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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#CWOTY26 ALERT! We are once again calling on our Canadian community to come together and decide which word defined Canada in 2026. Have your say by submitting your nomination for CWOTY26 (Canadian Word of the Year 2026): ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

A small programming note: our social media volunteer is taking a short vacation to relax and recharge! We will be back on your feeds in two weeks. Try not to miss us too much, and feel free to suggest some fun words below that we can use for a #CEDWordofTheWeek in the future.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Not an everyday word, but a fantastic one to pull out when talking about history and food. Definition status: draft original #cedwordoftheweek

Definition of quern on a black, white and red background. The text reads: "Word of the Week. Quern. A stone hand mill for grinding grain. Canadian English Dictionary."

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Can you figure out the riddle and get this week's #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and come back later this week for the answer!

A riddle. The text reads: "Two heavy stones upon each other lie,
The saddle still, the muller moves around;
By patient human hands the tool was used,
To crush grain or tobacco or nuts on the ground.
A wooden spindle holds the centre fast,
As weary hands provide the force;
Then mechanization came to pass!
And millstones replaced it in due course.
_ _ _ _ _
What is our Word of the Week?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

In the 2004 film, Napoleon Dynamite, Napoleon's mom is leaving him alone for the weekend, and he worries about what he'll eat while she's gone. Her response has become a much-quoted meme: "Fix yourself a dang quesadilla!" It's out #CEDWordOfTheWeek!

Definition of quesadilla on a white background with a yellow border. A graphic of a quesadilla in the bottom right corner. The text reads: "Word of the Week. Quesadilla. A Mexican dish consisting of a folded tortilla stuffed with cheese and sometimes other ingredients, cooked until the cheese is melted. Canadian English Dictionary"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Not quite as easy as girl dinner, but still a go to quick meal! Do you know our #CEDWordofTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check back later this week to see if you are right!

A riddle. The text reads: "In the 2004 film, Napoleon Dynamite, Napoleon's mom is leaving him alone for the weekend, and he worries about what he'll eat while she's gone. Her response has become a much-quoted meme: "Fix yourself a dang __________!" It's our Word of the Week"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Our #CEDWordOfTheWeek this week is queen cup! Have you seen one before? Also known as the bride's bonnet or bead lily, it has a single white flower. After pollination, this flower is replaced by a single blue berry - poisonous to humans (!) but edible for forest birds.

Definition of queencup on a black background. An outline of a lily on the right hand side. The text reads: Word of the Week. queencup. a flowering plant int he lily family, typically bearing a single white flower: Clintonia uniflora. Canadian English Dictionary.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

One for the flora fans! Can you get this week's #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check later this week for the answer.

A riddle. The text reads: "Can you guess our Word of the Week:

I'm a woodland perennial with a name inspired by royalty.

In some circles, I'm also known as the bride's bonnet or bead lily.

I typically have a single white flower.

After pollination, my white flower is replaced by a single blue berry - poisonous to humans (!) but edible for grouse and other forest birds.

What am I?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

I bend my back when you seek to learn, A symbol of doubt, uncertainty, churn. A hook for a mystery, a curlicue bow, I stand at the end when you seek to know. Definition status: draft original #CEDWordOfTheWeek #CanadianEnglishDictionary

Definition of question mark on a black background. Text reads: Word of the Week. Question marl. 1. a symbol used to indicate a question 1. the symbol used in English to punctuate the end of a question or to indicate uncertainty 3. something shaped like a question mark 4. an uncertainty that causes concern 5. an unknown quantity. Canadian English Dictionary.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check later this week for the answer.

A riddle. The text reads: "I bend my back when you seek to learn,
A symbol of doubt, uncertainty, churn.
A hook for a mystery, a curlicue bow,
I stand at the end when you seek to know.
What Am I?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

A trick you can predict just by looking at your cards. It’s not magic… but it feels a little like it #CanadianEnglishDictionary

Definition of quick trick on a black background, with a graphic of a deck of cards in the bottom right corner. The text reads "Phrase of the Week. quick trick. Bridge a trick that can be expected to be won, based on a combination of cards when evaluating a hand while bidding. Canadian English Dictionary."

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Any bridge players out there? Can you get this week’s #CEDPhraseOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check later this week for the answer.

