Understanding Canadian Humour: A Guide for International Students
Canada’s sense of humour is unique, blending self-deprecation, satire, and a love of wordplay. Canadians enjoy poking fun at themselves, their weather, and their stereotypes—often with a polite, friendly touch. For international students, appreciating Canadian humour can help with cultural adaptation and make social interactions more enjoyable.
What Defines Canadian Humour?
1. Self-Deprecation – Canadians love making fun of themselves, whether it’s about their politeness, harsh winters, or love for hockey and Tim Hortons. You’ll often hear jokes about how "sorry" Canadians are for everything!
2. Sarcasm and Dry Wit – Canadian humour can be subtle and ironic, similar to British humor. Sarcasm is often used to point out absurdity in everyday life.
3. Wordplay and Puns – Canadians enjoy clever wordplay and dad jokes. Expect some groan-worthy but funny puns in everyday conversations.
4. Political and Social Satire – Shows like This Hour Has 22 Minutes and The Rick Mercer Report have made a name for satirical takes on Canadian politics and society.
5. Friendly Teasing – Good-natured teasing among friends is common, and it’s usually lighthearted rather than mean-spirited.
How Can International Students Appreciate Canadian Humour?
• Watch Canadian Comedy Shows – Shows like Schitt’s Creek, Letterkenny, and Trailer Park Boys provide insight into different aspects of Canadian humour.
• Engage in Friendly Banter – If Canadians tease you, it’s usually a sign of friendship. Feel free to joke back in a good-natured way.
• Learn Some Canadian Stereotypes – Understanding jokes about things like excessive politeness, love for maple syrup, or the rivalry between Toronto and the rest of Canada will help you get the humour.
• Follow Canadian Comedians – Stand-up comedians like Russell Peters, Jim Carrey, and Rick Mercer offer a mix of observational and satirical humour.
Which Nation Do Canadians Make the Most Fun Of?
The answer is the United States! Canadians often poke fun at their southern neighbors, especially when it comes to differences in politics, healthcare, geography, and cultural stereotypes. However, these jokes are usually lighthearted, as Canada and the U.S. have a close relationship.
“The US is our trading partner, our neighbour, our ally and our friend... and sometimes we’d like to give them such a smack!”
Aside from the U.S., Canadians also enjoy making fun of their own regional differences. People from Toronto, for example, are often jokingly called "Torontonians" with a reputation for thinking they’re the center of Canada. Similarly, Newfoundlanders (or "Newfies") have a unique culture and accent that sometimes becomes the subject of playful jokes.
Final Thoughts
Canadian humour is warm, witty, and often based on self-awareness. By embracing it, international students can better connect with their peers and gain a deeper appreciation for Canadian culture. Just remember, if a Canadian makes a joke at your expense, it’s probably a sign they like you! Yes, really! Just ask Ms. Helen at Go 2 Canada Education Services. She is a Canadian and will help you with all your study in Canada inquiries and processing - all with a touch of Canadian humour.