Why Do Canadians Say “Eh”? \ stacker news ~culture

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237 sats \ 13 comments \ @suraz 13 Apr culture

The interjection "eh" has become a unique and recognizable part of Canadian identity. It's especially common in rural areas and is often used to show politeness or to seek agreement in conversation. While the exact origin of "eh" is unclear, some experts believe it may come from Scots-Irish immigrants. Interestingly, this speech habit isn’t exclusive to Canada—it also shows up in parts of the Upper Midwest in the U.S. and in New Zealand.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/why-do-canadians-say-eh

It's a nice day, eh, @grayruby?

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71 sats \ 11 replies \ @grayruby 13 Apr

I think we say eh a lot less now. I don't know. I remember everyone saying eh all the time when I was a kid and don't hear it often anymore or maybe I am just so used to it that I no longer hear it as part of normal conversation.

What say you @jer and @gnilma?

93 sats \ 0 replies \ @gnilma 13 Apr

Might be from Scots-Irish origin like the article suggested. When I visited New Foundland last year, I found a lot of people there has a distinct accent sounding similar to an alternate but similar version of an Irish accent that I don't hear often from the rest of the country. And I do recall hearing quite a few "eh's" during my conversation with the locals of New Foundland.

Also, we don't get "eh" much here in the westernmost province. Might be more of a Eastern Canada or even just a maritime provinces + New Foundland thing.

61 sats \ 9 replies \ @Jer 14 Apr

I agree with @gnilma that eh, to the extent Canadians actually use it, is much more prevalent on the east coast.

It’s more of a meme than anything else.

In part due to hockey, one thing that is still more prevalent in Canada than anywhere else IMO: adding “Y’s” and “ER’s” to people’s last names to form their nickname.

100 sats \ 8 replies \ @grayruby 14 Apr

Yeah that’s how you became jer instead of J and I became grayruby instead of grayrub. Haha

40 sats \ 7 replies \ @Jer 14 Apr

Haha

21 sats \ 6 replies \ @grayruby 14 Apr

Jays looking pretty good eh?

40 sats \ 5 replies \ @Jer 15 Apr

Not tonight but yeah. So far so good!

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31 sats \ 0 replies \ @Cultural_stacker 14 Apr freebie

Eh! that's the least. With a multicultural society centered around the simple things in life—leisure, friendly competition, and politeness—it’s no coincidence these are reflected in the common tongue. Well only Canuks will understand. If you're canuk lemme hear you scream Eeehh.