Toronto slang represents a distinctive informal vocabulary prevalent in the Greater Toronto Area, especially among non-white, urban, working-class speakers of Canadian English. It stands out as the most widely recognized element of a regional English Multiethnolect known as Multicultural Toronto English (abbreviated MTE). This linguistic phenomenon emerged in the late 90s and garnered attention from researchers in the 2000s.

The multiethnolect is often paired with a distinctive accent, commonly known as the Toronto accent, sharing roots and origins with the dialect itself. This accent is a byproduct of the city’s multiculturalism, primarily linked to Millennial and Gen Z populations residing in ethnically diverse districts of Toronto. The language is spoken specifically within the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, Barrie, and Ottawa. To a lesser extent, it has been exported to other diverse neighborhoods and urban Canadian cities, including segments of Montréal, Calgary, and Edmonton.

Toronto Slang History

The roots of Toronto’s slang and accent can be traced back to extensive migration from the Caribbean, East Africa, and the Middle East to Canada spanning the 1960s to the 1990s. Throughout this period, a notable surge of immigrants from nations like Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, and Ethiopia predominantly made Toronto and other regions of the Greater Toronto Area their home.

Many of these immigrants, escaping war, conflict, and challenging economic conditions, arrived with limited financial resources. Consequently, they sought housing in Toronto’s lower-income communities. These neighborhoods swiftly evolved into lively melting pots, brimming with a diverse array of cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

This cultural amalgamation played a pivotal role in the development of MTE, deeply rooted in Toronto’s multiculturalism and heavily influenced by Caribbean, East African, and Middle Eastern languages. In the late ’90s, native Toronto rapper Kardinal Offishall released his Billboard-charting single “BaKardi Slang,” showcasing a plethora of the city’s slang within the lyrics. This release signaled that the dialect had already significantly developed by that time.

The second-generation descendants of these immigrants played a significant role in ingraining Toronto’s distinct slang and accent into the city’s culture. Confronted with limited economic opportunities within their communities, the children of the initial immigrant influx turned to creative outlets such as rap music, fashion, and athletics for both expression and livelihood.

Toronto Slang Words

Their influence in these domains significantly molded the city’s popular culture, particularly among the youth in the Greater Toronto Area. As a result, their distinctive way of speaking, influenced by the multiculturalism of their communities, gained widespread adoption in the late 1990s and early 2000s, owing to their role as local tastemakers.

In 2006, Toronto’s slang and accent received its first formal acknowledgment in academic research. The surge in blogging during this era played a crucial role in documenting the use and development of MTE. Notably, Jane-Finch.com, a community-driven archive dedicated to the Jane and Finch area, emerged as a prominent example, capturing key instances of MTE’s use throughout the decade. Additionally, documentaries by local broadcasters like CityTV and CBC brought attention to the presence of this dialect in the city. This linguistic evolution not only mirrored Toronto’s multicultural heritage but also functioned as a unifying cultural element for the city.

Toronto Slang Vocabulary

Here is a list of common words in Greater Toronto English:

