13 Commonly Used Phrases In Toronto Translated For Your Mom

Your complete guide to Toronto slang.
Contributing Writer

Just how fluent is your Toronto slang? Chances are if you grew up around these parts, you're already well-versed in many of the phrases on this list.

Still, there are those of us who moved here much later in life and still have no idea what the word you heard on the street really means.

So brush up on your vocab, and add a few of these words to your list, fam. 

Editor's Choice: You Can Get $200 For Every Kid You Have From Ontario's Government By Christmas

1. "Fam"

If you grew up in Toronto, this term of endearment is your bread and butter. It's a short form for "family," but it's just as easily applied to close friends.

2. "Breeze"

Use this word to tell someone to beat it. If you're dealing with a Toronto man and want him to get-gone, this should do the trick.

3. "Bare Manz"

If you stroll on into a house party, and the population is about 95 percent dudes, you can go ahead and utter "Bare Manz."

4. "Tings"

Let's just say a gathering packed with "tings" would be the opposite of the slang above. 

Also, it could mean someone you'd like to Netflix and chill with, no strings attached.

5. "Cyattie"

Ladies, if someone lovingly calls you this, don't take it as a compliment. It means they think you're loud and obnoxious. 

6. "Cheesed"

Wall-to-wall traffic on the Gardiner again? I am cheesed. This is the best word to use if you get frustrated. 

7. "Sweeterman"

Guys, if you hear a bunch of girls calling you a sweeterman, congratulations. You've won the genetic lottery, because they think you are hawt. 

8. "Moss"

If you are always stressed out, maybe you should just relax (aka moss). 

9. "Yute"

If you're getting called this, you're probably the youngest in the group. 

10. "Wagwan"

Only townies say, "what's up?" If you're a Toronto man, you say "wagwan."

11. "Marved"

Nothing like a midnight McDonald's run when you're Marved. If you're starving, this is the word to use. 

12. "Reach"

"Do you want to come to hang out?" "Yeah, I'll reach you."

13. "HOOOOLY"

Often used when someone needs to chill out. Just say it out loud, but make sure to use the extra vowels.

  • Contributing Writer

    Patrick John Gilson (he/him) is a Contributing Writer with Narcity Media. He is a pro at ensuring his content is both exciting and tailored to millennials. He specializes in breaking news and investigative stories that require him to be on scene— something he enjoys and thrives in.

I went on dates in three different Canadian cities and the differences were… alarming

Here's who you'll find in each city – and yes, there is a best and worst.

Air Canada could owe LaGuardia plane crash survivors up to nearly $300K each

An international agreement holds airlines liable for death or bodily injury in a plane crash.

11 reasons why I won't return to Toronto after leaving the city 5 years ago

I left Toronto for good and here's everything that made me run...

Canada has a major air traffic controller shortage and only 10% of trainees even graduate

An expert warns the shortage could get worse as controllers are retiring way faster than new ones are being hired.

It's a 'miracle' more people weren't killed in the Air Canada plane crash, expert says

"If it had stayed level ... there would have been much more damage, much more death."

9 Ontario tax credits that could save you money or get you a refund when filing your return

You might be eligible for these provincial tax credits without knowing it.