100%. Found it difficult getting through her video partly because of her slightly condescending tone, and the fact that nothing on her list was overtly Canadian but common etiquette
Here are some better taboos: 1. forgetting Canada's significance in the world wars; 2. assuming that a person speaking English in a North American accent is American; 3. speaking to us as though we have no summer, no cities, no economy, and no culture.
@@h.calvert3165, anyone who comments like you do just makes him/herself look illiterate and shallow, not having the ability to use critical thinking skills. Tyler does, as demonstrated through his comments and questions.
I think she is saying things that rarely happen. As far as tipping, if I get poor service I don't tip. It is not necessary to bring a gift if you are invited to someone s house for dinner unless it is a formal business type dinner. You look at someone's face when talking not necessarily fixed eye to eye. I would say it is rude when engaging in conversation to be texting on your phone. Shaking hands is frowned apon since covid. I don't know anyone that would point their finger while asking how are you. When someone points their finger at me in accusation I just say three fingers are pointing back at you. Most of the things she is saying is just politeness but I don't think Canadians get offended so easily. However, if she was speaking about people in Toronto specifically, she is probably spot on. The rest of us and rural Canadians would let most of it just slide. And if you fart in public you never say anything.
They're not angry, that's just hockey. The same guys that are trying to knock each other's teeth out on the rink go on, (assuming they're still mobile xD), to laugh about it after the game.
Some things overlooked in this video… not holding the door open for the person behind you and not holding the elevator doors open for people behind you. The reason I say “sorry” if someone bumps into me is because I’m apologizing for being in someone’s way
True. I have taught my son since toddler age (with help from me when a toddler), to hold the door opened for people. He's 8 now, and does it without me having to remind him. I actually got a complement the other day from a guy, when my son held the door opened for him "momma taught you right". Lol
Old GF was on a bus in France, got a sneer and healthy dose of the stink eye from a passenger, "You Americans!" he said in poor English, she stared straight back and said "I'm a Canadian asshole!" Why do the French hate Americans so much?
I am Canadian and though I often say sorry, I don’t think I’ve ever said sorry to get someone else to apologize. I say sorry just in case it actually was my fault and I don’t realize it. I’d rather say sorry when it wasn’t my fault than not say sorry when it was my fault or I was in their way.
She missed a very big taboo: Don't invade a person's space. Canadians like to keep a polite distance from one another (about 2-3 feet) in most settings. It's offensive to stand too close to someone, inside their comfort perimeter.
Agreed, if you are not a close friend or family member and you are standing close enough I can reach out and touch you without moving you are too close. There are some exceptions for when it is acceptable to be closer such as a crowded dance floor, confined spaces like an elevator or busy and small work environments for a few examples but even then give the space between people that is possible.
With the obvious exception of buses or concerts where there isn’t much choice, but even then it’s expected that you are respectful and as unobtrusive as possible
i can relate, I hate it when someone i don't know invades my personal space and i don't know them. friends are fine, so is family, but just, no. if it can't be helped, i manage, but i still get really uncomfortable
yeah, this is so NOT a thing in Canada, why? because Canadians have always been HUGGERS! You have to get close in order to hug. This 'distance' thing has only been since covid so don't you dare start saying that it's part of canadian culture because it's not, and at 50+ years I can speak to the truth of that
@@HAnnB24 oh do be quiet, this is covid brainwashing, not Candian cutlure. Don't dare mix the two. Canadians are avid huggers, everyone has known this about us. You have to be close to hug. Take your brainwashing somewhere else
I once apologized to a parking meter I had walked into. To a degree, Canadian politeness is so ingrained, it's a reflex. I have certainly never said sorry to try to get someone else to apologize.
Yea, it's more of an automatic response for me than it is to get the other person to apologize like she said. It just feels natural to apologize regardless of if you hit someone or were the one that got hit.
I was visiting London a few years ago and while looking at the underground system map a local struck up a conversation. When he heard my accent he asked if I was American and when I replied that no I was Canadian he gave me the greatest insult by saying. "It's the same thing." Only my Canadian politeness saved him from a broken nose.
Heard the same thing at a party one time, that guy did not turn out as lucky. The last thing he said was " you Canadians are just wanna be Americans ". He said this in a crowd of off duty Canadian soldiers, last I saw was his ass in a snowbank outside, ambulance on the way.
Others might have used a derogatory term about them in return, started an ugly situation. 😂 I can reply, "NOPE, descendant of the UEL" and watch the confusion. United Empire Loyalists who dumped the USA and built Canada. This puts them in the space of not knowing US history. 🤔 Which, for some reason we KNOW more about.
Hi Chris. OMG, the log riders waltz is something I saw as a child and forgot about until the other day. It was amazing to see again! You just positively triggered a childhood memory, thank you!
It’s automatic with me and my siblings that we either ask “what can I bring?” Or “can I bring anything?” Let’s the host know you’d gladly contribute beyond being courteous. 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦
Also, if a guest brings something, we serve it! Always. I had a funny situation a couple weeks ago when I went to my best friend's cottage and I brought dessert for us for after dinner. We were all so stuffed from dinner that we forgot to eat the dessert. My bestie's mom was so upset that she hadn't served my dessert that she served it at breakfast the next morning before we left!🤣
She forgot one of the biggest ones which is don't let a door close on someone who is behind you, if you are opening a door and someone is behind you once they are about 10-12 or less feet away from you, you should wait and hold the door open for them. You can either just hold it open for enough time for them to grab the door if they are close or you can actually get out of the way and hold the door open and let them walk through first. It doesn't matter what gender either of you are, if you are in front you hold the door. Then always say some sort of thank-you if someone does it for you.
Side note: no one expects anyone to remove their shoes BEFORE entering their home… that’s just pure unreasonable nonsense. Rather remove your shoes UPON entering the house in the area you enter, normally the mud room or front entrance area or foyer. Please don’t take off your shoes while you are still outside. 😉
@@pargolf3158 There are countries where removing your shoes BEFORE entering the home is the norm. Japan comes to mind but this was also my experience in Hawaii when I made friends with some locals. That expectation is not practical for most months of the year in Canada but it is a valid clarification.
