A Boot and A Toque
In Canadian English, what’s meant by “a two-four”?
What is a case of 24 beers?
Bananas are technically this kind of fruit.
What is a berry?
Kids used this rubber string around their legs to play jumping games.
What are elastics?
These were the go-to for boiling, mashing, frying, or just covering in ketchup.
What are potatoes?
❄️ When you can see your breath, it means this has left your body.
What is water vapour (or moisture)?
🐄 If someone says “That cow’s gone for a rip in the back forty,” what does “back forty” refer to?
What is the far end or back section of a property or farm?
This Canadian city is sinking about 1 cm per year.
What is Vancouver?
This lawn game used metal darts before being banned for safety.
What is lawn darts (Jarts)?
You’d open a can of this to make sandwiches for school lunches — just add mayo and pickles.
What is tuna?
This natural phenomenon makes it nearly impossible to open your car door.
What is freezing rain (or ice storm)?
🎣 In New Brunswick, what does it mean if someone “got skunked” on a fishing trip?
What is they didn’t catch any fish?
In 1978, Canada had a mail strike — so we issued stamps shaped like these.
What are hugs (or kisses — X’s and O’s)?
This plastic toy bounced and walked down stairs.
What is a Slinky?
This onion-topped, crunchy casserole side dish became a staple thanks to the green bean.
What is green bean casserole?
Before proper boots, some kids used these to keep their feet dry — over their shoes!
What are bread bags?
“He’s got a few screws loose, but he’s good in the corners.” What Canadian sport are they talking about, and what does it mean?
What is hockey, and it means he’s tough but effective in rough spots?
The human body has enough iron to make this tool.
What is a nail?
You’d wrap a string around this toy and make it “walk the dog.”
What is a yo-yo?
🥩 Before slow cookers, meat was often cooked this way: flour it, fry it, then let it simmer for hours in gravy.
What is braising?
This device, often used in Canadian homes, measures and regulates indoor temperature during harsh winters.
What is a thermostat?
This famous Canadian author wrote about wearing a toque in the cold wilderness in his novel “The Call of the Wild.”
Who is Jack London? (Though London was American, his works often depict northern winters; if strictly Canadian, this could be adjusted.)
These birds can jump up to 6 feet in the air to avoid predators.
What are penguins?
You needed dice, cash, and long hours for this rainy-day board game.
What is Monopoly?
This all-in-one dish might include hot dogs, canned beans, and ketchup, all baked together.
What is a cowboy casserole (or beanie weenies)?
This phenomenon, common in Northern Canada, causes extended periods without sunlight in winter.
What is polar night?