Newfoundland 101: Speak Like A Local

A truly unique corner of the earth, the island of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/newfoundland-bespoke">Newfoundland</a>, otherwise known as “The Rock,” part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a fascinating, welcoming and otherworldly place. When you visit, there’s one important thing to note: when you are in Newfoundland, it’s pronounced “newfenLAND”— not “New-found-land.” Yiss b’y, I calls her right there and then (which is to say, “Yes my friend, that’s her name”).As I’ve just alluded to, when you visit, your ears will notice the difference. Believe it or not, there are more varieties of English spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador than anywhere else in the world! (There’s even an official Dictionary of Newfoundland English.) Here’s a brief guide on how to speak like a local (or decipher what people are saying to you).

<h3>Newfoundlanders &amp; CFAs</h3>There are three important facts to remember about Newfoundlanders: they love rum and wit; their self-deprecation translates into some interesting geographical names such as Ha Ha Bay, Come by Chance, Witless Bay and Cape Blow Me Down; and they hate being called “Newfies.”To the “Newfs” or Newfoundlanders, we visitors are “mainlanders” or “CFAs,” which stands for “come from away.” Don’t be surprised or offended if they call you “love” or “darling,” or follow this up with a wink. They’re not hitting on you (okay, maybe they are!), but the affection implied is real. They’ll tell you a thousand long tales, and some may take a secret and not quite proper delight in making you look slightly foolish, but they’ll keep an eye on you and make sure you’re always safe, well-fed and having a great time.

<h3>Speak Like A Local</h3>This brief list may help you decipher a few terms that sound foreign to us CFAs. Feel free to sprinkle them into your speech while on the island.Ballyca’ters: ice that rests on the shore Bide: to remain or stay put Clever-looking: big and good looking Fish and brewis: codfish cooked with hard tack or sea biscuits Grapple: a light metal anchor to moor small boats Haul-off: a rope that is passed through an underwater collar to permit a boat to be hauled off, tied at the mooring, and hauled in again Killick/killock: a small boat anchor made of a wooden frame enclosing rocks Lassy: molasses Puncheons: a large barrel in which lassy was imported. The lassy sugar collected on the bottom of the barrel was an unusual and delightful treat. Scrunchions: fat pork fried with fish and brewis Slewed: to bend, twist or turn Swatches: an area of open water or thin ice Swile: seal Twillick: a young and undersized child&nbsp;Now that you've learned a word or two, why not try them out with the locals. Explore Canada's eclectic east coast on a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/newfoundland-bespoke">Newfoundland Bespoke Trip</a>.

Learn how to speak like a local in Newfoundland with this guide to regional slang, phrases, and dialect—shaped by history, culture, and a uniquely vibrant way of speaking.

Newfoundland Slang Guide | Speak Like a Local in Canada

Newfoundland's draw has traditionally been the wide expanses of raw nature, from ranging moose to towering icebergs. This&nbsp;landscape provides endless options to entertain the active explorer. As for the warm and cheery Newfoundlander, that&nbsp;seems to&nbsp;be what keeps visitors coming back. Experience Newfoundland your way on a private, tailor-made adventure inspired by these highlights.

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Newfoundland is shaped by sea, story and time. Follow in the wake of Vikings and settlers, drawn by cod-rich waters and windswept shores. Sip molasses-tinged Screech, sway to Gaelic rhythms at lively “kitchen parties” and feel centuries of seafaring spirit in every note. Drift past towering icebergs, spot whales breaching in wild blue and stand on some of the oldest stones on Earth. And when the day ends, wind down&nbsp;in places like Fogo Island Inn—part sanctuary, part work of art and fully unforgettable.

Canada's eclectic east coast

Expertly curated with our favourite experiences in each destination, these departures bring together a maximum of 16 like-minded travellers on pre-set dates.

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Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Walk Newfoundland's iceberg coast, spot whales and puffins from sea cliffs on a custom itinerary. Canada's most surprising destination, privately guided for

Newfoundland 101: Speak Like A Local

By Dane Tredway

Newfoundland

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