Happy Canada Day and the Story of “Eh!”

For story time, we reviewed the history of “eh,” how to dress like a Canadian and learned how to make Beaver Tail Pastry.

Later today, I’ll quiz her on the Canadian anthem. In French (it’s never too early, right?)

Haddie took particular delight in learning to say “eh” so we thought we’d impart upon you the history of this sacred word. Y’see, unlike its slow-witted American cousin “huh,” “eh” is a flexible, multipurpose word, perfect for a variety of situations. Its uses are endless but as an example, adding “eh?” to the end of a statement is a handy and efficient substitute for:

Non-Canadian statement: “The weather sure has turned chilly, don’t you think?”

Canadian Statement: “Cold, eh?”

Non-Canadian statement: I can’t believe you bought that girl a drink and she didn’t even give you her number.”

Canadian Statement: “That’s cold, eh?”

Non-Canadian statement: “Yes Bob, I agree it’s very hot in Penticton today. I’m positively burning up.”

Canadian statement: “Right cold, eh?”

This is the end of Lesson #1…cool, eh? If we all work on this together, perhaps we can overthrow dim-witted “huh” by year’s end.

Happy Canada Day!