Archives for February 2019

Newfoundland/Labrador Slang

The Lay of the Land

The Appalachian Mountain Range extends up to this area and includes the Long Range Mountains and the Tongat Mountains. Gros Morne National Park is part of this mountain range and it is an explorers dream to venture here. These mountains offer up the best skiing, hiking, fjords, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, shore birds, and cliffs for fun seekers of adventure. Marble Mountain is a skiiers heaven. The most easterly part of the Appalachian Mountains extends into and includes the Terra Nova National park, the Boreal Forest, Trinity Bay and Bonavista Bay. Miles and miles of spectacular mountain views and of course rock formations! Just check out the beautiful area known as The Battery. It speaks for itself!

Heritage

The Nfld/Lab Heritage of early settlers to this area were English, Irish and the Paleo Natives. Since then; there are new discoveries of a Viking presence in the Lanse Aux Meadow area. East Coast pioneers first settled around the coastal areas. The fishing and lumbering industry was viewed as a prosperous venture and this sustained the islanders for generations. The area is well known for cod, salmon, seal, whale, fishing and export. Farming would have been a challenge on this rocky ground but East Coasters surely always find a way. Good strong stock these Newfoundlanders be!

Adventures to Explore

There are numerous historical sights, attractions, coves, inlets, harbours and coastal communities for the adventurer to explore. When you stand at the lighthouse in Cape Spear you are on the most easterly point of North America. ‘Magine that now! Signal Hill overlooks St John’s harbour and when you stand on this point you see the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. The spectacular views of the massive ice burgs flowing down Ice Burg Alley are a sight to behold! Trips to the northerly and picturesque Fogo Island are great for artists to share. Wouldn”t y’all just love to explore all this? Waterways are everywhere and you will find some of the best Salmon fishing.

Culture

Visiting here you just have to immerse yourself into the local culture and experience the colorful Nfld/Lab Heritage. Along George Street you can have a feed of the traditional foods like fried cod cheeks, cod tongues, jiggs dinner, touton, flipper pie, and scrunchions. Can anybody identify all these? Better yet have you eaten it? You can’t miss out on the tradition of being screeched in or kissing the cod or dancing to good ol’ Nfld tunes. Y’all can’t tell me you didn’t have a time visiting there. I haven’t been but it sure is on my list of Git’er dones.

Gatherings

The people of this area are known to be hospitable, warm, inviting and friendly. Their accents and familiar expressions are unique to their own. You just might need an interpreter to understand what is being said. It’s the true capital of slang and definitely has its very own secret language. Gather with the locals and try to learn some NewfoundlandLabrador slang. Aint no party like the music, singing, dancing and story tellin’ like there is over here.

Royal St John’s Regatta
Exploits Valley Salmon Festival in Grand Falls

Slang

Here are a few East Coast Nfld/Lab Slang sayings and I really hope you will elaborate on this. Come along and share your stories and the Nfld/Lab slang you use. There are so many wonderful sayings to share and learn!

I just know yer slang is the best! Happy slangin’ to y’all!

Prince Edward Island Slang

Settlers

This East Coast island is renowned for the fishing of lobster, crab, oysters, clams, bass, mussels and sturgeon. That being said; the fishing industry has sustained the economy and settlers for generations. However; farming has been and still is the backbone of the economy. The fertile red earth provides a huge and successful potato industry for the Province. Its no wonder settlers migrated to this area. The founding pioneers were French, Scottish, Irish and First Nation peoples. Life was not easy in the earlier days with being isolated from the mainland and resources. However; this feature attracts people who seek island livin’ even today. I just bet that Islanders say they wouldn’t have it any other way!

