cyattie" (describes a female who is being loud and obnoxious) [originates from Jamaican Patois][73]
  • "Cut" (to exit, get away from or leave) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Cuzzo" (cousin)[74]
  • "Deafazz" (giving a hard physical slap or a punch to someone)[51]
  • "Dhillo" (a derogatory term used to refer to a promiscuous woman) [originates from Somali]
  • "Dime piece" (an attractive woman)
  • "DT" (abbreviation for downtown)
  • "Dukes" (parents)[38]
  • "Duppy" (a ghost or spirit) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Ends" (area, or neighbourhood) [originates from Jamaican Patois][75]
  • "Fam" (short for "family" but generally used to refer to a "friend") [originates from Jamaican Patois][76][43]
  • "Fenty" (short for fentanyl)
  • "Fuckery" (bullshit) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Gazza" (drama, gossip, conflict or theatrics) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Govy" (abbreviated for someone's government name, legal name, or personal information)
  • "Goof" (A foolish person, with a much stronger negative connotation than the dictionary definition)
  • "Grains" (bullets)
  • "Gyal" (girl) [originates from Jamaican Patois][77]
  • "Gyallis" (a guy who can pick up ladies easily, or has a reputation for pursuing several women at a time) [originates from Jamaican Patois][78]
  • "Gyaldem" (group of girls) [originates from Jamaican Patois][50]
  • "Habbad/Haabid" (a gun or weapon) [originates from Somali]
  • "Headtop" (a person's head, but can metaphorically represent mental state) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Hoodman" (a young working-class person involved in crime and drugs, similar to the equivalent word "roadman" used in MLE)[38][79]
  • "Hooyo" (mom or mother) [originates from Somali]
  • "Housey" (to be on house arrest)
  • "Jake" (a police officer)
  • "Jam" (a party or a function)
  • "Khaniis" (a derogatory term used to refer to a homosexual individual) [originates from Somali]
  • "Loud" (marijuana)
  • "Mandem" (a group of males or male friends) [originates from Jamaican Patois][43]
  • "Mission" (a challenging or tedious journey, typically involving a large distance)
  • "Miyute" or "myyute" (a person who is childlike, insignificant, and not taken seriously) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Mixup" (drama, gossip, conflict or theatrics) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "OT" (abbreviation for out of town)
  • "Pokes" (synonymous with vagina)
  • "Pollies" (slang for "politics", used in reference to street politics)
  • "Range" (Used to reference a specific wing in jail or Prison)
  • "Shordy" (girl)
  • "Side ting" (sexual partner other than a girlfriend/wife)[citation needed][80]
  • "Snake" (an untrustworthy person)[50]
  • "T-Dot" (abbreviation word for "Toronto")[81][51]
  • "Telly" (a hotel or a hotel room)[82]
  • "Ting" (a thing but usually refers to an attractive female) [originates from Jamaican Patois][56]
  • "Two-Twos" (unexpectedly or quickly)[83]
  • "Unto" (originates from the word "cunto" which roughly translates to "food" which is slang for drugs) [originates from Somali]
  • "Wasteman" (a worthless, garbage, insensible idiotic person who makes bad decisions with their life, both words being used interchangeably) [originates from Jamaican Patois][47]
  • "Wasteyute" (used similarly to wasteman, but more specifically describes a childlike or naive individual) [originates from Jamaican Patois][42]
  • "Wifey" (girlfriend, or wife)[84]
  • "Wozzles" (oral sex)
  • "Yute" (synonymous with "youth", but used to directly address or refer to a young person) [originates from Jamaican Patois][48]

