Americans vs. Canadians

I've got a question for you Canadians. Do you really say 'Aboot' instead of 'About'? Yeah, I know, it's probably a really stupid misconception, but I've always wondered.

Jewel Nicole:

I've got a question for you Canadians. Do you really say 'Aboot' instead of 'About'? Yeah, I know, it's probably a really stupid misconception, but I've always wondered.

We do that in Scotland

Jewel Nicole:

I've got a question for you Canadians. Do you really say 'Aboot' instead of 'About'? Yeah, I know, it's probably a really stupid misconception, but I've always wondered.

I suppose, yes. Although it's actually closer to "a-boat", in my opinion.

I AM Canadian ( beer commercial right there) XD.
And can i just say this? My father can name almost all the American presidents, I follow American (well i follow the whole worlds) politics, and my mother has been down to the States more times than i can count. So why is it that when I went down to the States I had to explain where Ottawa was (which is the capital) and then where Canada was, to an American that lived literally two hours away from the Canadian-American border!?
And I don't find that we try to be like the States that much, yes there are some cultural similarities, but that comes from proximity. I find that there is a general dislike for America up here, (which is kind of sad but, that's just the world) and we are very proud of our culture.
I mean yes we do say "eh" every now and then, but none of us live in igloos anymore, even the Inuits.
Of course there are materialistic people here, and stuck up people and snobs. But those are everywhere.
I don't know... my impression of my own country is nothing like a lot of the other people's on here, but perhaps I am biased...

My best friend is Canadian and people often ask her how is that possible "but...you speak English." It makes me think that Canadian probably have a point there in thinking that we Americans are a bit of...well...stupid. No offence there, I'm American too. It's just that people really surprise me with these kinds of things. Or I just tend to meet idiots a lot haha

Jewel Nicole:

I've got a question for you Canadians. Do you really say 'Aboot' instead of 'About'? Yeah, I know, it's probably a really stupid misconception, but I've always wondered.

Not really. I don't say it like that and I don't know anyone who does.
But there are probably some who do.

Jewel Nicole:

I've got a question for you Canadians. Do you really say 'Aboot' instead of 'About'? Yeah, I know, it's probably a really stupid misconception, but I've always wondered.

The way I've put this twice before is summing it up to an accent. You're from Texas, right? So there are people here in Texas who are either country or city. Country people generally drop their 'g' from '-ing' and pronounce words with a twang, and those who are more cosmopolitan speak more precisely. I'm pretty sure that is what the "aboot" is all about.

So, is it true what I hear about american "small" meals being our canadian "large"? xD

Ive never been to Canada but my friend from Italy is living there for a short time while he works.

He's in Vancouver and says that the people are pretty cold or don't smile a lot, and that the girls are flat and thin, there's a lot of gay people, the beer is bad, and the clubs are too expensive to get in to. But over all they are polite just not warm. He also does says it's raining and cloudy most of the time but that might just be the season.

The hocky statment is definantly true, he says he cant go on the sky train or to a bar with out hearing someone talking or shouting about hockey.

As for Americans from an Italian point of view--- Love junk food and are lazy

From other stereo types I heard: Fat, stupid, talks dirty, greedy, rude

WTFMusicPerson:

Ive never been to Canada but my friend from Italy is living there for a short time while he works.

He's in Vancouver and says that the people are pretty cold or don't smile a lot, and that the girls are flat and thin, there's a lot of gay people, the beer is bad, and the clubs are too expensive to get in to. But over all they are polite just not warm. He also does says it's raining and cloudy most of the time but that might just be the season.

The hocky statment is definantly true, he says he cant go on the sky train or to a bar with out hearing someone talking or shouting about hockey.

As for Americans from an Italian point of view--- Love junk food and are lazy

From other stereo types I heard: Fat, stupid, talks dirty, greedy, rude

Who is this friend of yours? I'm from Vancouver and I don't think we're like that. We don't smile a whole deal just on the streets, but with friends or when greeting each other, we'll shed a smile. At least the people I've met have been more than warm. It's the Asians/immigrants. I'm not being offensive - I'm a second-generation immigrant - but it's true. They don't tend to be as kind or welcoming unless they think you're really pretty or one of them. Or just funny/entertaining.

All the girls aren't flat and thin. Yes, we tend to be more on the lean side, but we're not that thin! And yes, I do admit, we tend to be flat. Or a B. Not many Cs or Ds in this province.