A riddle: "A-K = 2
A-Q = 1.5
A or K-Q = 1
Kx (King and a small card) = 0.5

In the game of Bridge (contract bridge), each of these calculations is known as a... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ What is out phrase of the week"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

A tetrad of identical sheets of carbon paper Pressed beneath a heavy pen The ink bleeds through to every layer Creating four uniform accounts This record keeper is documenting things... how? Quadruplicately! #CEDWordOfTheWeek

Definition of quadruplicately. The text reads: Word of the Week. quadruplicately. In a quadruplicate way. Canadian English Dictionary.

Definition of quadruplicate. The text reads: Word of the Week. noun. 1. one of four identical copies 2. a set of four identical copies 3. mathematics rare a fourth power. adjective 1. pertaining to four identical copies 2. pertaining to the fourth of four identical copies 3. consisting of four similar things 4. pertaining to a quantity that is four times larger. Canadian English Dictionary.

Definition of quadruplicate. The text reads: Word of the Week. verb 1. transitive make three copies of (an original, resulting in four identical items) 2. transitive create four copies (following a procedure that does not begin with an original version, resulting in four identical items) 3. transitive multiply by four. Canadian English Dictionary.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check later this week for the answer.

A riddle: "A tetrad of identical sheets of carbon paper
Pressed beneath a heavy pen
The ink bleeds through to every layer
Creating four uniform accounts
This record keeper is documenting things... how?
It's our word of the week!"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

There once was a student named Elle In short order, she would excel "What? Like it's hard?" She learned fast and was Barred She caught on remarkably well! You could say she was this week's #CEDPhraseOfTheWeek

Definition of quick study on a black background. A graphic of a brain wearing a graduation cap and reading a book on the left hand side. Text reads: Phrase of the Week. Quick study. One who learns things quickly. Canadian English Dictionary.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDPhraseOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check later this week for the answer.

A riddle: "There once was a student named Elle
In short order, she would excel
"What? Like it's hard?"
She learned fast and was Barred
She caught on remarkably well!

You could say she was a
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
What is our phrase of the week?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

▢ 2 cups flour ▢ 1 tbsp sugar ▢ 1 ½ tsp baking powder ▢ ½ tsp baking soda ▢ ½ tsp salt ▢ 1 cup buttermilk ▢ 1 egg ▢ ¼ cup melted butter 350 degrees for 1 hour in a loaf pan, and the dough doesn't need to rise What are we making? well it's our #CEDWordOfTheWeek!

Definition of quick bread on a black background. A graphic of bread in the top left corner. Text reads: Word of the Week. Quick bread. A baked good leavened with baking powder or baking soda, that does not require the dough to be left to rise before baking. Canadian English Dictionary.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Do you recognize this recipe? If you do, comment it below because it's our #CEDWordOfTheWeek. Come back later this week for the answer (or bake it to find out sooner!)

A riddle that reads: "▢ 2 cups flour
▢1 tbsp sugar
▢1 1/2 tsp baking powder
▢1/2 tsp baking soda
▢1/2 tsp salt
▢1 cup buttermilk
▢1 egg
▢1/4 cup melted butter

350 degrees for 1 hour in a loaf pan, and the dough doesn't need to rise - What are we making? It's our Word of the Week!"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

There once was a tool made of feather It used pounce and papyrus together Plucked from a large bird It scratched every word You could say it was Paper Mate's bellwether! #CEDWordOfTheWeek

Definition of quill pen on a white background with a black border. Text reads: Word of the Week. quill pen. a feather prepared for use in writing, with the tip of its hollow shaft trimmed and sharpened to draw up and gradually release ink.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

A riddle: "There once was a tool made of feather
It used pounce and papyrus together
Plucked from a large bird
It scratched every word
You could say it was Paper Mate's bellwether!

What is our word of the week?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Four full units, beneath a single roof A very clever blueprint, but maybe not soundproof. Four separate front doors, sharing one foundation, Will these compound domiciles catch on across the nation? #CEDWordOfTheWeek

Definition of quadplex on a white, back and red background. The left side has a graphic of three different types of houses. Text reads: Word of the Week. Quadplex. A house divided into four separate living units

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Can you get this week's #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check out our next post for the answer.