Toronto Slang – Adjectives

“Bare” (a lot/many/very) In Toronto slang, “Bare” is used to convey a significant quantity or abundance. It finds its roots in Jamaican Patois, adding a cultural touch to the expression.
“Beat” The term “Beat” in Toronto slang is employed to describe something that looks unattractive or displeasing, applicable to both objects and individuals.
“Beg” In local slang, “Beg” is employed to characterize someone as needy, and it can also describe something as pitiful or lamentable.
“Blem” In Toronto slang, “Blem” is utilized to describe an individual who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This term has its origins in Jamaican Patois.
“Cheesed” In Toronto slang denotes a state of being upset, mad, or angry, adding a flavorful expression to emotional descriptions.
“Dess” is a shortened form of “desperate” in Toronto slang, used to describe both individuals and situations perceived as pitiful or unfortunate.
“Deezed” In local lingo, “Deezed” is employed to depict an individual as muscular and strong, showcasing the influence of slang in body-related descriptors.
“Dry” The term “Dry” in Toronto slang characterizes something as uncool, lame, or uninteresting. It conveys a sense of dullness or lack of enthusiasm.
“Fried” In local lingo, “Fried” is employed to depict an individual who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, emphasizing the altered state of being.
“Greezy” in Toronto slang is utilized to describe something as impressive or attractive, often used in a fashionable context.
“Likkle” The term “Likkle” is used in Toronto slang to convey the meaning of small or little. Its roots can be traced back to Jamaican Patois, contributing to the multicultural linguistic landscape.
“Live” In local lingo, “Live” is employed to describe something as lively or exciting, often used as an expression of approval or endorsement for the energetic atmosphere of an event.
“Marved” (hungry, starving) In Toronto slang, “Marved” is used to convey a state of hunger or starvation, expressing a strong need for food.
“Merked” The term “Merked” in local lingo characterizes something as ugly or unattractive, often used to express a negative aesthetic opinion.
“Miskeen” In Toronto slang, “Miskeen” is employed to describe someone or something as pathetic, innocent, or poor. This term originates from Arabic, adding cultural diversity to its usage.
“Mod” is used in Toronto slang to describe something as crazy, emphasizing an unconventional or wild nature.
“Moshup” is used in local lingo to describe something that is ruined, messed up, or botched, often indicating a situation that has gone awry. Its roots can be traced back to Jamaican Patois.
“Neatly” in Toronto slang is employed to emphasize the quality or manner in which an action will be carried out, showcasing a sense of precision or excellence.
“Next” The term “Next” in local lingo is used to describe something other than what is currently discussed, often emphasizing a disregard or the need for an alternative.
“Namebrand” In Toronto slang, “Namebrand” is used to denote something as important or of high quality, commonly applied when describing an individual with significance or prestige.
“Peng” The term “Peng” in local lingo is used to describe a person who is attractive. Its roots can be traced back to Jamaican Patois, contributing to the multicultural linguistic influences.
“Soft” In Toronto slang, “Soft” is employed to describe something as permissible and not requiring worry, often indicating an easygoing or laid-back situation.
“Sweeterman” or “Sweeter-ting” in Toronto slang refers to an attractive person, using a playful expression to highlight someone’s appealing qualities.
“Vexxed” is used in local lingo to express a state of being annoyed, upset, or irritated. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, adding cultural depth to its usage.
“Wassi” in Toronto slang is used to describe something as crazy or unusual, typically referring to the actions of a person. Its origins can be traced back to Jamaican Patois.
“Waste” The term “Waste” in local lingo is used to describe something as undesirable or dissatisfying. Its roots can be traced back to Jamaican Patois, enriching the linguistic diversity.

