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10 Ways To Tell The Difference Between U.S. And Canadians

10 Ways To Tell The Difference Between U.S. And Canadians

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Many people have difficulty telling U.S. citizens apart from Canadians. The accents are pretty similar, and they’re all from somewhere in the general North American region, right? With just a bit of training and close observation, it’s easy: here are 10 ways to spot the difference between U.S. and Canadians.

FSCanada.org
FSCanada.org

How often they apologize

It’s a myth that all Americans are rude and unapologetic. Seriously, have you been to the Midwest? Some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet! New Yorkers on the other hand… Canadians however, are famous for the frequency with which they apologize. Anybody who inserts a “sorry” every other sentence is definitely from Canada.

GrooveGrrrrrl.Blogspot.com
GrooveGrrrrrl.Blogspot.com

“About,” “sorry,” and “roof”

The different ways U.S. and Canadians pronounce their “o” sounds are a dead giveaway, and “about,” (“aboot” if you’re Canadian), “sorry,” and “roof” are some of the most obvious instances. Just ask the person you’re talking to about shingling or something and pay close attention to their answer. Also, if they say, “Eh?” they are most definitely Canadian.

UToronto.ca
UToronto.ca

See who starts the fight

A bit of a stereotype, but there’s a very good chance that the fight instigator is from the U.S., while anybody who got unwillingly roped into it is from a bit farther north. Definitely not 100-percent accurate, but worth noticing.

TeaFaerie.org
TeaFaerie.org

What they put on their toast

U.S. is all about the savory toast option – butter, cream cheese, etc. – while Canadians are more likely to go for the sweet – marmalade, jam, maple syrup (maybe not, but maple syrup on anything is a fair bet).

ForceChange.com
ForceChange.com

Their views on gun control

Even U.S. citizens who are for gun control know that it’s difficult to work it around the Constitutional Second Amendment. Canadians will look at you blankly. Gun control doesn’t really need to at the center of the national conversation there.

WomensHockeyLife.com
WomensHockeyLife.com

Opinions on hockey

In Canada, hockey is a way of life, national pride, and the sport that every little kid plays for at least a few years before they are allowed to diversify their interests. In America, it’s that other sport after football, basketball, baseball, and maybe even soccer.

HubSpot.net
HubSpot.net

Their reactions when you mention healthcare

In Canada, healthcare is free and not really a concern – when you’re sick, you go to the doctor and that’s that. Mentioning healthcare may elicit a few moans about how long the waits are at hospitals or doctors’ offices, but that’s about it. Whereas in America, healthcare is the bane of the political situation, and oftentimes the determining factor in whether or not a family goes bankrupt. It’s a bit more controversial to say the least.

KristineKidd.com
KristineKidd.com

Breakfasts

French toast with maple syrup versus egg-and-cheese sandwiches. Peameal bacon versus streaky bacon. Milk that comes in bags versus milk that comes in cartons. Will the differences never end?

PhotoBucket.com
PhotoBucket.com

Fries

The American french fry is a crispy, skinny, fried potato served with ketchup. Period. In Canada, it’s a bit more complicated. Poutine, or french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, is the most common fast food dish around, and you can find it pretty much anywhere in the country. Both versions are delicious and both equally bad for you in their ability to clog your arteries and stop your heart.

SodaHead.com
SodaHead.com

How offended they get when you mistake them for the other

Actually, they’ll both get pretty offended if you mix it up. Maybe it’s best just to ask before you make any assumptions – for your own safety.