Explore the Island

The tourist attractions are plentiful here with museums, old mills, harbours and historical sites that walk you through time. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery is a popular tourist destination. Adventures are endless with camping , biking, whale watching, boating, sailing, horse racing, swimming and just exploring the scenic trails on the rolling hills. Bike the old rail line from one tip of the Island to the other. And you dont have to go far to put your toes in the sand and have a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Cavendish and Stanhope beach offers family activities that are endless. Charlottetown is the hub of the province where the Fathers of Confederation met so many years ago and offers island culture at its best. Experience Atlantic Canadas finest horse racing events at the raceway in Charlottetown and Summerside. Check it all out. Y’all will sure be glad you did. Ita a vacationers playground of fun ‘n sun in the sand!

Gatherings

Y’all can’t visit without having a feast of fresh mouthwatering lobster at the numerous suppers offered! So check out the quaint little village of North Rustico. Islanders gather in droves over the summer months. Experience and celebrate the culture and lifestyle of Island living in fine style. Join in and gather with the clans and experience some fine music dancing, singing and traditional foods. When Islanders embrace your presence; Y’all might learn some great Prince Edward Island slang!

Charlottetown Festival
Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Old Home Week in Charlottetown

Slang

So you know; the East Coast Slang from this area also has a nautical theme related to the waterways. My ancestors hailed from here and I sure wish I had known them then and their Irish slang too. Please share all about your PEI Heritage, your love for island and coastal living. Share the PEI slang you know. Happy slangin’ PEI slangers.

Nova Scotia Slang

Canada’s Ocean Playground

Nova Scotia(or New Scotland) is known as Canada’s Ocean Playground and is The Sea Bound Coast. It’s an isthmus that connects the province to NB. It is surrounded on three sides by the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait and the Atlantic Ocean. Water..Water every where! Hence the name the Ocean Playgound. The North Mountain Range which is part of the Appalachian Range; extends from Digby up to the Tatamagouche area and to the tip of the Cape Breton. The beautiful Annapolis Valley (known as the Bread Basket of NS)lies at its base. Such beautiful terrain to explore for the curious! Home to some good NS Slang influenced by the Waterways!

Settlers

The early East Coast settlers to this prosperous area were mainly from Scottish decent. There were numerous ports of entry to this new world but emigration was mainly through the Halifax Harbour. MacNab Island just off the harbour was a holding area for imigrants to be cleared for entry. Pier 21 with its vast displays of historical information enables you to envision the process. Mining sustained generations of settlers in Springhill, Sydney and Pictou County. Museums about the mining industry can be found in Springhill and Glace Bay areas. Fishing, mining, shipping, lumbering and farming were all prosperous industries for NS. The land here is very fertile for agriculture. So this was an attractive landing point for many newcomers seeking a new life and opportunity. The Scots were a large influence to the NS slang you hear here!

Adventures Abound

Adventures abound in this beautiful coastal province. Sailing, boating, whale watching,camping, skiing, sightseeing, hiking and even surfing are adventures pursued by many. It is very well known for the apple orchards in the Annapolis Valley. Its a true spectacle to see when the blossoms are at their fullest! There is a great offering of historical sites, museums, harbours, monuments and forts to explore and experience the days of old. Fort Beausejour, Fortress Louisburg and the Citadel Hill are so well preserved and offers a glimpse of the historical beginnings. Rum runners during the prohibition days was a secret industry here and you can revisit that era. So you see there is so much exploring to do here!

Exploring

The Cape Breton Highlands offer scenic routes through the mountains on the Cabot Trail. Experience the Celtic influence in the NS Heritage and culture of the Scots. Tall ships sailed the waters surrounding NS. The famous Bluenose was built right in Lunenburg. Peggys Cove, Chester are just a few places to experience coastal living at its best. Pirates are known to have frequented NS and the inlets provided places to escape or hide from pursuers. Did Captain Kidd or others stash treasures in the Oak Island area or some other quaint little coastal spots? Nothing can compare to some good old pirate slang. Ahoy me matey! Explore this ocean playground..maybe you might find some treasures!

Gathering

Experience the Celtic influence in the NS Heritage and culture of the Scots. You can join in on a Ceilidh; a good ol’ fashioned kitchen party, watch highland dancing, listen to gaelic music, taste traditional foods and observe the highland games. Experience and savour the culture of this province and learn some good old Nova Scotia slang while yer there!