A word scramble puzzle with the following letters: E, U, A, D, X, L, Q, P. Hint: A type of house.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

This week’s #CEDPhraseOfTheWeek is quick off the mark! It's perfect for describing someone who doesn’t just respond promptly, but seems to have a head start on everyone else. Love them or hate, these people are on top of things.

Definition of quick off the mark on a white background with a black border. The text reads: Phrase of the week. Quick off the mark. Quick to act at the beginning of a process.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDPhraseOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

A rebus puzzle: Duck D=Q, +I. Golf -G, L=F. Tie I=H. Mask S=R.

Text reads: Solve the puzzle and get this week's #CEDPHRASEOFTHEWEEK hint: a four word phrase.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

And an unofficial fourth definition: the thing you type into Google hoping the internet knows more than you do. #CEDWordOfTheWeek

Definition of query on a dark grey background. A yellow question mark in a speech bubble in the top left side. The text reads: query 1. computing a request for a file, website, etc. in a search engine or database 2. a question 3 a question mark.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Can you figure out the puzzle and get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Use all of the letters to get the word of the week, but comment what other words you can make as well!

A circle split into 5 sections. Each section has one of the following letters: Q, Y, U, R, E. The text above the circle reads: Word Wheel Puzzle. Use all of the letters below to get this week's #CEDWordOfTheWeek.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

This week's #CEDWordOfTheWeek is... well... it's questionable. No no the word is not a cause for concern! The word is questionable!

Definition of questionable on a white background with a black boarder. Yellow question marks in the top left. Text reads: Word of the Week. questionable. 1. subject to reasonable doubt 2. causing concern

An elephant stands at the edge of a pond looking scared. The text reads: "Mom! Are you sure this water's sanitary? It looks questionable to me."

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Did we leave enough letters for you to guess this week's #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check out our next post for the answer.

Black text on a white and red background. The text reads: Guess the Word. Fill in the Missing Letters to Get this Week's #CEDWORDOFTHEWEEK. blank, blank, E, blank, T, I, blank, N, A, blank, L, blank. Clue: Subject to reasonable doubt.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Basil, our ambassador from the Strathy Language Unit at Queen's, is here with our word game of the week. He's wondering how many words you can make with the letters in Basil?

A large image of a black dog's face on the bottom of the photo. Above the dog reads "Word Game of the Week. How many words can you make with the letters in Basil?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Canadianisms can provide a wonderful metaphor for the state of the world. Next time you are feeling overwhelmed and someone asks "how's it going?" you can respond, "Life feels like a quaking bog." #Canada #language

An image of a dictionary definition. The text reads "quak∙ing bog /ˈkweɪkɪŋ ˈbɑɡ/ n quak∙ing bogs [graphic of a red maple leaf] a bog in which a thick layer of vegetation floats over water or wet peat [quaking see quake+bog]

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Running stitches and fabrics meet, Neighbours gather, chatter sweet. Young hands help, old stories flow, A patterned dance from long ago. Basting, binding, needles at play, Cloth and company share the day. (definition from Dictionary of Canadianisms on Historical Principles)

Definition of quilting frolic on a white background. A red and yellow border that looks like a quilt. The image has the following text: "Phrase of the Week. Quilting frolic. quilt•ing fro•lic | [kwɪltɪŋ ˈfɹɑlək] | noun
Canadian DCHP P.E.I. historical --> quilting bee. A social gathering of women at which quilts were made."

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

There was much metaphorical ink spilled over the definition and considerations of "Queen Charlotte Islands caribou" and there is more work to be done. This is the beauty of sharing our progress as we work to build an inclusive #Canadian dictionary. [repost to add alt text to the images]

An image of a dictionary definition. The text says "Queen Char●lotte Island cari∙bou n
Queen Char∙lotte Island cari∙bou,
Queen Char∙lotte Island cari∙bous also
Daw∙son cari∙bou Daw∙son Cari∙bous,
Queen Char∙lotte Islands cari∙bou Queen Char∙lotte Islands cari∙bous Canadian A subspecies of caribou formerly found on Haida Gwaii, extinct since the early 20th century: Rangifer arcticus dawsoni [ Queen see queen + Island see island + caribou ]
USAGE There is an ongoing debate within the scientific community as to the classification"

An image of text from a dictionary definition. The text reads "Of caribou in general, and many older sources prefer to identify this caribou as Rangifer tarandus dawsoni. There is also an unresolved issue with the decolonization of the common name, which is a legacy of the colonial era. We welcome informed contribution on these topics."