Compared to European beer, yes our beer ain't so great. But I prefer it more than the American beer (no offence). More alcohol content and more fermated (is that the word?) Yes our clubs are expensive (tourism - we like to make money off of that) and we have a lot of gays. But I love the gays here! They aren't like the, "OH MY GAWD!" gays, they're more like the subtle gays (some of which are good friends).

No, it does rain a lot here. Not just the season. Though the spring and summer it clears up a lot more, but Spring it still rains. Of course, the hockey. Self-explanatory.

Ooburii:

So, is it true what I hear about american "small" meals being our canadian "large"? xD

Umm... sometimes. They are bigger a lot of the time. Now that I think about it, yeah. Not large per say, but a size larger. That's why when I go across the boarder, I get nothing bigger than a small. Except for desserts. Those I can go on a spree for!

We all have misconceptions about each other and that's just how humans are. We're the only species that kill each other (other than beta fish). No offence, but generally don't like America or Americans. If I got to know you, yes, I'll like you, but just generally speaking - no. But I don't judge unless you are a pain in the ass and are ignorant right off the bat.

But that may just be me being a proud Canadian with too much culture in her back pocket to be good.

Sorry about the long post. Just kinda wanted to get this all out there.

^ I used to live in Vancouver and it pretty much rains all year round.

It ain't so bad though. I actually like the rain. And at least in the summer and late spring it's rainy breaks. Fall, winter, and early spring is when it's bad. Unless we get snow in winter then it rains less! Rain is refreshing though.

Yeah. You just get used to the rain.

Addyliners:

Who is this friend of yours? I'm from Vancouver and I don't think we're like that. We don't smile a whole deal just on the streets, but with friends or when greeting each other, we'll shed a smile. At least the people I've met have been more than warm. It's the Asians/immigrants. I'm not being offensive - I'm a second-generation immigrant - but it's true. They don't tend to be as kind or welcoming unless they think you're really pretty or one of them. Or just funny/entertaining.

All the girls aren't flat and thin. Yes, we tend to be more on the lean side, but we're not that thin! And yes, I do admit, we tend to be flat. Or a B. Not many Cs or Ds in this province.

Compared to European beer, yes our beer ain't so great. But I prefer it more than the American beer (no offence). More alcohol content and more fermated (is that the word?) Yes our clubs are expensive (tourism - we like to make money off of that) and we have a lot of gays. But I love the gays here! They aren't like the, "OH MY GAWD!" gays, they're more like the subtle gays (some of which are good friends).

No, it does rain a lot here. Not just the season. Though the spring and summer it clears up a lot more, but Spring it still rains. Of course, the hockey. Self-explanatory..

Well his name is Lorenzo but thats common for an Italian guy so *shrugs* lol

He says he prefers American but he does like Smirnoffs from there a lot mmm as for me and alcohol I really don't like it except for champagne and wine or other stuff on occasion so I don't have an opinion lol.

But he does say that about the Asians, and that the girls are really tiny but thats a common Asian stereotype.

His opinion on Canadian girls is consistent but thats easy to understand when you look at what type of girl thats common in Italy... They are soooo hot (yeah I'm bi lol)

As for gays I suppose that was just proven true by you lol but I think it's funny because he always gets hit on by them. Lol and he told me a story of a gay couple showing off on the sky train by starting a graphic make out session XD. He's not against them but he mentions it since he gets hit on I told him it was a compliment.

As for American stereotypes of course we all aren't like that but I'll admit the majority of us are lazy bums that can be rude and love us some junk food. But we all aren't obese lol as a majority I don't see a bunch of fat asses walking around... maybe at 30+ but younger not very often.

I live in British Columbia. I don't really agree with the aboot thing at all. Canadian accents tend to be more recognizable in the eastern provinces (maritimes we call them) , and I think they sound more like a boat then a bout. The hockey thing is definitely true. And when the Olympics rolled around people were crazy about hockey, people were dancing in the streets when we won the mens gold medal hockey game.

I think Canadians don't express as much joy in our country as Americans but I think it's been changing since the olympics. And we pride ourselves on some of the generalizations of Canada, such as we are all thought to be polite, peaceful, friendly, and funny. And we do like to make fun of Americans, people do it all the time but isn't hostile, more like friendly competition. We generally respect Americans because neither of our countries could exist without the other. In Vancouver people smoke a lot of pot and it's easy to get alcohol, the drinking age is also 18-19 depending on the province.

Everything in BC is expensive, and we're getting a new tax called HST that everybody hates. Because of this we are getting tax exempt in Washington so it's even cheaper to shop there. It's more expensive in Canada because our dollar isn't as high or something.

It rains a lot in Vancouver but we still get hot summers and cold winters, although this winter we didn't get any snow.