As a Canadian, I love the Canadian “Sorry.” I’ve been watching myself and others, and have observed several uses that don’t get mentioned. When 2 Canadians bump into each other, the moment when they both say “Sorry” accomplishes a few things: it gives a moment to check if both are ok (substituting for, “I’m ok. You ok?”), the tone will also indicate that “we’re good” (no hard feelings). In grocery stores, if you walk through someone’s eye line (who is looking for something on the shelf), we say sorry (kind of like if you reach over someone to get something at the dinner table), so in that case “sorry” can often be used in lieu of “excuse me.” Also in a crowded venue (grocery aisle, or sidewalk) if two people are walking towards each other,and have to move out of each other’s way, they will make eye contact and one, or both, may say “sorry.” This can be a way of acknowledging the other, like a way of indicating, “I see you. We’ve got this.” Similarly, if two Canadians walk up to the cash register at the same time, they may say “Sorry,” in lieu of “Oh, you go first.” The Canadian “Sorry,” is like a politeness shorthand. If in doubt, say I calm, “Sorry,” snd things will almost magically sort themselves out. It’s almost like a ticket to get on the Politeness Express: try being rude/mean to someone who just apologized (it is disarming, and almost always diffuses any minor possibility of confrontation), it’s very hard, unless you are a jerk. In that case, any witness will stand up for the wronged apologizer. However, Canadians, like Brits, can turn “sorry” into an admonition, or insult, depending on tone. If the “sorry” is said with sarcasm, or as an emphatic question, then look out! You’ve got one peeved Canadian on your hands!
Thanks for talking about the nuance of "Sorry" because oddly few people do in the comments. The other one is sorry as a substitute of "that's unfortunate". I once had an American tell me about something bad that had happened to them and I said "I'm sorry", and they legitimately got mad at me and said "why are you apologizing, you didn't do anything". That was a bit odd, because "Sorry" meaning "I feel bad for your circumstances" is used in the States too. The other use as "that's unfortunate" is how I would use sorry when someone bumps into me and I know I am in no way at fault. My sorry is acknowledging the situation happened, and that I think it is unfortunate that it did happen. It's just a hell of a lot shorter than saying "I see that you have bumped into me, and while it was unfortunate and through no fault of my own, I am uninjured, not angry, and will continue on my way".
@@ashbradford yes, it’s a great shorthand! Say, “sorry”, to each other and it’s all good in both sides, unless there is an additional issue to resolve (like an actual inconvenience, injury) but since we’ve both apologized then we can work together to rectify it instead of bickering.
This is one of the most encompassing descriptions of our "sorry"s that I've seen. It's awesome. I was completely offended by that streamer's suggestion that it's generally a way to demand an apology from others. It *can* be, as in the scenario you mention, but then it's posed as a question and in an tone that clearly communicates annoyance. It's like the same sentiment expressed in a reprimand like "Helllooo? You just knocked me flat on my butt on the ice and you're not even going to pause and say "Sorry"?!?", "Really!?", all condensed into a word that would be utterly benign, but for the tone. Tone is everything in that case. But standard "Sorry"s, in one way or another, are generally about keeping the peace. And when they're not, the tone ensures that there's no ambiguity about it.
When it comes to taking your shoes off, one must remember that in Canada over 50% of the year we are in wet, slushy or powdery snow, thus if you do not take you shoes or boots off, you would track dirty/muddy water around their house. Thus forcing you host or yourself to spend extra time cleaning. This is another taboo, you should always clean after yourself. Never make a mess and leave it. Most Canadians will clean up before leaving hotels, or brush crumbs off tables after they eat in restaurants. In Canada, cleanliness is often compared to godliness.
What do you mean 50% of the time, it's 100% 😝 sometimes I don't get how there's so much dust and sand everywhere 😂 but yeah it's very weird that most of them don't take their shoes off. My friend live in California and I'm like dude California is covered with sand how come you do this 😝 also if you are in a city you step on a lot of dirty transparent thing if you know what I mean 😳
I am Canadian, and my job involves going to peoples homes. I’ve been surprised at the number of people who tell me not to take off my shoes when I come in (usually because of pet hair, which doesn’t bother me since I have 4 cats and 2 rabbits) and I almost always take them off because walking in someone’s home with my shoes on just feels wrong lol
I am Canadian, and I have to say that this girl honesty makes us sound prudish. We aren’t strict sticklers like this. We are very laid back…and I’ve never seen anyone point at anyone. Ever. For any reason. Love your videos! I’m a new viewer/subscriber.
A gift for the hostess is a token of appreciation for their hard work and a thank you for including you in the celebration, As for being polite.... I was told 'thank you for shopping with us..... and my response was 'oh, you are welcome!,,, the problem wasn't apparent to me until the man next to me burst out laughing saying,... 'I love it' what had i done to set him off??? I was at the self checkout !! LOL!!
I found some of your reactions to Canadian taboos interesting, particularly your surprise at "Hostess Gifts", something we take very much for granted. I belong to a local music circle that gets together weekly to play and sing - a very common occurrence in Eastern Canada, commonly called a "kitchen party". There can be anywhere from 10 to 50 members or more, but the best circles contain about 12 to 15 players. Sometimes, when our regular venue isn't available, we'll hold our 3-hour music circle at a member's home, and no one arrives empty handed. Whether it be a plate of homemade cookies, veggies and dip, a bag of chips, a jar or jam or a bottle of wine, or something special picked up at the local Farmer's Market or grocery, these hostess gifts are appreciated by one and all for large gatherings like ours. It's not about "fanciness", it's about showing a small amount of gratitude to the host/ess. I was taught as a child that one of the reasons Canadians are more drawn to social democracy ("socialism" down your way!), is that with a relatively small population living in a huge land mass the size of Canada, and dealing with a rather severe climate, we need each other.....must depend on each other....help each other - sometimes our very survival depends on others. This explains our tendency perhaps to be far less "individualistic" than folks south of our border, and more empathetic to those not as fortunate.
Well said/explained. I'm a Canadian living in the US (16 years now), and when I go Home, I'm glad that I don't get teased too badly for how sometimes I'm a bit slow to remember I'm Home (usually only takes a few hours).
as a canadian, i never show up to dinner empty handed! and also, in her second point, i would say HATE is a strong word, but being compared to Americans frequently isn’t appreciated for sure.
Yes, I would say that the practice is generally first to ask the host or hostess, "What can I bring?" i.e. to contribute to the dinner (bread, salad, dessert). And then if they say nothing, you would then bring some small gift just to make sure you didn't come empty handed, generally a beverage or other type of goodie. The only exception may be just going to your parents' house, but generally even then you would still ask what to bring, especially for a holiday meal.
@@amybutcher6827 When the hostess told me not to bring anything to contribute to the dinner, because everything was fully planned and probably already too much to eat, I brought her lovely flowers. I had no idea that she was highly allergic to flowers.
Inuit is the correct term for the people who used to be called “ Eskimos”. Métis is the term for the peoples who are of mixed heritage, such as First Nation/ English or French/ First Nation etc. First Nations is somewhat of a blanket aboriginal name, because Canada, like the US contains many different peoples speaking different languages , with different cultures ( different tribes ) such as Cree, Ojibwe, Blackfoot, Algonquin, Haida, and many more.
