For decades in the 20th century, “chesterfield” was a shibboleth of Canadian English. Canadians, and only Canadians, called a multi-seated upholstered piece of furniture a chesterfield rather than a couch or a sofa.
Why do Canadians call couches chesterfield?
The first chesterfield, with its distinctive deep buttoned, quilted leather upholstery and lower seat base, was commissioned by Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773). In Canadian English, chesterfield is used to describe any couch or sofa, particularly among older Canadians.
What does chesterfield mean in Canada?
In Canada, a chesterfield is a couch or sofa; that is, a large, cushioned seat that can fit more than one person. Note that if the couch can seat exactly two people, that type of couch is typically referred to as a loveseat.
Is chesterfield a Canadian word?
More than 1,000 new entries have been added to the comprehensive online guide of uniquely Canadian words and phrases — like chesterfield, eavestrough, and tuque.
Do people still say chesterfield?
Here, though, “chesterfield” is a less specific term, and is generally synonymous with “couch” or “sofa.” Although the term was actually used in the US, it widely fell out of favour in the early 20th century.
What do Canadians call soda?
Pop
“Pop” may be among the most quintessentially Canadian words, but we don’t all prefer the fizzy soda label equally.
What is a Canadian couch called?
chesterfield
What you call that particular piece of furniture may depend on where you live: Britons prefer “sofa,” Americans like “couch,” and Canadians tend toward “couch,” with “chesterfield” still used occasionally.
Do Canadians say couch or sofa?
Some do; it’s a regional thing. Other Canadians, myself included, would be likely to understand but not use “chesterfield” by default. As a Montrealer, I find that I usually use “couch”, but occasionally the mildly more American “sofa”. Couch is the most common term followed by sofa.
What is some Canadian slang?
Here are a few of the staple Canadian slang words used daily.
- Eh. This is our most popular Canadian saying that we receive the most flack about from the rest of the world.
- Loonie.
- Tuque.
- Washroom.
- Double Double.
- Two-Four.
- Molson Muscle.
- Hydro.
What do Canadians call their friends?
Buddy/ Bud
Buddy/ Bud. On the east coast predominantly (but also heard nationwide), buddy is a way to talk about a person without using a name. For example, it could be ‘buddy over there’ or ‘buddy in the beer store’.
What do Canadians call a cigarette?
dart
A dart is a Canadian slang term for a cigarette.
If someone asks for a dart, you’ll now know what they really mean.
What do Canadians call Tim Hortons?
Timmies
Here in Canada, we refer to Tim Hortons coffee chain and fast food restaurant as simply Tim’s or Timmies. Canadians use slang words like Double-Double, Triple-Triple, Timmies, Tim’s, and Loonie or Toonie to denote different abbreviations and idioms.
Do Canadians say washroom or restroom?
Washroom: a polite word for bathroom. The Canadian version of “restroom.”
What do Canadians call flipflops?
Our friends in Canada have many regional words and phrases that may amuse Americans: For example, a knit hat is known as a toque in most areas, and flip flops often go by the name thongs.
What do Canadians say differently than Americans?
Canadians often say words like process, project, and progress with an /oʊ/ sound (think of how you pronounce the letter “o”, whereas most Americans say these words with the vowel /ɑ/ (think “ahh”). Not every Canadian does this, but if you happen to hear it, chances are, they are Canadian and not American.
How do Canadians say couch?
Chesterfield. A couch or sofa.
Why do Canadians say supper?
In most parts of the United States and Canada today, “supper” and “dinner” are considered synonyms (although supper is a more antiquated term). In Saskatchewan, and much of Atlantic Canada, “supper” means the main meal of the day, usually served in the late afternoon, while “dinner” is served around noon.
Why do Canadians say hydro instead of water?
“Hydro” is a reference to electricity. Much of the power generated in Canada is hydro electric.
Why do Canadians say buddy?
Canadians are known around the world for being very polite, and the term “bud” or “buddy” plays a big role in that regard. Because “hey buddy!” sounds a lot kinder than “hey you!” and less sarcastic than “hey pal!”
What do Canadians call a napkin?
“Serviette,” means napkin; “serviette en papier,” is a paper napkin. “Ben La!,” is a common word for “Well there,” but also has other meanings.
How do Canadians say goodbye?
Have a good day! – Bonne journée! Good-bye – Au revoir… which actually means ‘see you again’.