Toronto Slang – Interjections

“Ahlie” In Toronto slang, “Ahlie” is used as an expression to agree with something or to seek confirmation, akin to asking, “am I lying?” Its origins can be traced back to Jamaican Patois.
“Are you dumb?” The phrase “Are you dumb?” in local lingo is used to describe someone who behaves stupidly and in a completely idiotic manner, emphasizing a sense of disbelief or frustration.
“Bless up!” is a commonly used expression in Toronto slang, serving as a warm greeting or farewell, conveying positive vibes and good wishes.
“Dun Know/dunno” In Toronto slang, “Dun Know” or “dunno” is used as a versatile expression, replacing phrases like “you already know,” “of course,” or “I know.” It is also used as a farewell. This term originates from Jamaican Patois.
“Eediot ting” in local lingo refers to an event or action that was stupid or embarrassing to the point of disbelief. This expression originates from Jamaican Patois.
“Fend that” In Toronto slang, “Fend that” is used as an instruction for someone to defend themselves or respond to a confrontation, reflecting a call to action.
“Holy!” The exclamation “Holy!” in local lingo, pronounced ‘holay,’ is employed as an expression of surprise or confusion, adding emphasis to the emotional reaction.
“Gwan easy” In Toronto slang, “Gwan easy” is used to advise someone to “take it easy” or “calm down.” This expression has its roots in Jamaican Patois.
“Inshallah” The term “Inshallah” in Toronto slang, originating from Arabic, signifies “If God wills it,” often used to express hope or uncertainty about future events.
“Jheez” in local lingo is employed to express surprise, excitement, or support, adding emphasis to positive reactions.
“Jokes!” in Toronto slang is used to compliment something funny or hilarious, acknowledging humor with approval.
“Khallas” in local lingo, originating from Arabic, signifies that something is finished, completed, or done, indicating the conclusion of a task or situation.
“Mashallah” in Toronto slang, originating from Arabic, is used to congratulate someone, expressing admiration for their achievements.
“More life” in local lingo is used to wish someone goodwill, commonly employed as a replacement for “happy birthday.”
“Nize it/nize that” In Toronto slang, “Nize it” or “nize that” is used to instruct someone to shut up or stop talking, expressing a desire for silence.
“Say less/say no more/don’t say a word” In Toronto slang, the phrases “Say less,” “Say no more,” or “Don’t say a word” are used to enthusiastically or supportively agree to a demand, request, or suggestion, expressing full cooperation.
“Styll” pronounced as “still,” is used in local lingo to mean agreement with someone or affirming the truth. It is occasionally placed at the end of a statement for emphasis.
“Top left” in Toronto slang is used to emphasize the truth or sincerity of a statement, serving a similar function to expressions like “I swear” or “I promise.”
“Wagwan” is an equivalent greeting in Toronto slang to “what’s up” or “what’s going on?” This term originates from Jamaican Patois, contributing to the city’s multicultural linguistic influences.
“Wallahi” in local lingo, originating from Arabic, is used to assert the truthfulness of a statement, akin to saying “I swear to God.”
“Warya” in Toronto slang is used to address a man directly or to get his attention. This term originates from Somali, showcasing the city’s diverse linguistic influences.
“What’re you sayin?” is used in Toronto slang as an expression of greeting, equivalent to asking “what you up to?” This term originates from Jamaican Patois.
“Y-pree” in local lingo is used to instruct someone to mind their own business. This term originates from Jamaican Patois.

Toronto Slang – Pronouns

“Mans” or sometimes “man-dem” In Toronto slang, “Mans” or “man-dem” is used to refer to the first person, encompassing I, me, you, or people. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, adding a cultural touch to expressions related to self and others.
- In 21st-century Toronto English, the term “Mans” has garnered notable attention for its versatile application as a variety of personal pronouns. It is utilized as a first-person singular pronoun (akin to I or me), a second-person singular pronoun (similar to you), or even as an indefinite pronoun (resembling people or folks). When employing “mans,” a plural-conjugated verb becomes necessary. For instance, “Mans are ready” could signify “I am ready,” “you are ready,” or “we are ready.” The phrase “What are mans saying?” might convey “What am I saying?,” “What are you saying?,” or “What are we saying?”
  - This unique usage of “mans” as a singular pronoun is distinctively Torontonian and not found elsewhere, even in Multicultural London English (MLE). Although both terms likely developed in parallel timeframes, the singular pronoun “mans” is exclusively associated with Toronto. It is probable that the origins of both usages trace back to “man” with a Jamaican Patois or other Caribbean Creole influence. However, no Creole employs “mans” in precisely the same manner. The evolution of this pronoun from the original noun, “man(s),” has been occurring in Toronto since approximately 2005 to the present.
“My guy” In Toronto slang, “my guy” is a term used to refer to a close friend or acquaintance. It’s an informal way of acknowledging someone you have a connection with.
“Them/dem-mans/man-dem” This phrase is used to indicate a group of people, equivalent to saying “them” in standard English. The variations like “dem-mans” or “man-dem” add a local flavor to the expression.
“Us mans” In Toronto slang, “us mans” is a way of saying “we.” It’s a plural form that includes the speaker and others in their group.
“You mans” Similar to “us mans,” “you mans” is a plural form of addressing a group of people with the pronoun “you.”
“Fam” is an affectionate term used to refer to a friend or anyone considered part of the extended ‘family’ in a communal sense. It can also be used interchangeably with ‘we’ or ‘us.’ The term originates from Jamaican Patois, adding cultural significance to this expression.