My understanding is Eskimos (Yupik) are from Alaska. I think it's kind of like calling a Korean, Chinese. I was told not to call Inuit people First Nation. I think more general terms are indigenous, aboriginal (though it's more appropriate for natives of Australia), Amerindian (all the natives of the Americas).
I work for BC government and Indigenous is the most widely accepted blanket term in Canada. It covers Métis, First Nations and Inuit peoples. We don’t say aboriginal, native or First Nations as a blanket term.
I am an inuit myself, I do agree that i prefer being called indigenous, but mostly just say inuit, being called anything else is just kind of offensive
The thing about saying sorry when you are bumped into IS NOT asking for an apology. Instead a Canadian is suppose to be aware of their surroundings. When they say sorry, it is "sorry, I should have seen you but I didnt"
Lol. Yes indeed. I just remind my son to continue showing manners and kindness, and maybe, just maybe, one day those aholes will turn their aholiness around lol
100% Paulette. It's not just ugly Americans. Canadians do reprehensible things everyday that are purposely overlooked just because our neighbour is worse! This denial is one if the reasons our country is on the state it is in. I'll celebrate our Flag only after we decide to have an honest conversation about where we are and what we're going to do to be better!
That was a good video to watch. Saying sorry is just automatic when bumping into someone. I've been known to say it to inanimate objects like walls and poles. 🤷♀️
The "talking loudly in public enclosed spaces " is definitely a thing I've noticed. Not so much in Toronto (pretty hectic and loud city in general), but I've really noticed it here in Montreal. I used to be a "loud talker" and you start to notice a lot of people glaring at you (no one ever said anything though). Now whenever I have my loud friends visit me, I've very conscious of just how many people are doing the "silent glare".
Montréal gal here, totally! 😂 We can’t stand selfish people and selfish behaviour (like holding the door), it shows a total lack of respect of others’ right to NOT hear about your mess of a life. You can very possibly end up being called out on it in front of everyone. Politely but surely lol. It’s just extremely annoying to us, we call on the selfishness behind the behaviour. Please, Don’t expose to us just how much substance you don’t have.
@@a.b.2850 Native Montrealer here. Haven't lived there in 30s yrs but still visit family and friends all the time. Selfish behavior (whether it's out of obliviuosness or not) was always abhorred there and I noticed that even today in myself, and even in my other expat friends. That would be things like, getting of and standing at the end of a crowded escalator and not moving. Jimmy Fallon calls these, baracades of idiots. Whether we still live there or not, we really have no patience for it. It's ingrained. You can't take Montreal out of the Montrealer.
20:17 When she talks about the swearing, this is just what I remember as a child, I was the only one who spoke fluent French when we were passing through Quebec, so my mom, who is retired Military, had me stick my head out of the car window and repeat what she said to the other drivers in French. I was 6. My mom swears so much she can make a sailor blush. For those who know Mom is a Newfie. P.S. It rush hour.
It's very funny, because here in Québec, when you are invited for diner, it is considered rude to be there ON TIME. You should always arrive a bit early to chat a bit, take a glass of wine, even help in the kitchen if you know your host well enough. Arriving just in time for the meal is seen as considering your host like a "meal provider" and nothing more. Goes to show how different certain parts of Canada are. Also, a good hostess gift can be to offer to bring a part of the meal (salad, dessert, sidedish, etc). Not the main meal, obviously...
When someone invites me for dinner at 7pm. for instance...that doesn't mean the food is being served exactly at 7pm. So showing up exactly on time wouldn't mean you're there just to eat. Coming 30 minutes early isn't extremely bad...but an hour early would be! It's not something the rest of Canada does...but in Victoria BC, being super early would be.
Good to know. On the west coast, if you know the host, then you come a bit early share some wine, and help out. . If you are more of a stranger or it's more formal then you arrive on time with flowers or wine. But dinner will not be served for another hour or so. Even two hours...maybe with snacks and apples first
It's very common in Canada Tyler. I have dinner parties with my friends once a month and they all bring wine, beer, flowers, chocolates, buns, juice, pop, cookies, croissants, nanaimo bars, pastries.
About saying sorry by both parties when they bump into each other ... From my own experience, if someone bumps into me, I also say sorry because I wasn't paying enough attention to avoid the incident. So, in a way, I'm also at fault for not being aware of my surroundings.
Saying sorry here in Canada pretty much means you're a polite caring person. I use it so much that when i say Sorry as an automatic reply to my friends, or someone tells me i dont need to be. I follow up with "Sorry."...... ...... "Not really Sorry, just being polite."
I'm a Canadian and I think the reason we don't like to be compared to Americans, is only because we are a Country in our own right. Some Americans tend to feel superior to Canadians. Even the U.S. documentaries of the two worlds wars, seldom mention about our Canadian war heroes and their significance of which there are many. The American taboos are pretty well the same as in Canada. It's just a matter of respecting each other. And we do have not so polite people here too.
I think that it has only been in the past 30 years or so that we've come into our own, from being the USA's backwater cousin. The Broadcasting Act of 1991 helped us to assert our culture through media otherwise dominated by American content that has considerable influence on Canadians. Now we've got a respectable international reputation (whereas America kinda "peaked in high school"), many known Canadians who are famous in the USA and beyond, and quite a bit of Canadian content has actually become popular there, too (Schitt's Creek and Letterkenny being a couple of examples. I'd love to see Tyler react to some Letterkenny).
@@bcpr9812 I disagree with you, we were where never America's backwater cousin Maybe america thought so but we've always had our own culture, government, economics etc.
It is strange to visit Canada and be hit with that hype about getting a "discount" for Canadian dollars. Canadian dollars, after all, are a separate currency as much as euros, pesos, etc. The prices in Canada are not the same and usually the prices are marked higher in twndem with the value of te Canadian dollar. I think people really do believe that the Canadian dollar is discounted, but that would be like saying that Canadians are penalized when they buy U.S. dollars. Neither is the case. They are just different currencies of twi separate countries. I still love Canadian Tire though and wish it had expanded to the U.S. It would be great to walk into a Canadian Tire in Texas!
@@jameshitselberger5845 It's not a discount. Canadian money is worth less than American. For every American $, we pay 1.25$ If you buy something in Canada worth 1.25, You only have to pay 1$. If you buy a big item in Canada, as an American you'd see a great difference.
