How To Speak Like A True Newfoundlander and Labradorian
If you are a visitor to Newfoundland and Labrador, you are called a “come from away” and you might be puzzled by some of the things you hear in conversation.
The locals have their own unique words, expressions, and sayings that came from the early settlers from England, Ireland, and France as well as the relative isolation of the place. They are so unique that they even have their own dictionary: The Dictionary of Newfoundland English.
To help you acclimatize, here are some of the sayings you might encounter during your stay.
- Come from Away – A visitor to Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Yes b’y – Could mean “I agree” or “You can’t be serious.”
- Owshegettinonb’y – How are you?
- Deadly – Great, fantastic.
- God Love Your Cotton Socks – Thank you.
- Got ’er scald – Things are exactly as you want them.
- Got me drove – You’re annoying me.
- Got to get me moose b’y – I have to go moose hunting.
- G’wan b’y – Don’t be foolish.
- Hard ticket – Someone who causes trouble.
- Havin’ a time – Having a good time.
- He’s got the arse out of ’er – He’s driving very fast.
- I dies at you – You’re really funny.
- Lovely grand – That’s wonderful.
- Nar thing – Nothing.
- Now da once – In a while.
- Proper ting – Good for you.
- Shag it – Forget it.
- Stay where you’re at ’til I comes where you’re to – Stay where you are until I come for you.
- What a sin – That’s unfortunate.
- Who ya ’longs to? or Who knit ya? – Who are your parents? Where are you from?
- How ya gettin’ on? – How have you been?
- You’re some saucy – You have an attitude.
- Stunned as a lump – Dumb as a rock, post, or bag of hammers.
- Whadda ya at? – What are you doing?
- Arse on dat – Nice behind
- Screeched in – Tradition to make visitors honourary Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by drinking Screech rum and kissing a cod fish.
Sources:
Newfoundland Chocolate Company – Newfoundland sayings bars
25 Funny Newfoundland Sayings To Learn Before You Visit – Newfoundland Buzz
Newfinese 101: Words and Phrases You’re Likely to Hear on The Rock | Encounter Newfoundland