Walking near the Eaton Centre, you’ll catch bits of Toronto slang in almost every conversation. But when Duolingo tried to get in on the culture, Torontonians couldn’t help but roast the results.
Many Toronto slang words, often used by whom locals jokingly call, “Toronto mans”, are rooted in Jamaican Patois, Somali, and Arabic, with British English influences.
But the slang extends beyond Toronto, with many Canadians sharing some of the words, too.
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Duolingo attempted to build that connection with Canadians and teach English learners about slang, highlighting some terms like “chirping,” “toque,” and “hang a roger,” but Torontonians say it miserably failed.
“I have never heard someone say ‘hang a larry’ or ‘hang a roger’ in my life,” one Instagram user commented.
“It’s tuque with a U,” another corrected Duolingo.
“What is this fam? We don’t use this,” another wrote.
But some are adding suggestions of Toronto slang.
“You are missing ‘two twos, my word’ and ‘crodie,’” another added.