Tyler, I think you are so polite! I absolutely love the ways in which you react to Canada/Canadian Culture! I find myself agreeing with you most of the time on the videos that you watch. You are genuinely courteous and you're very respectful at that! I love your content and love watching you react to all of these crazy videos on/about Canada. P.S.- I believe that this video had to have been made just before covid hit, since this video was indeed made in 2020. And I for one, would not shake anyone's hand anymore!! Nor go near anyone coughing or sneezing, lol. Still, I find myself in agreement with most of your take on all of it. Thank you for being an amazing person with wonderful values and views!! ➡️ I'm sure that I can speak for so many of us Canadians when I say that you are most open minded, courteous and thoughtful with ALL of your videos!! ❤️ Love watching you always!! Much love from Nova Scotia! 🥰💕😆💯🤣
Tyler, I have enjoyed a number of your videos. I am a Canadian and find your content and presentation humorous, and its informative to hear an American opinion. I have lived in the US and have found our countries more similar than people expect. Where there are differences, I always think to myself, that it's not wrong, just different. That's what makes people interesting.
I think you’re right about the “sorry” thing. Canadians may just be very empathetic. Using the example she used, if two people bump into each other, they will both say sorry. One person will say sorry because they feel bad for bumping into that person while the other person would apologize either because they understand it was an awkward situation for the other person or because they feel empathetic to someone bumping into another person by accident
I think it's mostly only in Toronto (the most American part of Canada) that someone would say sorry to elicit another sorry statement when being bumped into (very passive aggressive). Elsewhere in Canada, it means you're genuinely sorry that you were in their way. In Canada (and this is written in law), sorry isn't an admission of guilt, it's an expression of concern for another person's misfortune, whether or not it was caused by you.
@@Zombie-lx3sh oh wow, thanks for the precision about the legal aspects. Not from Toronto, but Montreal , and I have to agree that here at least I wouldn’t hear a sorry, ou “désolé”, in a passive-aggressive way. I myself, and I’ve heard others, am petty, so I’ll say clearly “my pleasure!” or “you’re very welcome” but in a way that not many people can figure out I’m not being sincere, and in a second are confused and weirded out of being so nicely thanked for something they either know they didn’t do or something that they have no idea 😂 Sometimes I end up waking the up and getting a thank you back 😅
@@Zombie-lx3sh from Toronto and I’m not familiar with “sorry” as trying to elicit an apology. It’s just purely reflexive, I think. Super common to hear “oh sorry” said to inanimate objects, after walking or bumping into something.
In Quebec, we have different expressions to apologize in French. We say ''désolé'' (sorry) or ''pardon'' (without saying the ''n'' in the end). Also, if you're walking through a crowded place, for example: in a bus with lots of people, you should say ''excusez-moi'' (Excuse me) while walking past people. When I'm in school, I also hear my teacher say ''pardonnez-moi'' in class, whenever he makes a mistake during his lessons.
Something for you to watch. National Film Board of Canada short animated "Vignette's": 1) The Log Driver's Waltz. 2) The Big Snit. 3) The Cat came back. Almost every Canadian knows and loves these. If you want to see a snapshot of one type of Canadian Culture from the late 70's to late '80's those are it. Absolute beloved classics!
Yikes! 😮 Despite being half a century old and having lived on both the East and West coasts, other having heard the name "The Cat Came Back", I don't know anything about any of these. 🤭 Guess I'll also be adding to my "must watch" list.
We also must not forget the Blackfly song lol. I always laughed, growing up in Calgary, because we don't have blackflies there. "Cant be that bad!" id say, young and naïve. Then I moved to NB and found just how wrong I was
For the “sorry” when bumping into someone else for example, it’s both because we’re mostly empathetic yes but also not confrontational, we don’t want trouble
I am Canadian and was taught from an early age never to go to someone’s house empty-handed . And if you are here visiting Canada and are invited to someone’s home you would definitely bring something to show your appreciation for being invited over. Your channel is so fun to watch keep up the good work.👍
In my first nation community, and maybe pretty much on all other communities, we used to identify ourself as first nations (inuits for them) native. We also use a particular original group names like for example blackfoot, algonquins, mohawks etc, and even general names giving for the whole groups such as Anishinabeg that represents a lot of communities but not in general. For example I am from a community call Kitigan Zibi, at Kitigan Zibi we are Algonquins, the Algonquin’s family are widely spread almost across canada that are part of the Anishinabe people. Its get complicated lol. As far as I know to my best knowledge, we never use our community (hometown) names to identify ourself such like Torontonians etc. « Indian » word is somewhat still use in some natives communities and especially between each other in a conservation…it has only been recent that we slowly disregarded ourself as « indians » even tho that the main government branches still known as « indian affairs ».
As a non-first nation Canadian, I have no doubt that I have inadvertently said things that would be insulting to a first-nation citizen. This would have been through ignorance and misinformation.
Damn... Indian affairs.. that one slipped right past didn't it? 🤔 ..that's been out of date the moment folks realized North America was NOT actually India. Can we sneak a rename into some sorta bill? 😏
I corrected a media personality about this issue. Indians are from INDIA. The first inhabitants of North America are FIRST Nations and Inuit. I noticed the next time they had to pause, but they did use indigenous and First Nations people. (American)
Where I live in Canada, I’ve heard people be called out for swearing in front of children. Like “watch your language, there’s children, what the hell is wrong with you?” So yes you will be called out. And yes it’s very rude to talk loudly on your phone in public places, I’ve seen people stare at others for doing this
Regarding the phone thing those playing music or talking loud on public transit near me. Loudly I'll say "What!! You don't have ear buds?" That usually does the trick. 😝
When the worse cases of loud cellphone conversations occur, I join in! Why not? If the person on the cellphone says "Really?!" I chime in "Yes indeed! You wouldn't believe it!"
As a Canadian I grew up with the rhyme, (using the name of the person whose elbows are on the table): "Tyler, Tyler, if you're able, Get your elbows off the table! This is not a horse's stable, But a first class dining table!"🤣🇨🇦
My brother's family and my family get together for dinner a couple of times a month. He will always ask "what can we bring" and I always as the same when going to his house. Typically we will bring the salad, or sides to the dish. Something easy to transport. Oh and being Canadian, we always bring wine/booze.
I took a trip to the USA and used local buses, said "thank you" getting on and off. I got the strangest looks 😂. I apologized for not letting someone behind me in line who had 2 items, I had quite a few, at the grocery store. I said "I should have let them go ahead of me, sorry". Now I pay attention, and don't need to apologize so much. I hear almost everyone say thank you getting on and off buses every day. Same for taxis. Now it's easy to locate someone from outside Canada when a bus goes by with "Sorry, Not In Service" on the flasher above the front window. The strangers gape. 😊
People speaking loudly enough to hear every word on the transit system, train or buses, get either the driver or other passengers to ask, then demand, the loud speech to be lowered or stopped. It's both intrusive on others and obnoxious if too loud.
I always thought of the comparison between Canada and the US like siblings. No one wants to be compared or be considered the same as their older brother.
@@Salicat99 I prefer the meme (look it up) that says if the was prison, America would be our bitch, because we're bigger and we're on top. As polite as they are, Canadians don't want to be someone's hat, come on.