Toronto Slang – Nouns

“6ix” In Toronto slang, “6ix” is used to refer to Toronto, specifically in reference to its six districts. It’s a localized term that reflects the city’s unique identity.
“Abti/upti” The terms “Abti” or “Upti” in local lingo are used to refer to an uncle. These terms have their origins in Somali, adding cultural diversity to their usage.
“Akhi” in Toronto slang directly translates to brother but is commonly used to refer to one’s close friend. Its origins can be traced back to Arabic, contributing to the multicultural linguistic influences.
“Bawtymon” in local lingo is a derogatory term used to refer to a homosexual individual. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, reflecting diverse linguistic influences.
“Boydem/Bwoydem” is used in Toronto slang to refer to the government or police. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, highlighting the city’s multicultural linguistic influences.
“Bucktee/bean” in local lingo is used to refer to someone who is an addict, homeless, or acts as such. These terms have their origins in Somali, showcasing the city’s diverse linguistic influences.
“Bangout” in Toronto slang refers to a large fight or brawl, usually one with an audience, adding a local flavor to the description of such events.
“Canteen” is used to refer to jail or prison, providing a localized term for this context.
“Chop” in local lingo is used to describe the act of selling drugs, offering a unique term for this illicit activity.
“Chrome” in Toronto slang is used to refer to a gun or firearm, adding a distinct local flavor to the description of such weapons.
“Chune” in local lingo refers to a song or music, with origins traced back to Jamaican Patois. This term enriches the city’s linguistic diversity.
“Cotch/on cotch” the term “Cotch” or “on cotch” in Toronto slang is used to describe having something ready or prepared, offering a specific and localized expression.
“Crib” in Toronto slang, “Crib” is used to refer to someone’s place of residence, providing a familiar and distinctive term for a home.
“Cro/crodie” in local lingo is a crip version of ‘bro’ or ‘brodie’ and typically refers to a friend. This term has gained popularity among non-gang-affiliated individuals through local rap music.
“Cronem” in Toronto slang refers to a group of ‘cros,’ a crip version of ‘bronem,’ and signifies a group of friends. This term has a specific and localized usage.
“Cyattie” in local lingo describes a female who is being loud and obnoxious, with origins traced back to Jamaican Patois. This term reflects the multicultural linguistic influences in Toronto.
“Cut” in Toronto slang, “Cut” is used to express the act of exiting, getting away from, or leaving a place, offering a succinct and localized term.
“Cuzzo” in local lingo is used to refer to a cousin, providing a familiar and distinctive term for family members.
“Deafazz” in Toronto slang, “Deafazz” is used to describe giving a hard physical slap or a punch to someone, providing a localized expression for such actions.
“Dhillo” in local lingo is a derogatory term used to refer to a promiscuous woman. This term originates from Somali, contributing to the city’s diverse linguistic influences.
“Dime piece” in Toronto slang, “Dime piece” is used to describe an attractive woman, offering a unique and localized way to express admiration for someone’s physical appearance.
“DT” in local lingo is an abbreviation for downtown, providing a quick and specific term for the central part of the city.
“Dukes” in Toronto slang is used to refer to parents, adding a distinct and familiar term for family members.
“Duppy” in local lingo refers to a ghost or spirit, with origins traced back to Jamaican Patois. This term adds a touch of cultural diversity to the city’s linguistic expressions.
“Ends” in Toronto slang refers to an area or neighborhood, with origins from Jamaican Patois. This term enriches the local vocabulary with multicultural influences.
“Fam” in local lingo is short for “family” but is generally used to refer to a friend. Its origins can be traced back to Jamaican Patois, showcasing the city’s diverse linguistic influences.
“Fuckery” in Toronto slang is used to describe bullshit or nonsense, with origins from Jamaican Patois. This term adds a touch of cultural diversity to expressions of frustration or disbelief.
“Gazza” in Toronto slang, “Gazza” is used to refer to drama, gossip, conflict, or theatrics, providing a localized term for such situations.
“Govy” in Toronto slang, “Govy” is used as an abbreviation for someone’s government name, legal name, or personal information. This term reflects the city’s unique expression for personal identification.
