Can you tell the difference between a Canadian and American? (dental, accents)

[ABQConvict]

I can always tell a Canadian. I may have to speak with them for about five minutes or so.

If someone says, 'It looks like rain, hey?' It's a dead giveaway.

[ABQConvict]

Originally Posted by Andy

Walk aboot a hoose up there, eh & you'll see hear a difference.

I have never heard a Canadian say aboot.

I have heard a-boat, though., it is a signature difference between American and Canadian accents.

[lammius]

Originally Posted by ABQConvict

I have never heard a Canadian say aboot.

I have heard a-boat, though., it is a signature difference between American and Canadian accents.

Or a Tidewater Virginian.

TV spokesman with Tidewater accent - YouTube

But if the person tells you they are "soary aboat the slow pro-gress on the washroom renovation pro-cess" you can be pretty sure.

[wolf39us]

I pick up the Canadian accents and usage of words fairly easily. Sometimes though, it can be confused with the mid-westerners.

[WanderingImport]

Originally Posted by ABQConvict

If someone says, 'It looks like rain, hey?' It's a dead giveaway.

You mean eh, eh?

Originally Posted by wolf39us

I pick up the Canadian accents and usage of words fairly easily. Sometimes though, it can be confused with the mid-westerners.

Sometimes. Lately I have spent a good amount of my time in Minnesota and I notice similarities. At first, I thought it was exactly the same, then I noticed some differences. Hard to put my finger on it, but they're there.

[Southern man]

I did a cruise not too long ago and there were a lot of Canadians on board. They were easy to spot. They were all wearing tee shirts that had "I am Canadian" across the front. Plus you could hear them, very noisy.

[ABQConvict]

Originally Posted by WanderingImport

You mean eh, eh?

Actually I did mean 'hey' only because a lot of Americans say 'eh'. While 'hey' maybe a less oft used alternative (mainly a western thing? Saskatchewan and west?) I -only- hear it from Canadians.

Can any Canadians clarify the use, geographically of 'eh' vs 'hey'? Or just tell me my ears are broken :-)

[f1000]

Yes I also notice Canadians say "hey" as in "Oh I know, hey". They are also more likely to say "No worries" which I think is Australian originated. Also "cheers" which we all know is British.

My Canadian ex never got the "Uh-huh" or "Ya" Americans say:

"Thanks for your help"...."Ya"

[cheese plate]

Some central Wisconsin folks (and a few Yoopers) say "hey" and not "eh." Just depends on the region. Same basic thing, though!

[hobbesdj]

Originally Posted by cheese plate

Some central Wisconsin folks (and a few Yoopers) say "hey" and not "eh." Just depends on the region. Same basic thing, though!

speaking of Yoopers, this accent on the guy at 45 seconds (and the other interviewee) is mindblowing. I didn't know people actually talked like that in America. I would definitely think he is a Canadian.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhAf7tipK9A