Canada, or at least a lot of the east coast and definitely Quebec/New France were discovered and claimed before America or even the first British colony. Take this into account; the first British colony in North America was created in 1607, whereas, and this is just for Quebec or at the time it was called New France (Nouvelle France if you want to be fancy) was founded on July 24, 1534, which is an important day in Quebec. Sorry if this was rude or anything, I just need to use my vast knowledge of Quebec history for something, I haven't learned it for nothing. Seriously, you learn it for two years straight in Quebec. Edit: I forgot to add the whole point of this comment, basically I am saying Canada would be the older brother if you going by before Canada and America became actual Countries, though if you go by the BNA act (the British North American Colony act which merged the Province of Canada, in which was the now provinces of Quebec and Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) Canada would be younger and America older. I just prefer going by colonization dates when it comes to ages, at least for the Americas.
Quite often when we go for dinner we will ask if there is a part of dinner we can bring or if there is something we can pick up that was forgotten. Usually we will bring buns or dessert or a salad. It's very common for the host to tell you they don't need anything, then there is the obligatory "fight" about what you should bring lol
I remember seeing American shows as a kid and they always wore shoes in the house and even while in bed! Later I thought it was just related to acting/filming but I saw this talked about on American TH-cam channels and they thought it was rude to remove shoes in someone's house. Growing up in Canada, my mom would have freaked out if I wore shoes inside. I would also never wear shoes in someone else's home.
When you think of all the crap that's on every street and sidewalk, that you're literally walking through with your shoes, and then you realize there's a whole country of people who think it's perfectly normal to go home and put those same nasty dirty shoes on their sofa or bed (let alone all over their floors and carpets), uuuuugggggghhhhh!
Weirdly, when I watch American shows and they're wearing their shoes on the sofa or on the bed, I speak to the TV and say "take off your freaking shoes"! Lol
When I yawn and don’t cover my mouth I usually try and force a smile but she’s correct that if you’re having a conversation and end up yawning you should not only turn away and cover your mouth but also apologize maybe say something like “I’m sorry, I had a late night last night” because most Canadians will think it’s rude like you’re bored with the conversation or something. It’s not on the same level as the finger if you apologize when it happens while in conversation.
The stuff about hostess gifts is generally more of a middle-upper class thing. For the working class we have the idea of pot luck where everyone brings a dish or a snack. Very common among students to ignore the middle class rules, but yeah I've been in social situations where bringing wine is standard as well.
In fairness, asking what a person does for a living is more of an upperclass thing. If you are a garbage collector, or a custodian or work in sewage treatment or a restaurant or between jobs, you may consider the question a bit rude.
OK I did the same when i was a student ..lets say that after you finish school usually we bring an hostess gift home made or bought. The flowers are less common here but a bottle of wine is very common (or beer for guys!)
Tyler I do enjoy your videos. As I Canadian, I found watching this video you absolutely did constantly compare almost everything between America and Canada. Sometimes it gets to be too much. IMO you should learn and communicate without the constant comparisons. Love it when you do that. Tyvm. God bless 😊🇨🇦👋🏻
I'm Canadian. My parents would discuss politics at the dinner table, politely and, that's how I had the basics, by 15. But, Dad's rule was, While it's okay at home, with your family, you are NOT to ever discuss politics or religion at a dinner table, unless it's just your family.
If I go to a gathering and food is being provided I always bring a gift for the host. I typically grab a bottle of wine, spirit or some beer just as a thank you.
@@theravyshow2570 Then bring a box of fine chocolates. The wine you would give your host is usually not to be drunk during the dinner anyway. Your host probably bought a good bottle that best suits your meal.
Dinner: Yes, very common to bring something for the hosts. In my experience, you typically bring a bottle of wine. Your host(s) just spent time and money on getting their home ready, prepping a meal for you. You can easily leave a few minutes earlier, stop and buy a bottle of wine to say thank you.
I'm Canadian and the US comparison thing is kind of because we're sensitive about the topic because we're so similar. The way you're doing it is great, very gracious and respectful. I do enjoy the comparison, but really we're quite similar.
I would NEVER even think of arriving empty handed to a dinner. I’m going to a friend’s for dinner tomorrow and bought the cutest Christmas soaps and a beautiful Christmas hand towel for her powder room. I keep boxes of chocolate on hand as hostess gifts.
As far as bringing a gift if you’re invited for dinner, I’d say it depends. Now, this may vary in different regional parts of the country, I’m in Alberta. Generally I’d bring a gift for anyone I didn’t know very well, such as a neighbour, a work colleague, and especially someone like my boss. If it’s my best friend, and the dinner was fairly causal, I wouldn’t, but if they are hosting a dinner party or a housewarming, I would absolutely bring one. Another really good time to bring a gift is when you are meeting the family of someone you are dating. This is pretty important and would be seen as rude to show up empty handed. General rule, the better you know someone and the more times you’ve been to their house, the less important showing up with a gift is. Anyone of higher status or whom you are trying to impress, would always be smart to bring something.
A hostess gift is common on the west coast. If you bring wine it is completely up to the host if it's opened or not. If you say anything about it, that would be considered rude, unless it is a close friend or relative. Taking your phone out at the dinner table is considered rude.
As a Canadian, we dont get angry, we stare you down and hope you get the hint to stop whatever youre doing. I personally believe nothing is unforgiveable!
I was on a bu some time ago and a woman threw an empy pop can on the floor and I just stared at her, looked at the can and stared at her. I looked away for a second and when I looked back, she had picked it up. it works.
I was thinking that during the segment about speaking loudly on the phone while on the bus. When someone does that most people on the bus will keep glaring unapprovingly at the person until they hang up or quiet down.
I shake hands or hug (close friends). Physical interaction is important for our psyche. If you have a virus (any virus), stay home. If you’re healthy, be human and interact.
When it comes to Elbows on the table... The camp I went to as a kid had a whole thing "James, James(first name twice) strong and able, get your elbows off the table, this is not a horse's stable but a first class dinning table, Stand up say your sorry!" And then you had to stand up, say you were sorry or you had to ride a broom around the room and apologize to each person until they accepted your apology... So yes... It's definitely a thing.
Fun fact: "Don't put your elbows on the table" has a LONG history with many reasons, from making it more difficult to start fights in biblical times to giant lacy cuffs that would get in the food, to risking knocking things over or getting in the way or servers and so on.
As for not going to diner empty handed, maybe my etiquette is improper, but I would never expect someone to show up with anything, nor would I feel obliged to bring something. However, at least with the people I know, it is polite to ask "do you need me to bring anything?" And in this case if someone asks me to bring wine, I would bring wine. I am sure this differs from person to person and situation to situation.