“Gyal” in local lingo, “Gyal” is used to refer to a girl, with its origins traced back to Jamaican Patois. This term adds a touch of cultural diversity to everyday expressions.
“Gyallis” in Toronto slang refers to a guy who can pick up ladies easily or has a reputation for pursuing several women at a time. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, showcasing cultural influences in the city’s expressions.
“Gyaldem” in local lingo refers to a group of girls, with origins from Jamaican Patois. This term adds a touch of cultural diversity to the city’s linguistic expressions.
“Habbad” in Toronto slang is used to refer to a gun or weapon. This term originates from Somali, contributing to the city’s diverse linguistic influences.
“Headtop” in local lingo refers to a person’s head but can metaphorically represent their mental state. This term has its origins in Jamaican Patois, enriching the city’s vocabulary with cultural diversity.
“Hoodman” in Toronto slang, “Hoodman” refers to a young working-class person involved in crime and drugs, similar to the equivalent term “roadman” used in MLE (Multicultural London English). This term describes a specific urban lifestyle.
“Hooyo” is used to refer to mom or mother, with origins from Somali. This term reflects the city’s multicultural linguistic influences.
“Jake” in Toronto slang is used to refer to a police officer, providing a distinct and localized term for law enforcement.
“Khaniis” in Toronto slang, “Khaniis” is a derogatory term used to refer to a homosexual individual, originating from Somali. This term reflects the city’s linguistic diversity.
“Mandem” in local lingo refers to a group of males or male friends, with its origins traced back to Jamaican Patois. This term adds a touch of cultural diversity to expressions for a male social group.
“Miyute” or “myyute” in Toronto slang describes a person who is childlike, insignificant, and not taken seriously. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, showcasing cultural influences in the city’s expressions.
“Mixup” in local lingo refers to drama, gossip, conflict, or theatrics, with origins from Jamaican Patois. This term enriches the city’s vocabulary with cultural diversity.
“OT” in Toronto slang is an abbreviation for out of town, providing a quick and specific term for something or someone from outside the local area.
“Pokes” in Toronto slang, “Pokes” is synonymous with the vagina, offering a unique and localized term for female anatomy.
“Shordy” in local lingo is used to refer to a girl, providing a distinct and familiar term for a female.
“Side ting” in Toronto slang refers to a sexual partner other than a girlfriend or wife. This term is commonly used to describe extramarital or non-committed relationships.
“Snake” in Toronto slang, “Snake” is used to describe an untrustworthy person, offering a localized term for someone who is deceitful or disloyal.
“Stain” in local lingo refers to the act of stealing or robbing, providing a specific and localized expression for criminal activities.
“T-Dot” in local lingo, “T-Dot” is an abbreviation for Toronto, providing a quick and specific term for the city.
“Telly” in Toronto slang refers to a hotel or a hotel room, offering a convenient and localized term for accommodation.
“Ting” in local lingo, “Ting” refers to a thing but usually is used to describe an attractive female. This term has its origins in Jamaican Patois, adding cultural diversity to expressions for attractiveness.
“Two-Twos” in Toronto slang describes something happening unexpectedly or quickly, providing a specific expression for swift actions.
“Wasteman” in local lingo describes a worthless, garbage, insensible, idiotic person who makes bad decisions with their life. Both words are used interchangeably, and the term originates from Jamaican Patois.
“Wasteyute” in Toronto slang is used similarly to “wasteman” but more specifically describes a childlike or naive individual. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, showcasing cultural influences in the city’s expressions.
“Wifey” is used to refer to a girlfriend or wife, offering a familiar and distinct term for a female partner.
“Wozzles” in Toronto slang, “Wozzles” refers to oral sex, providing a unique and localized term for this intimate activity.
“Yute” in local lingo is synonymous with “youth” but is used to directly address or refer to a young person. This term has its origins in Jamaican Patois, adding cultural diversity to expressions for young individuals.