Verbs

[edit]
  • "Ball up" (smoking marijuana)[85]
  • "Bagged" (having acquired a significant other or sexual partner)
  • "Buss" (to give/to send, to break)[86]
  • "Crunched/crushed" (to beat up or attack)
  • "Cut" (to leave)
  • "Duppied" (to turn to a ghost, usually referring to someone passing away or having been killed) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Fawad" (to come or to go somewhere) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
  • "Fend" (to defend against)
  • "Flip" (to kill someone, usually to claim bounty or reward; derived from flipping)
  • "Flied/Flyed" (someone being killed, in reference to funeral release doves)
  • "Greased" (to describe having sexual intercourse, used similarly to "Pine")
  • "Gurksed/murked" (to beat up or attack)
  • "Jam" (to rob or steal from someone)
  • "Kawal" (to scam, synonymous with finesse) [originates from Somali][87][88]
  • "Keep Six" (to be on the lookout or to watch your back; derived from the layout of a clock)
  • "Latched" (to be arrested or detained by law enforcement)
  • "Link" (to meet up)[89][52]
  • "Lowe" (to allow, ignore, forget or not bother with) [originates from Jamaican Patois][44]
  • "Moving" (describes someones behaviour, actions, or attitude)
  • "Nyam" (to eat) [originates from Jamaican Patois][90]
  • "Pree" (to see, look or pay close attention to) [originates from Jamaican Patois][38]
  • "Pine" (to have sexual intercourse)
  • "Rate" (to express approval or appreciation for something or someone)
  • "Run" (to give something or to hand an item over, with "run me my..." being the common usage)
  • "Reach/fly" (synonyms for "come by" or "attend", used similarly to "fawad")[43]
  • "Rinse" (to rob or steal from someone)
  • "Send" (to hand over or pass an object)
  • "Scoop" (to get a ride somewhere, get picked up)[59]
  • "Scrap" (to fight)[55]
  • "Slime" (to play, or act like a player, using others for sexual pleasure)
  • "Stain" (to rob or steal from someone)[91]
  • "Toke/tump" (the action of smoking, often referring to marijuana)
  • "Yellowtape" (indicates that something or someone is completed or finished, in reference to crime scene tape)

Intensifiers

[edit]
  • "-azz" (a suffix used to amplify or emphasize the meaning of other words or slang)
    • I heard his new track, its a hardazz.
  • "-dem" (a pluralizing element that can emphasize the size of a group or relationships between members of said group) [originates from Jamaican Patois]
    • Tell the rest of the dawgsdem to come through.
  • "one-two" (a pluralizing element that emphasizes quantity of an action, object, task, etc)
    • I already tried to call him one-two times, it goes straight to voicemail.
    • Let's smoke a one-two ting

Misconceptions

[edit]

The increasing criticism of the Toronto accent as "fake" or indicative of a "ghetto" identity reflects a form of linguicism, akin to the discrimination encountered by speakers of African American Vernacular English in the United States. Such perceptions suggest that non-standard linguistic features are indicative of low intelligence or poor education; a perspective rooted in classism, racism, and xenophobia.[92] Specifically, this xenophobia manifests as it associates multicultural expressions—which the dialect is an amalgamation and celebration of—with the negative stereotypes of being a non-contributing member of society. Additionally, the prevalent social media claim that "People don't speak like this in Toronto" reinforces the belief that only speakers of "proper" English are fully functional members of society, while others should be subconsciously dismissed.[93][94] By dismissing Toronto's diverse linguistic expression as merely "fake" or "ghetto," there is a failure to recognize it as a legitimate part of the city's cultural identity.

This misconception often stems from the dialect's incorrect adoption and use by outsiders, particularly in suburbs and cities outside Toronto, such as Ottawa, Hamilton, Barrie, Brampton, Mississauga, and Vaughan. These regions are significantly disconnected from the communities and localities where the culture and dialect organically developed.[8] As a result, the accent's portrayal by individuals from these areas can sometimes appear inauthentic or caricatured, which heavily distorts its true character and contributes to a negative perception of its genuine use.[9]

Compounding this issue are broader misunderstandings regarding the development of MTE. Critics have accused it of mimicking Multicultural London English, However, this is not the case; Both dialects have evolved independently, sharing roots in similar immigration patterns, thus showcasing unique sociolinguistic developments reflective of their respective cities’ multicultural landscapes.[95][96] Furthermore, the spotlight has often been placed on public figures such as Drake or PartyNextDoor, attributing the development and popularization of the slang to them.[97] This overlooks the deeper, historical, and community-driven origins of the language. In reality, the dialect predates careers like Drake's by decades, something even he had acknowledged before adopting it himself.[98]