Jess, you are not alone. Whenever we were invited for dinner or when we hosted a dinner no one expected the guests to bring anything. I think that this is a thing that has crept into the culture when I wasn't noticing. If people came to our house they were always welcome at our table and we at theirs. Mind you, we were fairly low on the social scale and never had formal dinners so we would not know of these more formal "rules".
Tyler I just want to say that I think you are an A Plus person. Your reactions to videos are very polite (even Canadian lol). Your channell is interesting and informative and always entertaining.
I wanted to remind you about Remembrance Day before it happened.. It was on November 11th and explains the poppy you were curious about. Do Canada a service and react to Tim Brokaw explaining Canada to Americans. Its about the highway of heroes and stuff.
That handshake one has pretty much ended with Covid in Canada. Even back in 2009ish, with SARS hitting Toronto, the business handshake started on its way out. I can remember getting the waggling finger of admonishment for elbows on table from one very Scottish grandmother, but when she wasn't around, nobody cared. The narrative around 17:50 is pretty much spot on :) Swearing is treated similarly between Canada and US, but not the same. I had the opportunity once to watch a Die Hard movie that was playing on a Canadian and a US channel. Every time Samuel L. Jackson said "motherfucker" it was bleeped differently. On the Canadian channel you got "beeeeeepfucker", and on the US channel it was "motherbeeeeeeep"
@@myrchantkobold8268 I do the elbow bump or namaste 🙏 with anglo friends, but between french Québécois the two cheek kiss between close friends and family is making a big comeback (kinda wired in our DNA) 🙄
It's my understanding that the age thing is important in Asian countries because it directly affects how they address you within the peer group (eg: Noona = male addressing older female in Korean)
Tyler as a Canadian I’m really enjoying your videos. For the most part we are proud and so prefer not to be called the 51st state and have people assume we are American. I agree with some of the pts made in the video. I don’t fully agree with her statement regarding “sorry” - glad to see others did as well. I’ve never thought of it the way she does; it’s a nice thing to say to diffuse an awkward moment. As for bringing something when invited for dinner, that’s a given. Always ask what you can bring and let your host know what you are bringing especially if it’s food. If you bring wine, remember it’s a gift so it may not be served (your host might have the perfect pairing at the right temperature). I have noticed some of the endearing Canadian ways are going by the wayside as we become more culturally diverse… respecting personal space, stopping for pedestrians despite the right of way, holding doors for people behind us, talking on phones in public places, etc. I do find it encouraging to read the comments to see how like-minded your viewers are
The thing about getting bumped into is if you watched your surroundings more then you maybe could’ve avoided it if it really was an accident, so since you’re also partly at fault for not being careful it’s natural to say sorry too.
Two stories for you about the "saying sorry when you bump into people" thing. Once, I was riding down an escalator and was throwing my bag over my shoulder, accidentally punching a lady going up the other side in the shoulder. We both said sorry. Second, only a few weeks ago at the mall, two people bumped into each other 2 feet in front of me and all three of us said sorry, and I reflexively brought my hand to my chest as an "ooh no" reaction. I was just imagining how you'd react to actually coming to Canada one day... but then, I realized that you'd probably just find it so similar to America once you're actually here. The differences seem stronger when listed and talked about here, but in day to day, we're extremely similar
I once bumped into someone and I reflexively turned around while saying, "I'm so sorry". Just to find out it was just inanimate pole I bumped into. Then I awkwardly said to the pole, "oooh... you're just a pole. I don't need to apologize to you". Then I looked up and everyone was looking at me like I lost my mind... That was embarrassing.
The phone calls on public transit, for me, is an "it depends" topic. If the call is someone saying that they''re on their way home and should be there soon, put the chicken in the oven, call done, no problem. So short and sweet and call over. There are three types of calls that, in my opinion, are definitely not appropriate: the long personal call, especially with tmi; a business call, particularly dealing with a contract negotiation or some other potentially confidential matter; a series of I'm bored on this ride and I'm going to call everyone I know until I find someone who will chatter inanely with me for entertainment. Texting made such a huge difference in this area.
It needs to be noted that this video isn’t made exclusively for Americans thus the topic on shaking hands. Some cultures don’t shake hands (think kiss on the cheek or bowing). In Canada it would be rude to decline a handshake. Those cheek kissers and bowers would be thought of poorly. - if you don’t cover your mouth when yawning… is gross thus rude. Don’t show your masticated lunch and grungy teeth to people. - Growing up… our parents cared if our elbows were on the table. Also, outside of the home it was noted when we did this. Not so much now as people are moving away from basic manners. - Don’t get bogged down that pointing is only when someone says “how are you?”. This was an example. Just don’t point generally unless you’re pointing to show something. - I haven’t heard anybody in Canada complain about using manners… just Americans. Its our lexicon. Also, there are studies on manners around the world. In 2022 the US was ranked the 6th rudest country while Canada was ranked the 5th most polite - Cells phones… I’m not interested in your life and it shouldn’t be front and centre in mine. - Bringing gifts for dinner… people have gone above and beyond for YOU, at their cost, so why not show the appreciation for their efforts and generosity? -
Yawning and put your hand in front of your mouth and sneezing in your elbow is taught to you in kindergarten. It is a Canadian thing because in Europe they would sneeze on you. I am Franco-Ontarian and table etiquette is very very important in the French culture. We also always bring a hostess gift no matter how much you know or don’t know the person, wine, flowers or chocolate. We also always take off our shoes at the door.
Thanks for the laughs, Tyler. Yes cell phone calls on transit are "space invaders." - except as demonstrated, "i'm on the bus call you back" click. Yawning IS a thing as it causes a chain reaction. Your natural sense of humour, easy laugh and sense of respect is entertaining. Oh and picking up a few hostess gifts to have on hand is a good idea. So you don't have to go get something at the last minute. Standard for Dinner or first time to someone's home. Great perspective for our own self-awareness Thank You
With regards to #1, I have heard of not talking about Quebec separation/sovereignity especially in public in Montréal, as there are still people who pretty much support of Quebec being a separate country.
One of the biggest differences between tipping in Canada versus the US (although things may have changed). Tips in Canada are not considered part of the servers wages
As a Canuck, for decades I've never gone to a friend's for dinner without giving them something, even if they're really close friends. Wine or flowers; both are always welcome. I'd never show up empty-handed.
Happy Sunday! I really enjoy your videos hooked actually as a Canadian lol I appreciate your honest opinions and love your expressions when you hear or see something strange too.. look forward to your next lesson..