Halifax Jazz Festival
Apple Blosson Festival in The Annapolis Valley
The Royal NS International Tattoo in Halifax
Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso Cape Breton
Celtic Colors International Festival in Cape Breton

Slang

So this coastal living and nautical lifestyle influenced and provided some good ol’ slang talkers. The Scottish influence is very clear here. Below are a few expressions I know but please comment, add your local NS Slang and share your stories about coastal living in beautiful NS. Happy Slangin’.

NB Slang

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New Brunswick is known as The Picture Province and is the Gateway to the beautiful East Coast.

North Shore Influence

I’m all about connectin’ and gatherin’ NB slangers and talking NB slang. My East Coast Slang connection begins in the good ol’ North Shore of the province of NB. My hometown borders the Province of Quebec and is connected by the Van Horne Bridge. It is nestled around the base of the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Bay of Chaleur and the mighty roaring Restigouche River. These are all great fishing waters. The Appalachian Mountain range completely surrounds the area and extends down to the south of the province. Because of all these mountains, I had some pretty spectacular views with the seasonal changes. We have a saying..”there’s no shore like the North Shore….Thats for sure! So yes; I am all about connectin’ NB Slangers!

Adventures

The Appalachian Mountain Range extends from the north with the Sugarloaf Mountain, Mount Farlagne and south to include Mount Carleton, Shepody Mountain and the Caledonia Mountain. You can enjoy sking, snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, offroading, camping and more. There is so much to offer the adventurous to explore with the best experiences on these mountains. We have no shortage of snow for winter fun; that’s for sure. Sugarloaf Park in Campbellton and Mont Farlane in Edmundston are just a few of the parks to the north that cater to the outdoor pursuits..

Waterways

NB has a vast connection of waterways and is surrounded by the Bay of Chaleur, the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait and the Atlantic Ocean. Sport fishing, canoeing, sailing, swimming and lazy days {beach side} are the Maritimer’s way of life. We’ve all done it and its a great way to connect with other NB slangers. Fundy Park and Hopewell Rocks to the south offer camping and a variety of activites for families seeking that outdoor connection. Experience the highest tides in the world and comb the floor of the bay at low tide. A true marvel!

Culture and Heritage

So for visitors to the area there is so much to explore, experience and learn. Kouchibouquac Park and Mount Carleton all offer adventures for outdoor lovers to experience in the central part of the province. Museums and heritage sites are in abundance to experience the early days of our beginnings. Step back in time and experience the days of old at Kings Landing and The Acadian Village.

Gatherings

Numerous festivals; throughout the Province enable you to celebrate and gather. Experience the culture, heritage, traditions, music, dancing and authentic foods. There is nothing that can compare to a gatherin’ of East Coasters!

Salmon Festival in Campbellton
Miramichi Folk Festival ( Irish influence)
Shediac Lobster Festival in Shediac
Acadian Festival in Caraquet
The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton
Buskers on the Bay in Saint John

If you venture here the people will embrace you in your experiences. Its a great time to be connectin’ with NB slangers. Therefore; you see, NB is a place to relish and experience varied cultures.

Settlers

There were multiple ethnic groups seeking new opportunites here. The Irish, Scottish,French,French Acadian, English and Indigineous Peoples all valued the natural resources of water and wooded lands. It made for a very prosperous industry that sustained the province and generations of families for years. The waterways were their highways, so they established their settlements all along them. Pioneers were logging, milling, farming and fishing these areas to survive. They were hard working homesteaders and endured many hardships in the process. As true Maritimers; everyone pulled together and worked side by side as they settled this new land. Helpin’ each other out was a right neighborly thing to do.

Slang

Our best slang derived from all this. Below are some of the slang words and sayings that I grew up with and still use today. I hope you recognize some of them. Please add to the list, leave a comment and share what you know.

Happy explorin’ and discoverin’ to y’all! Thanks for connectin”and sharing your NB Slang with me

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