Canuck
[ kuh-nuhk ]
/ kəˈnʌk /
noun Slang: Sometimes Offensive.
a term used to refer to a Canadian, especially a French Canadian.
Origin of Canuck
1825–35; perhaps ultimately to be identified with kanaka Hawaiian, South Sea islander (< Hawaiian; see 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
Usage 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for canuck
Canuck
/ (kəˈnʌk) /
noun US and Canadian informal
- a Canadian
- (formerly) esp a French Canadian
Word Origin for Canuck
C19: of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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