Discussions around cultural appropriation have arisen in regards to MTE and its origins. Some have argued the possibility of its usage veering into the territory of cultural appropriation.[99] This results from a failure to recognize that the concept of 'cultural appropriation' is largely rooted in American cultural discourse—analyzing an inherently Canadian multicultural phenomenon through this lens may not be entirely appropriate.[100] A nuanced understanding positions Toronto's slang and accent as a celebration of cultural diversity and integration.[101] Rather than a medium of appropriation, the dialect serves as a fusion of diverse cultural elements, reflecting the appreciation and mutual understanding within Toronto's diverse communities.[102] While acknowledging this, it is also important to consider the potential for appropriation by non-black individuals, particularly white individuals, who may adopt the dialect without having grown up speaking it. This commodification can project stereotypes of 'toughness' without facing associated negative implications, similar to Black Vernacular English.[103] Criticisms of cultural appropriation from recent immigrants or those still in their home country, who see second or third-generation descendants of immigrants sharing cultures, are often misguided. Claims of appropriation from various races and socioeconomic backgrounds, detached from the cultures the language sources, can obscure native speakers' connection to their dialect.

[edit]
  • From 2016 to 2019, Toronto-based comedy group 4YE in collaboration with Bell Media released a multi-part series featuring "Tyco" and "Judge Tyco," caricatures of the stereotypical Toronto man, set in the early 2000s.[104]
  • In 2017, Drake was featured in a Toronto-based comedy skit "T-Dot Goon Scrap DVD 2" produced by 4YE, in which he satirizes Toronto's slang and accent.[105]
  • In a Vanity Fair YouTube video, Shawn Mendes, a popular Canadian singer and songwriter, was featured teaching the audience Canadian slang (primarily featuring Toronto slang vocabulary).[106]
  • In 2024, during his viral rap feud with Toronto-based rapper Drake, Kendrick Lamar parodied MTE on his diss track Euphoria.[107]
  • In 2024, Drake released a satirical parody-remix of Hey There Delilah titled "Wah Gwan Delilah" alongside local comedian Snowd4y; the song pokes fun at MTE and Toronto culture.

