Do Canadians Really Say 'Eh'?

Do Canadians really say "eh" as much as Americans think they do? In this episode of Babbel Explains, we try to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the Canadian "eh." When do they actually say this, what function does it serve and how does it tie in with other stereotypes about Canadians? Watch the video to find out.

Check out more fascinating Babbel Explains videos:
Do French People Really Say 'Ooh La La'?
How A Tweet Becomes A Word: The Legitimization Of Internet Slang

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[BabbelUSA]

Is there an added word or sound you use a lot, like "um" or "you know"?

[Paul-hlyg]

We certainly say 'eh?' in the UK. Where i am from in Yorkshire England, its been a part of Our vocabulary for many many generations. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[retroimmunity]

In the UK that 'ey' pronunced 'A' is more likely to mean What, as a lazy response to when someone speaks and you don't know what was said, or tacked on at the end of a sentence as shown. I'm sure similar is in many languages since it's more of a sound than anything. The only other Canadian word I see questioned seems to be aboot, which is surely an old Scottish or northern English influence that has changed over time. Some places seem to think the A between words is related to the word Aye but it's not used in the same way as a break between words

[bleedingheartnartist]

I probably say "eh" 30 times a day. Maybe more, I don't know how to count that haha. But it's surprising me people in the comments say they don't. Are there specific parts of Canada it's said in more often than in others? I do live in the country if that makes a huge difference.

[jitkablahakova]

Canadian absolutely say eh, no need to deny it....

[robson]

Actually in japanese it's "ne" too (ね), and the portuguese "né" is not exactly an expression, being just a contraction of "isn't it?" (não é?)

[btschic]

Hagrid used to speak 'eh?' too

[pinkfreud]

I was up in Niagara Falls since it's only 4 hrs from where I live and a couple people up there spoke with me & said eh. Including the young, burly guy at the customs bridge.

[aleskimandrz]

In Italy "Eh" Is for "What?, Yes, Ik & Behold"🤣

[Cdnwmn]

Born and raised in Ontario. Said eh alot as did my dad, frirnds and co-workers. Have been in US for 22 years and while I don't say eh as much, sometimes it slips out. I have had Americans say that I say "aboot".

[englishlessonswithsilviopa]

Eh (informal, chiefly Canada, Upper Midwestern US, New Zealand, UK) Used as a tag question, to emphasize what goes before or to request that the listener express an opinion about what has been said.

In North America, the word is stereotypically associated with Canada and can sometimes convey that the speaker is trying to sound (sarcastically) Canadian outside the country. However, it is in widespread use in many other parts of the English-speaking world, including the northern United States, Australia, New Zealand, England, Malaysia, the Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa and Nigeria.

[Foxiesz]

I use it pretty much only if I think the person I'm talking to isn't listening super well or if I think they won't get I'm asking them something. Its mostly just to prod someone to talk or say their opinion at least from what I see around here.

[emersonslater]

One time down in Rochester at a hockey tournament the other team asked us do y’all really say eh . So our was response was eehhhh, EH ? Yes we do say it A LOT 😂🇨🇦

[patpozzuto]

Minnesota is auditioning for membership in the Canadian province of Manitoba!!!!
Hope all your dreams come true... 'Eh'?

I guess in the states our closest comparison is “oh” or “you know what I mean”

[cascisa]

I always hear eh and say eh at the end of a sentence(Winnipeg) I know ehhh

[CrazyMunky]

I say it all the time. Not after every sentence, but I still say it fairly often.

[modjohnsenglishdisco]

I moved to Calgary from Fort Worth as a kid in the early 70s. Not much difference culturally, except Ft Worth actually had a higher level pro team than Calgary! Two words that stuck out were "Sorry" and "Eh?". "Sorry, eh?" I probably sounded like a Texan.

[christinascire-roberts]

Full day eh? Congrats on your fishing trip! I miss going fishing, thanks for sharing the good time. ✌🏻😘👍🏻🫶🏻🌲⛰️🚐😎🐶🐶☘️☘️☘️

[theofficialgreenkane]

And Ebonics say “Naw I’m sayin?” Or “Naw mean?” It’s used in a similar manner