Canuck

[kuh-nuhk]

noun

Slang: Sometimes Offensive.

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

Canuck

/ kəˈnʌk /

noun

1. 1. a Canadian

   2. (formerly) esp a French Canadian

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Canuck¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Canuck¹

C19: of uncertain origin

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.

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

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

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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.

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

Read more on Salon