Dead to Me
Spooky Times
It’s a Small World
Getting from Here to There
Fall Times
100
This street sign indicates a road with only one way in and no exit, sometimes labeled “No outlet.”
What is a dead end?
Dead-end streets are also commonly called “cul-de-sacs,” a French term meaning “bottom of a sack.”
100
Bringers of bad luck, this animal joined Halloween lore after the 15th century fear of witches spread through Europe.
What are black cats?
During the Middle Ages in parts of Europe, black cats were often wrongly linked to witchcraft, which led to widespread superstition about them.
100
Similar to a pushpin, this fastener has a short metal point and a flat head for attaching papers to a bulletin board.
What is a thumbtack?
Pushpins are easier to handle and remove given their design, while thumbtacks are a bit harder to lift.
100
A vehicle that "drinks" a lot of gas is often described by this nickname.
What is a gas guzzler?
The term "gas guzzler" became especially popular during the fuel shortages of the 1970s, when drivers became more concerned about fuel economy.
100
Every kid’s favourite fall holiday is celebrated on this date each year.
What is October 31?
It’s Halloween, and little ones wear their costumes and collect sweet loot from family, friends, and neighbours.
200
This type of lock has no spring mechanism and is often used as a secondary lock on doors for added security.
What is a deadbolt?
The lock forces a bolt into a hardened doorframe. It requires tools and knowledge to open without a key.
200
Coined in 1927 in Blackie, Alberta, this phrase is said on Halloween as you ask for candy.
What is “Trick or treat”?
The phrase “trick or treat” became widely popular in North America in the early 20th century, but the tradition itself has roots in older European customs like “souling,” where people went door to door offering prayers in exchange for food.
200
The name for each little corn segment.
What is kernel?
In most countries, corn is called maize. Each ear of corn has approximately 800 kernels.
200
This popular type of “sport” vehicle combines features of a station wagon and a van.
What is an SUV or sport utility vehicle?
It's also known as a crossover vehicle. Crossovers are the most popular type of vehicle today.
200
This holiday, celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada, is a time to gather with family and enjoy a harvest meal.
What is Thanksgiving?
Canadian Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the second Monday in October since 1957, several weeks earlier than the American holiday because Canada's harvest season comes sooner.
300
A person who avoids work or responsibility, or who fails to repay debts, may be called this.
What is a deadbeat?
The term “deadbeat” dates back to the 19th century and was originally used in legal contexts to describe people who failed to pay debts.
300
Jack-o’-lanterns were originally carved and lit from the inside with a candle and placed in windows to ward off these harmful supernatural beings.
What are evil spirits?
Early versions were originally made using other root vegetables before pumpkins became common in North America.
300
A beach’s tiny grains.
What is sand?
Sand is the byproduct of broken-down organic and inorganic things such as rocks, dead coral, and skeletal remains of marine life.
300
Originally developed for hunting, this lightweight boat is powered by one person using a double-bladed paddle and is used for sport or leisure.
What is a kayak?
Traditional kayaks were developed thousands of years ago by the Inuit and other Indigenous peoples of the Arctic.
300
October's birthstone is this colourful gemstone, famous for displaying flashes of many different colours.
What is opal?
An opal can display a dazzling "play-of-colour," where tiny spheres inside the stone reflect different wavelengths of light.
400
This phrase describes silence so complete you could hear a pin drop.
What is dead silence?
The expression “dead silence” has been used in English literature for centuries to emphasize moments of tension or suspense.
400
No hands allowed! This Halloween party game dates back to ancient Rome, where it was associated with the goddess Pomona.
What is bobbing for apples?
Bobbing for apples is linked to ancient Roman harvest festivals honouring Pomona, the goddess of fruit trees and orchards.
400
This unit of time is equal to one-billionth of a second.
What is a nanosecond?
In modern computers and telecommunications, operations are often measured in nanoseconds because they happen so quickly.
400
This vehicle picks up passengers who signal for a ride and charges a fare based on distance or time.
What is a taxi?
The word "taxi" comes from "taximeter," the device that measures the fare based on time and distance traveled.
400
This autumn activity involves walking through tall crops while trying to find your way out of a maze.
What is a corn maze?
The first modern corn maze in North America was created in the 1990s and has since become a popular fall attraction on farms
500
This word describes a completely serious expression that shows no emotion, often used for comedic effect.
What is deadpan?
Deadpan humour relies on saying something funny while keeping a straight face, which makes the audience’s reaction part of the joke.
500
In the British Isles, this root vegetable was traditionally carved instead of pumpkins.
What is a turnip?
Turnips are smaller and harder than pumpkins, which made carving them more difficult but also longer-lasting when lit.
500
This ant is famous for having one of the most painful insect stings.
What is the bullet ant?
The blast of pain from a bullet ant’s sting lasts between 12 and 36 hours. Ouch!
500
This watercraft carries people and vehicles across a river, lake, or other body of water.
What is a ferry?
Canada's BC Ferries operates one of the largest ferry fleets in the world, connecting coastal communities and islands.
500
This bird is often associated with Thanksgiving dinners in Canada and the United States.
What is a turkey?
Wild turkeys can run up to 40 km/h and fly short distances despite their size.