Toronto Slang – Verbs

“Ball up” in Toronto slang, “Ball up” refers to smoking marijuana, providing a localized term for engaging in this recreational activity.
“Bagged” in local lingo describes having acquired a significant other or sexual partner, offering a specific and casual expression for relationship status.
“Buss” in Toronto slang is a versatile term used to mean to give, to send, or to break something, adding a dynamic and localized expression to various actions.
“Duppied” in local lingo means to turn into a ghost, often referring to someone passing away or having been killed. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, contributing cultural diversity to expressions related to mortality.
“Fawad” in Toronto slang means to come or to go somewhere. This term has its origins in Jamaican Patois, enriching the local vocabulary with cultural influences.
“Fend” in local lingo means to defend against, providing a concise and specific expression for protecting oneself.
“Kawal” in Toronto slang means to scam, synonymous with finesse. This term originates from Somali, showcasing cultural influences in expressions related to deception.
“Latched” in local lingo means to be arrested or detained by law enforcement, offering a specific term for legal situations.
“Link” in Toronto slang means to meet up, providing a concise and commonly used expression for arranging meetings.
“Lowe” in Toronto slang, “Lowe” means to ignore, forget, or not bother with something or someone. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, bringing cultural diversity to expressions related to disregard.
“Moving” in local lingo is used to describe someone’s behavior, actions, or attitude, offering a versatile term for expressing oneself or observing others.
“Pree” in Toronto slang means to see, look, or pay close attention to something. This term originates from Jamaican Patois, enriching the local vocabulary with cultural influences.
“Rate” in local lingo is used to express approval or appreciation for something or someone, providing a straightforward and widely used term for showing admiration.
“Reach” or “fly” in Toronto slang are synonyms for “come by” or “attend,” used similarly to “fawad.” These terms offer alternatives for describing the action of arriving or attending an event.
“Send” in local lingo means to hand over or pass an object, providing a concise and commonly used term for transferring something to another person.
“Scoop” in Toronto slang means to get a ride somewhere or get picked up, offering a specific expression for transportation.
“Scrap” in local lingo means to fight, providing a direct and widely understood term for physical altercations.
“Slime” in Toronto slang means to play or act like a player, using others for sexual pleasure, adding a colloquial expression for certain behaviors.
“Toke” in local lingo refers to the action of smoking, often specifically referring to marijuana, providing a concise and commonly used term for this activity.
“Yellowtape” in Toronto slang is used to indicate that something is completed, finished, or closed off, offering a specific expression for concluding actions or projects.

Controversy of Toronto Slang

The discourse surrounding Toronto’s slang and accent has generated various debates and misunderstandings. Some assert that it is a “fake” or recent phenomenon, while others attribute its origins solely to mainstream artists like Drake. However, the aforementioned history unveils a different narrative, highlighting that Toronto’s urban dialect evolved from the multicultural influx of immigrants from the Caribbean, East Africa, and the Middle East between the 1960s and 1990s. This historical context underscores the authentic and rich linguistic diversity that has flourished within the city.

There are persistent misconceptions surrounding the originality and authenticity of Toronto slang. Critics often challenge its genuineness, claiming it mimics Multicultural London English. However, it’s crucial to note that both dialects have independently evolved, stemming from similar immigration patterns. This underscores unique sociolinguistic developments that mirror the diverse multicultural landscapes of their respective cities.

Toronto Slang Words

Conversations about cultural appropriation have emerged concerning Multicultural Toronto English (MTE) and its origins. Critics suggest the potential for its usage to tread into appropriation territory. However, a nuanced perspective positions Toronto slang as a celebration of cultural diversity and integration. Instead of functioning as a means of appropriation, the dialect represents a linguistic confluence where diverse cultural elements converge. This symbolizes appreciation and a shared understanding among Toronto’s diverse communities.

Moreover, public figures like Drake or PartyNextDoor often bear the spotlight, with the genesis and popularization of Toronto slang attributed to them. However, this oversimplified narrative neglects the deeper, historical, and community-driven origins of the language. In truth, the dialect predates careers like Drake’s by decades, a fact even acknowledged by him before incorporating it into his own usage.

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Toronto Slang Words Guide 2024 – A Linguistic Journey