Here are some expressions your grandparents—or even great-grandparents—might have tossed around, especially in Canada or the broader English-speaking world. They vary by region, but most were common across the mid-20th century:
A knitted winter hat. Older generations pronounced it “tuke.”
2. Chesterfield
A sofa or couch. This one instantly signals “Canadian grandparent.”
3. Biffy / Loo
A polite old-fashioned way to refer to the bathroom.
4. Knackered
Completely exhausted. Used across the Commonwealth, but once very common in Canada.
5. Rink Rat
A kid who spent every spare minute at the local skating rink.
6. Give ’er
Meaning “go for it” or “put some effort into it.”
7. Out for a rip
Going for a drive or having a bit of fun. Still used today, but older folks used it more casually.
8. Hoser
A teasing insult meaning a loser or goof. Popular in the 1970s and ’80s.
9. Keener
Someone who’s overly eager or enthusiastic — teachers used this one a lot.
10. Gitch / Gotch
Underwear. Depends on the region; Prairie and Ontario families used these a lot.
11. Beaut / A real beauty
Something excellent or someone with a great personality.
12. Skookum
Borrowed from Chinook Jargon, meaning strong, good, impressive. Very common among older British Columbians.
13. Mickey
A small bottle of liquor (375 mL). Older folks used this long before younger Canadians revived it.
14. Two-four
A 24-pack of beer. A staple of long weekends.
15. The Hydro
The electricity company. “Call Hydro,” “the Hydro bill,” “Hydro’s out.”
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