See also

[edit]
Look up Multicultural Toronto English or Greater Toronto English in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Denis, Derek (5 October 2016). "A note on mans in Toronto". Toronto Working Papers in Linguistics. 37. doi:10.33137/twpl.v37i0.26973. ISSN 1718-3510. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  2. ^ Elango, Vidhya; Denis, Derek. "Variable BAN-laxing in Multicultural Toronto English" (PDF). (CLA) Canadian Linguistic Association. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  3. ^ Denis, Derek; Elango, Vidhya; Kamal, Nur Sakinah Nor; Prashar, Srishti; Velasco, Maria (March 2023). "Exploring the Vowel Space of Multicultural Toronto English". Journal of English Linguistics. 51 (1): 30–65. doi:10.1177/00754242221145164. ISSN 0075-4242. S2CID 256723777.
  4. ^ a b Lomboy, Abigail (8 September 2016). "It's a Toronto Ting". Glossi Mag. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  5. ^ Raza, Ali (17 July 2023). "Linguistics professor uncovering Toronto's unique style of English". Phys.org. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  6. ^ Denis, Derek (5 October 2016). "A note on mans in Toronto". Toronto Working Papers in Linguistics. 37. doi:10.33137/twpl.v37i0.26973. ISSN 1718-3510. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  7. ^ Dhopade, Prajakta (15 October 2019). "Jagmeet Singh's secret weapon: The way he talks". Macleans. Archived from the original on 1 October 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  8. ^ a b "21 Ottawa Slang Words You've Definitely Heard At Least Once". Narcity. 22 September 2017. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  9. ^ a b Brown, Nikita (5 January 2018). "The Ultimate Guide to Brampton Slang". Bramptonist. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  10. ^ "The past, present, and future of Canadian English: What our accent tells us about being Canadian". The Pigeon. 17 July 2020. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  11. ^ "Caribbean Canadians | The Canadian Encyclopedia". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  12. ^ "Arab Canadians | The Canadian Encyclopedia". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  13. ^ "Immigration, Poverty and Income Inequality in Canada". IRPP. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  14. ^ Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada. "Information archivée dans le Web" (PDF). publications.gc.ca. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  15. ^ Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada. "Information archivée dans le Web" (PDF). publications.gc.ca. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  16. ^ "Grad Research: The Origin of Toronto Slang". Current Grad Students. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Slang in the 6ix". Community Media Portal. 29 August 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  18. ^ Juan C. Guzman.https://ijllnet.com/journals/Vol_4_No_4_December_2017/5.pdf
  19. ^ "U of T linguistics prof researches Torontonians' unique speaking style". University of Toronto. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  20. ^ Barker, Andrew (10 May 2018). "Canadian Music Week: How Toronto Became Hip-Hop's Multicultural Nerve Center". Variety. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  21. ^ Pastuk, Slava (11 June 2013). "The Comprehensive Guide to Toronto Rap". Vice. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  22. ^ "Kardinal Offishall | Exclaim!".
  23. ^ Leacock, Malaika Ayanna (2006). Identity construction of Black Canadian youth in multicultural settings (Thesis thesis).
  24. ^ "Jane-Finch.com - Official Website - Community Broadcasting and Multimedia Library - Toronto, Ontario, Canada". www.jane-finch.com. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  25. ^ "Ed the Sock tours Regent Park with Point Blank". HipHopCanada. 31 May 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  26. ^ Weinstein, Tamar., & Fowler, Jennifer. (2006). Lost in the struggle. CBC Educational Sales.
  27. ^ Druckman, Howard (1 February 2021). "The Decade in Canadian Hip-Hop, 2010-2020". SOCAN Words and Music. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  28. ^ Reporter, Betsy Powell Courts (27 March 2021). "How Chicago's 'drill' music scene set a template for Toronto's underground rap stars — and their feuds". Toronto Star. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  29. ^ Wilson, Josh. "The Age Of Digital; Music Executive Reacts To The Impact Of Digitalization In The Music Industry". Forbes. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  30. ^ Pastuk, Slava (11 June 2013). "The Comprehensive Guide to Toronto Rap". Vice. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  31. ^ Staff, Noisey; Staff, Noisey Canada (20 November 2017). "Watch '6IX RISING,' Our Definitive Look at Toronto's Rap Scene". Vice. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  32. ^ "Essential Mandem Documentary 'The Real Toronto' Returns to Big Up the City's Rap Scene". www.vice.com. 5 April 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  33. ^ Abdigir, Ebyan (1 February 2016). "Haye, Haye: A Look Inside Toronto's Somali Rap Scene". Vice. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  34. ^ "Mo G x Smoke Dawg x Waveroom - Still". YouTube. 27 July 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  35. ^ Pengz x TwoTwo - Griselda Blanco (Official Video) (Prod. By JP Soundz), 17 August 2017, retrieved 19 March 2024