I've only ever been to Hawaii and Washington and they're both great places.

Oh, and I don't get when Americans say it snows all the time here and we all live in igloos. Forget about Alaska, guys? It should be ours haha : )

WTFMusicPerson, when you said Lorenzo, I thought of my teacher, but then the more I thought about it - he's raised Canadian (he's second generation too).

The Asian stereotype is proven quite strong here. I hate that they're all so tiny (I shouldn't be talking really)! Me, personally, I hate those size 0/2 girls that prance around in their "skinniness". No offence if anyone reading this is, but sometimes it just looks unhealthy.

Holy crap! I know what you mean! A majority of the women in that country are sexy as hell!

Aw, that sucks. Well, he should take it as a compliment. Just because they're gay doesn't mean that they don't know attractivness. If he's attractive, the gays will let him know because a lot of the straights keep it inside.

Okay... that make out session - not necessary! Woot for gays and all, but get a bloody room! No one wants to see ANYONE making out like that! No thank you!

I find it intresting how I say, I really, really, really dislike America (sometimes it is hate), but like, I'll adore certain Americans. I don't like going down to the Southern states though. Those people I don't like. People in NY, Cali, or Washington state I don't mind though.

Comment about the under 30, I think it's because pop culture is so prevelant that even if we don't want to admit it, their image is imposed on us and what we see is what we feel like we should be like (as much as some don't wants to admit it).

Think Happy Thoughts, I think some BC-ers (like long-time BCers) have the accent. I've been here awhile and I kinda have the "Canadian accent" (whatever that means). It's just a lot more uncommon here. The Newfie accent is STRONG!

There is nothing wrong with pot! Whatever is wrong with cigarettes and cigars is the same as pot. Otherwise, I don't think it should be "illegal" (when really it seems legal). And alcohol is legal to drink whatever your age as long as you are on the properity of your legal guardian (but really, we drink everywhere - just not in public (or in public with family)).

I HATE THE HST! I'm just saying - FOOD IS GOING TO BE BLOODY EXPENSIVE! Really? Our dollar isn't high enough? We're only a couple of cents off of an American dollar! Would Campbell like our dollar to be at par with the Euro? I'm just saying, I HATE HST!

Imagine if Alaska was still owned by Russia though? How bloody nerve-racking that would be, eh? And hockey... woah that rivalry would be so much more prevalent.

I see the hugest changes when I go to the States (I Am Canadian).
We may say 'eh' once and awhile, but I've heard Americans say the weirdest things.
And someone on the first page said hockey was our national sport and it's not. It's lacrosse. And I believe who said that was Canadian too....
I'll be honest, people here do love hockey and that's cause we're good at it (or at least the girls are )
I see the changes within Canada, I go to even Toronto (and I don't live far from Toronto) and I see changes. And the people from Montreal are just insane, they love their parties and riots.
But it's just like the States, they are huge differences between Chicago, Boston, New York, LA, Vegas, New Orleans, Phoenix, they are are different. The accents are different, the culture is different, their life style is different.
And the same can be said for Canada. People in Vancouver are much different than the people in Toronto, Winnipeg, Halifax etc.
It's not so much the countries that are different, but the places and cities in the countries.
But the main difference I see is that Canada is so much more multi-cultural. I live in a small town and just on my street there are Metis, Blacks, Asians, Indians etc. But when I go to the States, every time I go to Virgina and surrounding states, all I see is white people. But when I go to Florida or New Orleans, all I see is black people. It's so confusing.
And I also find that Americans are very dumb about Canada and Canadians (and even about themselves). And I'm talking about everything, geography, politics, etc. And Canadians seem to be on top of both Canadian and American stuff. I actually read something that the average Canadian teen can name more US states and presidents than the average American university graduate.
And one more thing!
We spell colour and neighbour with a u.

make me a rival, isn't hockey and lacrosse both of our national sports? Hockey takes prescedence in culture a lot of the time, though. I read somewhere in a textbook of mine that lacrosse was the national sport during the warmer weathers and hockey was during the colder times (back when weather depicted our seasons).

And we spell a lot more than those two words with a 'u'.

Bilingual packaging!

Addyliners I've never heard that, hockey is just popular, lacrosse is the national sport 'cause our natives created it to practise war strategies. I may be wrong, but the Leafs & the Rock (Toronto Rock one of the best lacrosse teams ever! literally, wev'e won the cup about 5 times) play around the same time, I watched a Rock game in Feburary and the Leafs played the next night.

and I know, those are the only ones I could think of