Although there are at least 10 subtle ways of using eh in common Canadian speak, the most common uses, largely defined by the speaker’s intonation, are:
◎ a statement of fact, inviting assent: Nice day, eh?
◎ as part of a narrative, to ascertain continued interest:
So I went to this party, eh? And everyone there was having a good time, eh? And so...
◎ a request for repetition or explanation: Eh?
◎ an exclamation:
What a game, eh!?
◎ as part of a fixed statement:
I know, eh? Thanks, eh?
A research poll in 2004 demonstrated that the prevalence of eh in everyday speech was largely on the decline in Canada, mostly amongst young, multi-cultural and urban dwelling populations.
The term has nevertheless remained stereotypically Canadian and one most Canadians seem happy to politely oblige.
Here’s an Eh to Zed list of a few more Canadianisms that you might be surprised are pretty unique to everyday banter in the True North.
All dressed: all the toppings
An elastic: a rubber band
Bachelor: a studio apartment
Blinds: shades
Brown bread: whole wheat bread
Butter tart: a type of pastry
Caesar: a cocktail
Chesterfield: a sofa
Clicks: slang for kilometers
Deke: a decoy
Double double: two milk and two sugar
Eaves troughs: gutters
Garburator: a garbage disposal unit
Housecoat: a bathrobe
Hydro: hydroelectricity
Taps: faucets
Keener: a suck-up
Kerfuffle: a commotion or fuss
Knapsack: a backpack
Loonie: $1 coin
Mickey: a 13oz (375cc) portion of liquor
Pogey: unemployment insurance
Pop: a soft drink
Postal code: zip code
Runners: running shoes
Serviette: a napkin
Tights: pantyhose
Timbits: donut centres from Tim Hortons
Toboggan: a sled
Toonie: $2 dollar coin
Toque: a warm hat
Two-Four: a case of 24 beers
Washroom: a restroom or bathroom
Whitener: non-dairy creamer
Zed: the letter “Z”
How well do you speak Canadian?