  36. ^ "K Money - Come Outside (Official Video)". YouTube. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  37. ^ Kamau, Ian (12 August 2015). "An Insider's Look In: Examining the Real Value of Toronto's Rap Scene". Vice. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  38. ^ a b c d e Wilkinson, Raven-Paige (2019). Cultural Exchange and the Transformation of Jamaican Patois in the Greater Toronto Area (PDF) (MA thesis). Carleton University. doi:10.22215/etd/2019-13863. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  39. ^ Weekes, Jabbari (11 July 2018). "The Rise of 6ixBuzz TV From Wasteman Memes to Toronto's Hip-Hop Centre". Vice. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  40. ^ Farrar, Elizabeth (2019). "Rethinking drinking: an exploration of the discourses surrounding binge-drinking among firstyear university students that live in residence" (PDF). University of Waterloo.
  41. ^ Denis, Derek; Elango, Vidhya; Kamal, Nur Sakinah Nor; Prashar, Srishti; Velasco, Maria (March 2023). "Exploring the Vowel Space of Multicultural Toronto English". Journal of English Linguistics. 51 (1): 30–65. doi:10.1177/00754242221145164. ISSN 0075-4242. S2CID 256723777.
  42. ^ a b Bigelow, Lauren; Timothy Gadanidis; Lisa Schlegl; Pocholo Umbal, and Derek Denis. 2020. Whyare wasteyutes a ting? University of Pennsylvania Working Papers in Linguistics 26(2): Article 3.
  43. ^ a b c d e f "A brief guide to Turrono slang". The Varsity. 24 October 2016. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  44. ^ a b "The Ultimate Guide To Toronto Slang For Everyday Situations". Narcity. 9 June 2017. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  45. ^ "25 Toronto Slang Words You've Definitely Heard At Least Once". Narcity. 21 September 2017. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  46. ^ "blem | Patois Definition on Jamaican Patwah". Jamaican Patwah. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  47. ^ a b "A brief guide to Turrono slang". The Varsity. 24 October 2016. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  48. ^ a b c "Caribbean Expressions Used by Torontonians". VIBE 105. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  49. ^ Ramcharran, Kristina (21 September 2017). "25 Toronto Slang Words You've Definitely Heard At Least Once". Narcity Toronto. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  50. ^ a b c "The Ultimate Guide To Toronto Slang For Everyday Situations". Narcity. 9 June 2017. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  51. ^ a b c Singh, Vivek (7 August 2021). "30 Best Toronto Slangs You Need To Talk Like A Torontonian | RoverAtlas". roveratlas.com. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  52. ^ a b Basa, Eul. "The Ultimate Guide To Toronto Slang For Everyday Situations - Narcity". www.narcity.com. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  53. ^ Dizzle, Dame (2 July 2018). "Toronto, Ontario Artist J-Soul "Mod Ting" Music Video". DJIceberg.com. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  54. ^ "peng | Patois Definition on Jamaican Patwah". Jamaican Patwah. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  55. ^ a b c "40 Things You'll Hear A Scarborough Person Say". Narcity. 14 December 2015. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  56. ^ a b c d "The Toronto Slang You Didn't Think You Needed". 6ixBuzz. 13 December 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2022. [permanent dead link]
  57. ^ "'Dip,' 'Merked,'Swag' — Is This What Teens Are Saying These Days?". HuffPost. 19 December 2012. Archived from the original on 11 August 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  58. ^ a b "6 Torontonian Slang Words From The Jamaican Vocabulary And What They Really Mean". Narcity. 12 August 2015. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  59. ^ a b "14 Toronto Slang Phrases You'll Only Understand If You're Fluent In Torontonian". Narcity. 22 August 2019. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  60. ^ a b Trip, Culture (5 March 2016). "Canadian Slang Words You Need to Know". Culture Trip. Archived from the original on 3 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  61. ^ "seen | Patois Definition on Jamaican Patwah". Jamaican Patwah. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  62. ^ "'Dip,' 'Merked,'Swag' — Is This What Teens Are Saying These Days?". HuffPost. 19 December 2012. Archived from the original on 11 August 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  63. ^ "The Ultimate Guide To Toronto Slang For Everyday Situations". Narcity. 9 June 2017. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  64. ^ "40 Things You'll Hear A Scarborough Person Say". Narcity. 14 December 2015. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  65. ^ "Do You Know Toronto Slang? | University of Toronto Magazine". University of Toronto Magazine. 2 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  66. ^ "[OFFICIAL] Toronto Slang Catalog". Kanye to The. 24 October 2018. Archived from the original on 16 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  67. ^ Derek, Denis (2016). "A note on mans in Toronto" (PDF). (TWPL) Toronto Working Papers in Linguistics. Archived from the original on 16 April 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  68. ^ Derek, 2016, p. 8.
  69. ^ Derek, 2016, p. 4.