"Sorry" can have different meanings in Canada depending on the intonation. What an uninitiated person might think is an apology is actually "Well, fuck you too." 😉
about the dinner gift,.. its not necessarily a case of bringing a bottle of wine or chocolates, it can also be something you prepared to share with everyone. We dont really consider it gifts, its more a respecting that the other person is supplying expensive food,.. so your helping offset the costs (or stress) by giving them or providing something to contribute to the dinner. Or if its a fancy dinner party then a formal wine or flowers sure. But your coming to hang out with a friend for lunch or such then ask if you can bring something (and when they say no bring something anyways) or just take initiative. It can be very small, my friend often gives a little goodie bag with a couple cookies or candies, or a slice of quiche, etc. when we hang out for lunch or for a hike and i do the same, could be some canning i did or home made broth, a jam, chips and dip etc. i think Canadians just like to share food. Or that could just be me. I kinda feel ripped off if i am given flowers 💐🤣 instead of food! The flowers could cost so much more too! But i look forward to even a little baggie of mints for after we eat. (Laughing at my self for this)
Yes, one covers their mouth when yawning. No, one doesn't put elbows on the table - and bring the spoon/fork up to your mouth, don't bend down to the spoon/fork. Also, when exiting the bus or streetcar say thank you to the driver. Quiet voices on the phone - keep your phone (camera) pointed DOWN. Always take your shoes off when you enter someone's home. Always take the host/hostess a gift if having dinner or game night - even dessert.
Any fellow Canadians in here notice that these taboos are pretty much just a list of the basic manners we were taught as children? 😂😂
Yes. Lol
Yes it was
Definitely. Tyler you down play the importance of these taboos!
100%. Found it difficult getting through her video partly because of her slightly condescending tone, and the fact that nothing on her list was overtly Canadian but common etiquette
Snow Queen. Yes! Who doesn’t close their mouth while chewing? Or cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze?
Here are some better taboos:
1. forgetting Canada's significance in the world wars;
2. assuming that a person speaking English in a North American accent is American;
3. speaking to us as though we have no summer, no cities, no economy, and no culture.
Your list is what I was expecting from this episode.
So Number 3, you're speaking of Trudope? 🤔
@@h.calvert3165, anyone who comments like you do just makes him/herself look illiterate and shallow, not having the ability to use critical thinking skills. Tyler does, as demonstrated through his comments and questions.
I think she is saying things that rarely happen. As far as tipping, if I get poor service I don't tip. It is not necessary to bring a gift if you are invited to someone s house for dinner unless it is a formal business type dinner. You look at someone's face when talking not necessarily fixed eye to eye. I would say it is rude when engaging in conversation to be texting on your phone. Shaking hands is frowned apon since covid. I don't know anyone that would point their finger while asking how are you. When someone points their finger at me in accusation I just say three fingers are pointing back at you. Most of the things she is saying is just politeness but I don't think Canadians get offended so easily. However, if she was speaking about people in Toronto specifically, she is probably spot on. The rest of us and rural Canadians would let most of it just slide. And if you fart in public you never say anything.
@@h.calvert3165
You're very rude and should say sorry.
If you've never met an angry Canadian you've never watched a hockey game.
Or lacrosse.
They're not angry, that's just hockey. The same guys that are trying to knock each other's teeth out on the rink go on, (assuming they're still mobile xD), to laugh about it after the game.
Hahahaha 😂😂😂❤❤❤❤ love you Canada
or town meetings
Or when they jack up the prices of groceries and gas again.
Saying 'sorry' immediately dispels confrontation, regardless of who's at fault.
Great point.
Talking about the weather is the biggest icebreaker to start a conversation with anyone here in Canada 🇨🇦.
Hey 👋 You’ve won something
Haha. We seem to be proud of our horrible weather and all we have to endure from it.
I love our crazy weather. Love winter, snow and the cold. The spring and fall seasons are so distinctive and awesome.
Some things overlooked in this video… not holding the door open for the person behind you and not holding the elevator doors open for people behind you. The reason I say “sorry” if someone bumps into me is because I’m apologizing for being in someone’s way
true here in french Canadian parts as well, love your comments
True. I have taught my son since toddler age (with help from me when a toddler), to hold the door opened for people. He's 8 now, and does it without me having to remind him. I actually got a complement the other day from a guy, when my son held the door opened for him "momma taught you right". Lol
Exactly
In Winnipeg, we thank the bus driver for a safe ride when we get off the bus. Do people in other Canadian cities do this?
@@darcymartin7608 yes in Ontario atleast outside of downtown Toronto. I'm not sure about there.
What we really hate is when we're in Europe and someone accuses us of being American!!
Lol. I always say “I’m not mean enough or fat enough to be American“😀
That’s why we wear a Canadian flag on our luggage and bags etc
Unless you are from Quebec and go in France, they'll spot it right away.
Old GF was on a bus in France, got a sneer and healthy dose of the stink eye from a passenger, "You Americans!" he said in poor English, she stared straight back and said "I'm a Canadian asshole!" Why do the French hate Americans so much?
Equally annoying is seeing Americans pretending to be Canadians (flag patch on back pack/luggage).
I am Canadian and though I often say sorry, I don’t think I’ve ever said sorry to get someone else to apologize. I say sorry just in case it actually was my fault and I don’t realize it. I’d rather say sorry when it wasn’t my fault than not say sorry when it was my fault or I was in their way.
Totally agree
this is so prevalent that saying sorry cannot be taken as an admission of guilt according to the "apology act" introduced in 2008
@@benjaminc4717, forgot about that. Ginger is quite correct- we say it in case we’re at fault.
Yes! That's exactly why I also say "sorry"
Absolutely! Me, too!
She missed a very big taboo: Don't invade a person's space. Canadians like to keep a polite distance from one another (about 2-3 feet) in most settings. It's offensive to stand too close to someone, inside their comfort perimeter.
Agreed, if you are not a close friend or family member and you are standing close enough I can reach out and touch you without moving you are too close. There are some exceptions for when it is acceptable to be closer such as a crowded dance floor, confined spaces like an elevator or busy and small work environments for a few examples but even then give the space between people that is possible.
With the obvious exception of buses or concerts where there isn’t much choice, but even then it’s expected that you are respectful and as unobtrusive as possible
i can relate, I hate it when someone i don't know invades my personal space and i don't know them. friends are fine, so is family, but just, no. if it can't be helped, i manage, but i still get really uncomfortable
yeah, this is so NOT a thing in Canada, why? because Canadians have always been HUGGERS! You have to get close in order to hug. This 'distance' thing has only been since covid so don't you dare start saying that it's part of canadian culture because it's not, and at 50+ years I can speak to the truth of that
@@HAnnB24 oh do be quiet, this is covid brainwashing, not Candian cutlure. Don't dare mix the two. Canadians are avid huggers, everyone has known this about us. You have to be close to hug. Take your brainwashing somewhere else
I once apologized to a parking meter I had walked into. To a degree, Canadian politeness is so ingrained, it's a reflex. I have certainly never said sorry to try to get someone else to apologize.