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

The opposite of rise and grind, this week's #cedwordoftheweek means doing only the minimum amount of work that your job requires.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Hint: this phrase is the opposite of “rise and grind” Can you get this week’s #CEDPhraseOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

A rebus puzzle of a person taking off a tie and throwing a briefcase. A speech bubble is above that says "shhhhh".

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Our word of the week is a 9-letter adjective starting with “Q,” that could be used to describe the following scenes: - A lake at dawn, glassy and mirror-like, undisturbed. - A dormant volcano, serene and silent. - Winter fields, blanketed in snow, heavy with stillness.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

"Our word of the week is a 9-letter adjective starting with “Q,” that could be used to describe the following scenes:

A lake at dawn, glassy and mirror-like, undisturbed by wind or wildlife.
A dormant volcano, serene and silent, concealing potential fury within.
Winter fields, blanketed in snow, heavy with stillness.
A library at midnight, empty aisles, only the dull buzz of the few lights left on.
Can you guess our word of the week?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

I’m armour for rodents, a risk in the wild, Yet poets and scribes, their writing I've styled. A prickly protector, a pen by design, What am I, where nature and ink do align?

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

"I’m armour for rodents, a risk in the wild,
Yet poets and scribes, their writing I've styled.
A prickly protector, a pen by design,
What am I, where nature and ink do align?
Can you guess our word of the week?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

It's a concept, a measure of cheer, Not counted in time, or money, or beer. When your weekends have zing, And your workdays don't sting, Then you’re winning at life, here here!

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDPhraseOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

"It's a concept, a measure of cheer,
Not counted in time, or money, or beer.
When your weekends have zing,
And your workdays don't sting,
Then you’re winning at life, here here!
One might say you have a good... First word: Q, blank, blank, blank, blank, blank, blank. Second word: blank, F. third Word L, blank, blank, blank. Can you guess our phrase of the week?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Pop quiz! What familiar phrase meaning “very fast” links Irene Cara’s song about an ambitious dancer, Queen’s anthem for a lightning-speed hero, Parliament’s funk command to "turn it on", and a Rolling Stones album named for a split-second in time?

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDPhraseOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

"Pop quiz! What familiar phrase meaning “very fast” links Irene Cara’s song about an ambitious dancer, Queen’s anthem for a lightning-speed hero, Parliament’s funk command to "turn it on", and a Rolling Stones album named for a split-second in time?
Can you guess our phrase of the week?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Did you know? Canadian women produced an estimated 400,000 quilts during WWII (the number is likely higher, but Canadian Red Cross records are incomplete) to send overseas to comfort soldiers and British families displaced by bombing.

Definition of quilt on a yellow background with a border of a geometric pattern.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Can you figure out the puzzle and get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Use all of the letters to get the word of the week, but comment what other words you can make as well! Comment below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

A banker, a writer, a clerk, All use this word in their work. Whether citing a line, Putting prices on signs, Or tracking a stock market quirk.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

"A banker, a writer, a clerk,
All use this word in their work.
Whether citing a line,
Putting prices on signs,
Or tracking a stock market quirk.
Can you guess the word?"

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Over time, many brand names have evolved into what we call genericized trademarks, where the brand name is used to reference the product itself, rather than the original manufacturer’s version.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

The director of Queen's University's Strathy Language Unit, Dr. Anastasia Riehl, joined the hosts of NCPR's North Words to discuss the reason for and process of creating a Canadian English dictionary, and more. www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/5...

northcountrypublicradio.org

North Words: There's a lot more to "Canadian English" than you might think

Dr. Anastasia Riehl is among the leaders of an effort to craft the first new Canadian English dictionary in decades, an update that factors in a lot of complicated issues.

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Canadian English Dictionary @canadiandictionary.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Can you get this week’s #CEDWordOfTheWeek? Comment your guess below and check Wednesday’s post for the answer.

"Facial tissue - Kleenex
Clear Adhesive Tape - Scotch Tape
Whipped Topping - Cool Whip
Whirlpool/Jet Tub - Jacuzzi
Lip Balm - ChapStick
Cotton Swab - …?
Using these examples, can you guess our word of the week?"

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