  70. ^ Torontoist (12 April 2016). "Wait, How Are You Supposed to Spell the 6ix, the Six, or the 6?". Torontoist. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  71. ^ "CRIB Definition & Usage Examples". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  72. ^ "Bizz Loc premieres new video for "I'm Bacc Crodie"". HipHopCanada. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  73. ^ leahsoboroff (14 August 2017). "20 Toronto Slang Words You Need To Know". Society19. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  74. ^ "14 Toronto Slang Phrases You'll Only Understand If You're Fluent In Torontonian". Narcity. 22 August 2019. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  75. ^ Staff Reporter (10 August 2018). "Learn the Jamaican Patois Word - ends". Jamaicans.com. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  76. ^ Salazar, Antoinette (13 December 2021). "How do you speak Toronto slang?". About Canada. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  77. ^ "Caribbean Expressions Used by Torontonians". VIBE 105. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  78. ^ "15 Slang Words Spoken In Toronto That Are Used In Dating And Relationships". Narcity. 28 September 2016. Archived from the original on 3 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  79. ^ "Last Call for Racism takes aim at Lavelle and Toronto's nightlife industry". www.blogto.com. 27 June 2020. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  80. ^ The Canadian Press (25 July 2019). "Toronto-born Youtube star Lilly Singh to make late-night U.S. talk debut Sept. 16". CBC News.
  81. ^ "T-DOT - Toronto (slang for Toronto, ON, Canada) | AcronymFinder". www.acronymfinder.com. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  82. ^ "What does "Telly" mean? | DailyRapFacts". dailyrapfacts.com. 10 August 2020. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  83. ^ leahsoboroff (14 August 2017). "20 Toronto Slang Words You Need To Know". Society19. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  84. ^ "This new Toronto slang generator is the ideal quarantine time waster". www.blogto.com. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  85. ^ "Toronto slang and accent picked apart after viral TikTok on city's weed etiquette (VIDEOS) | News". dailyhive.com. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  86. ^ "buss | Patois Definition on Jamaican Patwah". Jamaican Patwah. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  87. ^ "Kawal". Genius. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  88. ^ Abdigir, Ebyan (1 February 2016). "Haye, Haye: A Look Inside Toronto's Somali Rap Scene". Vice. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  89. ^ "The Ultimate Guide To Toronto Slang For Everyday Situations". Narcity. 9 June 2017. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  90. ^ "Nyam | Patois Definition on Jamaican Patwah". Jamaican Patwah. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  91. ^ "What Does "Stain" And "Hit A Stain" Mean? | DailyRapFacts". dailyrapfacts.com. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  92. ^ Kurinec, Courtney A.; Weaver, Charles A. (2021). ""Sounding Black": Speech Stereotypicality Activates Racial Stereotypes and Expectations About Appearance". Frontiers in Psychology. 12. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.785283. ISSN 1664-1078. PMC 8740186. PMID 35002876.
  93. ^ Waberi, Osobe (17 October 2023). "'Worst accent in the world?,' A Toronto woman is going viral for the way she speaks and people had a lot to say". NOW Toronto. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  94. ^ "Against "Proper English": Dialect Discrimination and DEI in 2022". 19 August 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  95. ^ Schachnow, Josh (17 September 2019). "The World's Most Diverse City Isn't New York or London – It's Toronto".
  96. ^ "The past, present, and future of Canadian English: What our accent tells us about being Canadian". Kiến Thức Cho Người lao Động Việt Nam (in Vietnamese). 29 April 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  97. ^ Taylor, Sharine (21 October 2019). "Toronto's Slang Isn't 'New.' It's Black". Vice. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  98. ^ "Watch: Are You From "The Six" Or Not? Drake Once Thought Toronto Slang Was Ignorant". Global Grind. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  99. ^ "Cringeworthy Toronto slang article attracts pointed criticism". www.blogto.com. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  100. ^ Murray, Douglas (4 September 2020). "'Cultural appropriation' is American cultural imperialism". UnHerd. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  101. ^ Quammie, Bee. "People accusing Drake of appropriation must not know much about "the 6"". REVOLT. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  102. ^ Staff, Slice. "Toronto Slang and Where it Actually Comes From". Slice. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  103. ^ "Appropriation vs. Authenticity, the use of Black Vernacular English By White Speakers" https://dc.suffolk.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=undergrad | access-date=2024-5-12|
  104. ^ "Judge Tyco - Bell Media". Judge Tyco - Bell Media. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  105. ^ Penrose, Nerisha (15 May 2017). "Drake Flexes His Acting Chops in Hilarious YouTube Sketch". Billboard. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  106. ^ "Shawn Mendes Teaches Us Canadian Slang & Proves He Really Is The 'Pickering Gawd'". Narcity. 10 December 2020. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  107. ^ Okazawa, Ben. "Kendrick Lamar Uses Toronto Slang to Diss Drake on New Song "euphoria" | Exclaim!". Exclaim!. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Toronto_slang&oldid=1255697558"