A little birdie told me you liked our “8 Toronto slang words you’d hear on the TTC,” so we’re back with more — whether you asked for it or not.
Have you taken the streetcar or the subway in the last few weeks and started noticing all the different words we mentioned in our last list? Maybe, just maybe, you’re starting to use khalas in regular conversation yourself.
Language is ever-changing. New words are popping up in new places every day, so the list of slang is endless. I’m chronically online, young and live in the city but yet, I can’t keep up with all of these different words.
It’s important to note a lot of the slang words we hear on the TTC, on social media and among our own communities originate from languages like Patois, Arabic and Somali.
Raven Wilkinson, a Master of Arts graduate from Carleton University published a paper on Patois’ presence in Greater Toronto Area slang. She looks at the historical context of the language and how the language’s role contributes to cultures abroad.
While not all slang words come from different languages, many culturally significant words end up in Torontonians’ personal vocabularies — that’s why you should know the histories and origins behind each word before using it. Check out the first list here and then, keep on reading for the meaning behind even more Toronto slang.
Two-twos
Pronounced like the number, this word originates from the Caribbean and means “in a jiffy” or “quickly.”
Mazza
Pronounced “mah-ZUH,” this word is used in situations where you want to call something madness. An example would include, “that song is real mazza.” Fun fact: this slang word started its journey in the United Kingdom.
Wallahi/Wallah
Pronounced “wuh-lah-hee,” this word means “swear to God” in languages like Arabic and Somali. I often make my non-Muslim, non-Arab friends say “wallahi” when I want them to promise something.
Gerber(t)
Gerber originally comes from the name of an American baby food company, Gerber Products Company. As slang, the word is derogatory and meant to offend someone who’s acting childish. I’ve seen a few different explanations on TikTok and Instagram for what this word means, so proceed at your own risk.
@bxeezy.e Thoughts? 🤔😂
♬ original sound – Breezy
Yallah
Pronounced “Yul-LUH,” this Arabic word means a couple different things based on the context it’s used in. It could mean “okay,” “let’s go,” or “hurry up” depending on tone and anger levels.
If you meet me in person, you might just hear me say, “Yallah, let’s go” when I’ve had enough.
Cheesed
This word typically means “pissed off” in the Toronto context. Growing up, I went to a summer camp in Michigan and friends were always so confused when we would say “cheesed” meant mad. For them, “cheesed” had positive connotations.
Gassed
This word is used in happier, more positive contexts. If a pretty girl walks down the street and compliments you, you might turn to your friend and say, “I’m gassed right now.”
This is another example of a word that has different meanings in different times. For example, in the United States, the word means tired.
Chopped
This word means “ugly.” So if you hear someone on the TTC calling you “chopped,” just know they’re calling you ugly. Sorry.
Did we miss a word you absolutely love? Or got a bone to pick with me for including something on this list you think is wrong? Don’t fight me please, but feel free to reach out to aia@thegreenline.to to let me know. Unless you want to yell at me, then I didn’t write the article.
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