As neighbors, Canada and the United States have a lot in common. They share the world’s longest border, have similar cultures, and are both powerhouse countries in terms of economy and influence. However, there are certain things about Canada that Americans just can’t stand. Let’s take a look at 25 of them.
Hockey Dominance
It’s no secret that Canada takes hockey very seriously. The country has produced some of the greatest sports players and consistently dominates international competitions. This can be a sore point for American hockey fans who often see their team lose to their northern neighbors.
Canadian Politeness
While Americans are known for their outgoing and direct nature, Canadians are often stereotyped as being overly polite. This can be insincere or annoying to some Americans who value directness and assertiveness.
“EH”
The quintessential Canadian saying, “eh,” is used at the end of sentences to seek agreement or add emphasis. Some Americans find this linguistic quirk to be strange or unnecessary.
Poutine
Poutine is a Canadian delicacy dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. While some Americans may love the combination of fried potatoes and cheese, adding dressing can be off-putting to others.
Maple Syrup on Everything
Canadians love pouring maple syrup on almost anything from pancakes to bacon. While some Americans may enjoy the occasional drizzle of maple syrup, they might find it odd that Canadians put it on many different foods.
Health Care System
One of the most significant differences between Canada and America is their healthcare systems. While Canada has universal healthcare, some Americans consider it a burden on their taxes or government overreach.
Curling
Another sport Canadians excel at is curling, which involves sliding stones across the ice and using brooms to guide them. Some Americans need to understand the appeal of this slow-paced game and prefer more action-packed sports.
“Zed” vs. “Zee”
The last letter of the alphabet is pronounced as “zed” in Canada and “zee” in America. This can be a source of confusion or even annoyance for some Americans accustomed to hearing it pronounced differently.
Bagged Milk
In many parts of Canada, milk is sold in bags rather than cartons or jugs. This concept may seem strange to some Americans and can be messy to pour, leading to frustration. However, it is more environmentally friendly.
Canadian Humor
Canadians have a unique sense of humor, often described as more dry and subtle than American comedy, which is bolder and in-your-face. Some Americans may need help understanding the jokes or finding them boring.
French Influence
Canada has a significant French influence, particularly in the province of Quebec. Some Americans may feel like they are being excluded or looked down upon when visiting French-speaking areas of Canada.
Kinder Surprise
Kinder Surprise, a chocolate egg with a toy inside, is banned in the United States due to a law prohibiting objects hidden within food. Some Americans find this rule excessive and miss out on enjoying these popular treats. Kinder Surprise in Canada is called “Kinder Joy,” they have the toy separate from the chocolate.
The Metric System
Canada uses the metric system, which means that speed limits and distances on road signs are measured in kilometers rather than miles. This needs to be clarified for Americans used to seeing miles per hour.
Ketchup Chips
A popular snack in Canada, ketchup-flavored chips might seem like they need to be more appealing to some Americans who are used to more traditional chip flavors like barbecue or sour cream and onion.
Canadian Bacon
In Canada, what Americans call Canadian bacon is called “back bacon.” The difference in name may seem small, but some Americans might need clarification and correction.
Canadian Coins
Canada has different coins from those in America, including the iconic Loonie and toonie. Some Americans may find these coins strange-looking or inconvenient compared to their currency. The Loonie isn’t quite as iconic as America’s “Bald Eagle” dollar.
“Soda” vs. “Pop”
In Canada, carbonated drinks are often called “pop” rather than “soda.” The different terminology can cause some confusion for Americans, especially when ordering drinks at a restaurant.
Snow All Year Round
Canada is known for its long and harsh winters, with some parts of the country experiencing snow all year round. This may seem unbearable to some Americans who are used to milder winters.
Canadian Tuxedo
The Canadian tuxedo is a trend popular among Canadians, which involves wearing a denim jacket with jeans. Some Americans may need help understanding this fashion choice or seeing it as tacky and unfashionable compared to their style.
The Canadian Flag
The iconic maple leaf flag is a source of pride for Canadians, but some Americans may not understand the significance or find it plain and unimpressive compared to their flag.
Canadian Geese
These birds are common in Canada but can also be found in the United States. However, many American cities see them as a nuisance due to their aggressive behavior and tendency to leave droppings everywhere.
Timbits
Another popular snack in Canada, Timbits, is donut holes sold at the beloved coffee chain Tim Hortons. Some Americans may need help understanding the hype around these small treats or finding them too sweet for their liking.
Tim Hortons vs Dunkin’ Donuts
Speaking of Tim Hortons, it’s often compared to the American chain Dunkin’ Donuts. Some Americans may consider Tim Hortons an inferior version of their beloved coffee and donut establishment. However, many Canadians swear by Tim Hortons and see it as a national treasure.
Canadian Thanksgiving
Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October, while the United States celebrates it in November. Some Americans may not understand why Canada has a different date for this holiday or might even find it odd.
Butter Tart
This quintessential Canadian dessert resembles a small pie with a flaky crust and gooey filling. Some Americans may have yet to hear of this treat or may not appreciate the sweetness overload. However, for Canadians, butter tarts are a beloved tradition often associated with holidays like Christmas.
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