Canuck

American  

[kuh-nuhk] / kəˈnʌk /

noun

Slang: Sometimes Offensive.

1. a term used to refer to a Canadian, especially a French Canadian.

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Canuck British  

/ kəˈnʌk /

noun

1. 1. a Canadian

   2. (formerly) esp a French Canadian

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Sensitive Note

The term Canuck is perceived as insulting when used by non-Canadians or when referring specifically to French Canadians. But among Canadians, it is sometimes used as a neutral nickname or term of self-reference.

Etymology

Origin of Canuck

1825–35; perhaps ultimately to be identified with kanaka Hawaiian, South Sea islander (< Hawaiian; kanaka ), if the word once identified both French Canadians and such islanders, who both were employed in the Pacific Northwest fur trade; later reanalyzed as Can(adian) + a suffix

Example Sentences

“We’re really going to enjoy having Kopi in the lineup this year. But next summer it’s going to be a big void,” Holland said on the Canucks Central podcast.

From Los Angeles Times

In Salford, despite a bright Wales start, it was all about the Canucks.

From BBC

My grandmother and her friends, old Canuck widows with sharp tongues and a taste for drink, were the inspiration for Babs and her crew.

From Los Angeles Times

Conor Garland scored his second goal of the game at 4:28 of overtime to give the Vancouver Canucks a 3-2 victory over the Kings on Wednesday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, he feels that Canucks could easily become residents of the 51st state of their own free will.

From Salon