Though Toronto doesn’t yet have its own dictionary, it definitely should.
As a haven for countless cultures, Toronto is a melting pot of diverse residents. As a major and densely packed city, it serves as the perfect breeding ground for unique slang.
Now an integral part of Canadian culture, Toronto slang might leave outsiders scratching their heads when speaking to someone raised in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). But knowing the meaning of these slang and even developing an appreciation for them can really make an impact. It can add a few into your vocabulary, bring you closer to Toronto culture, and even allow you to better connect with those who regularly use these words.
From my experience, when someone understands Toronto slang or even uses them in conversation, it sparks an immediate connection. So, take a seat, grab your reading glasses (if you need them), and let me define some of the most frequently used Toronto slang for you.
Ahlie
Coming from the Jamaican patois term “a lie,” “ahlie” has two possible meanings. The first is as simple as “right?” In other words, implying what you are saying is true and asking for confirmation. For instance, “Jimmy was there, ahlie?”
The other option is expressing disbelief. Imagine someone tells you the Leafs make it past the first round in the play-offs, and you’re so stunned you don’t believe it, so you say: “Ahlie?!”
Bare
Originating from United Kingdom (UK) slang, “bare” means “a lot.” The term is very similar to “hella,” which you might be familiar with. For example, if you have a lot of assignments during a particular week, you could say: “This week is insane for me, bare work.”
Cheesed or Vexed
While the origin of cheesed is unclear, vexed comes from the Jamaican patois term “vex,” meaning “to annoy” or “to anger.”
Both cheesed and vexed convey feeling angry and annoyed. For example: “My roommate took all of my snacks—I’m actually so cheesed.”
Reach, Fly, or Fawad
“Reach” and “fly” have no special origin, but “fawad” originates from Jamaican patois yet again, translating to “come or go somewhere.” “Reach” and “fly” also have the same meaning. With “reach,” imagine the concept of reaching a destination, and similarly with “fly,” imagine flying to the destination.
For example, picture texting your friend about a plan you have for the night. To invite them, you can simply say, “reach,” “fly,” or “fawad.” However, “fawad” is much less commonly used so it’s usually best to avoid it if you’re trying to sound like a true Toronto mans.
Marved
Marved originates from the English term “starved,” logically giving away the definition of the term as to be feeling very hungry. You might not have had anything to eat all day because of back-to-back lectures, so you call your friend and tell them, “I’m going to Lazy to grab food, I’m so marved. Fly.”
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I encourage you to explore the intricacies of Toronto slang, recognizing it as a dynamic reflection of the culturally rich tapestry rooted in the heart of Ontario.
This method of cultural expression has gone farther than the GTA—even reaching Queen’s—and showcases the widespread impact of its cultural influence. Advocating for a deeper dive into this linguistic realm isn’t only a means to understand Toronto’s cultural origins but is an invitation to appreciate and connect with the diverse influences shaping these expressions.
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