Over six million people in Canada, with the majority living in the province of Quebec, speak Quebec French, referred to more generally as Quebecois. The roots of the language arise from 17th- and 18th-century regional dialects of early modern France, but through the centuries, it has evolved through layers of colonial history, First Nations influences, and industrial change. Here are 11 unique words from the Quebecois language.
Cabane à Sucre
Pronounce it like this: caban-a-sucr-uh.
Cabane à sucre – Sugar shack | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Tuque
Pronounce it like this: toook.
Tuque – Winter hat | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Dépanneur
Pronounce it like this: dep-pan-euhr.
Dépanneur – Corner Store | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Brunante
Pronounce it like this: bruh-nante.
Brunante – Nightfall or dusk | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Banc de neige
Pronounce it like this: bahnk-de-nehge.
Banc de neige – Snowbank | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Quétaine
Pronounce it like this: keh-tayne.
Quétaine – Kitsch | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Frasil
Pronounce it like this: fra-seel.
Frasil – Thin ice | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Chialer
Pronounce it like this: shia-ley.
Chialer – Crying or whining | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Char
Pronounce it like this: shaah.
Char – Car | © Culture Trip/Emily Paskevics
Placoter
Pronounce it like this: pla-cot-eh.
Placoter – To chat or chatter | © The Culture Trip/ Emily Paskevics
Nuage
Pronounce it like this: nu-aahje.
Nuage – Scarf | © The Culture Trip/ Emily Paskevics