Canadianisms: Prairies

A bootful of snow or water

Example: My foot sank in the deep snow, and I ended up with a booter.

A hooded sweatshirt

Note: This term is most commonly heard in Saskatchewan. In other parts of Canada, this garment is known as a “hoodie.”

Example: Bunnyhugs make good gifts for teenagers and young adults.

Fancy baked treats (cookies, cakes, etc.) usually served at a social gathering

Note: This term is always used in the plural.

Example: After the house concert, dainties were served.

Interjection used by children on Halloween to collect candies, corresponding to the phrase “Trick or treat!” used in other parts of Canada

Example: When I answered the door, a little girl dressed as a goblin shouted, “Halloween apples!”

A jam-filled doughnut

Example: My favourite doughnut is a jambuster dusted with cinnamon.

A traditional midnight spread of rye bread, cold cuts and mustard served at a social (See definition of “social” below.)

Example: At a social, the guests are traditionally served a late lunch.

A date square

Example: Martha passed around a platter of brownies and matrimonial cake.

A public social gathering held before a wedding to raise money for the couple that is to be married

Elsewhere in Canada, this type of event may be known as a “stag and doe” or a “Jack and Jill.”

Example: To help the young couple get started, their friends organized a social.

A hockey-like sport that originated in Winnipeg

Spongee is played on ice with a sponge puck. Instead of skates, players wear thickly-padded sponge shoes.

Example: The girls are playing in a spongee tournament this weekend.