Yea, it's more of an automatic response for me than it is to get the other person to apologize like she said. It just feels natural to apologize regardless of if you hit someone or were the one that got hit.
I was visiting London a few years ago and while looking at the underground system map a local struck up a conversation. When he heard my accent he asked if I was American and when I replied that no I was Canadian he gave me the greatest insult by saying. "It's the same thing." Only my Canadian politeness saved him from a broken nose.
Heard the same thing at a party one time, that guy did not turn out as lucky. The last thing he said was " you Canadians are just wanna be Americans ".
He said this in a crowd of off duty Canadian soldiers, last I saw was his ass in a snowbank outside, ambulance on the way.
Others might have used a derogatory term about them in return, started an ugly situation. 😂
I can reply, "NOPE, descendant of the UEL" and watch the confusion. United Empire Loyalists who dumped the USA and built Canada.
This puts them in the space of not knowing US history. 🤔 Which, for some reason we KNOW more about.
My husband’s reply is always, “we’re the ones that show up to your wars on time’.
@@GoBlueGirl78 oh, that's an excellent and hilarious reply.
Britain has its share of ignorant citizens too I'm afraid. Some Brits would be insulted to be misidentified as say Irish, Auzzie or South African.
WE WANT CANADIAN HERITAGE MOMENTS
Burnt toast, through the air across the ocean, log drivers waltz
Get this ship outta here! Shes gunna blow!
There's also the Canadiana channel which has some good segments.
I need those baskets back!
birling down and down white water,
The log driver's waltz pleases girls completely.
Hi Chris. OMG, the log riders waltz is something I saw as a child and forgot about until the other day. It was amazing to see again! You just positively triggered a childhood memory, thank you!
It’s automatic with me and my siblings that we either ask “what can I bring?” Or “can I bring anything?” Let’s the host know you’d gladly contribute beyond being courteous. 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦
And even if they say “No, that’s okay” we bring something anyway.
Don't forget, "What can I do?"
Yes, less formal situations you can bring something to contribute to the meal or desert. It’s good form to remember to ask if you can bring something.
Also, if a guest brings something, we serve it! Always.
I had a funny situation a couple weeks ago when I went to my best friend's cottage and I brought dessert for us for after dinner. We were all so stuffed from dinner that we forgot to eat the dessert. My bestie's mom was so upset that she hadn't served my dessert that she served it at breakfast the next morning before we left!🤣
She forgot one of the biggest ones which is don't let a door close on someone who is behind you, if you are opening a door and someone is behind you once they are about 10-12 or less feet away from you, you should wait and hold the door open for them. You can either just hold it open for enough time for them to grab the door if they are close or you can actually get out of the way and hold the door open and let them walk through first. It doesn't matter what gender either of you are, if you are in front you hold the door. Then always say some sort of thank-you if someone does it for you.
You're not comparing. Yours is an educational experience. As a Canadian I appreciate you.😂❤
Side note: no one expects anyone to remove their shoes BEFORE entering their home… that’s just pure unreasonable nonsense. Rather remove your shoes UPON entering the house in the area you enter, normally the mud room or front entrance area or foyer. Please don’t take off your shoes while you are still outside. 😉
You're taking it too literally. They mean, as soon as you enter the house, not in the driveway.
@@pargolf3158 There are countries where removing your shoes BEFORE entering the home is the norm. Japan comes to mind but this was also my experience in Hawaii when I made friends with some locals. That expectation is not practical for most months of the year in Canada but it is a valid clarification.
yup it can ruin your sox in winter.
Agree
I think that’s what she meant😊
As a Canadian, I love the Canadian “Sorry.”
I’ve been watching myself and others, and have observed several uses that don’t get mentioned. When 2 Canadians bump into each other, the moment when they both say “Sorry” accomplishes a few things: it gives a moment to check if both are ok (substituting for, “I’m ok. You ok?”), the tone will also indicate that “we’re good” (no hard feelings).
In grocery stores, if you walk through someone’s eye line (who is looking for something on the shelf), we say sorry (kind of like if you reach over someone to get something at the dinner table), so in that case “sorry” can often be used in lieu of “excuse me.”
Also in a crowded venue (grocery aisle, or sidewalk) if two people are walking towards each other,and have to move out of each other’s way, they will make eye contact and one, or both, may say “sorry.” This can be a way of acknowledging the other, like a way of indicating, “I see you. We’ve got this.” Similarly,
if two Canadians walk up to the cash register at the same time, they may say “Sorry,” in lieu of “Oh, you go first.”
The Canadian “Sorry,” is like a politeness shorthand. If in doubt, say I calm, “Sorry,” snd things will almost magically sort themselves out. It’s almost like a ticket to get on the Politeness Express: try being rude/mean to someone who just apologized (it is disarming, and almost always diffuses any minor possibility of confrontation), it’s very hard, unless you are a jerk. In that case, any witness will stand up for the wronged apologizer.
However, Canadians, like Brits, can turn “sorry” into an admonition, or insult, depending on tone. If the “sorry” is said with sarcasm, or as an emphatic question, then look out! You’ve got one peeved Canadian on your hands!
Thanks for talking about the nuance of "Sorry" because oddly few people do in the comments. The other one is sorry as a substitute of "that's unfortunate". I once had an American tell me about something bad that had happened to them and I said "I'm sorry", and they legitimately got mad at me and said "why are you apologizing, you didn't do anything". That was a bit odd, because "Sorry" meaning "I feel bad for your circumstances" is used in the States too. The other use as "that's unfortunate" is how I would use sorry when someone bumps into me and I know I am in no way at fault. My sorry is acknowledging the situation happened, and that I think it is unfortunate that it did happen. It's just a hell of a lot shorter than saying "I see that you have bumped into me, and while it was unfortunate and through no fault of my own, I am uninjured, not angry, and will continue on my way".
Couldn’t have said it better if I tried.
@@ashbradford yes, it’s a great shorthand! Say, “sorry”, to each other and it’s all good in both sides, unless there is an additional issue to resolve (like an actual inconvenience, injury) but since we’ve both apologized then we can work together to rectify it instead of bickering.
Saying sorry we’re Looking for a solution to an error rather than pointing fingers and placing blame.
This is one of the most encompassing descriptions of our "sorry"s that I've seen. It's awesome. I was completely offended by that streamer's suggestion that it's generally a way to demand an apology from others. It *can* be, as in the scenario you mention, but then it's posed as a question and in an tone that clearly communicates annoyance. It's like the same sentiment expressed in a reprimand like "Helllooo? You just knocked me flat on my butt on the ice and you're not even going to pause and say "Sorry"?!?", "Really!?", all condensed into a word that would be utterly benign, but for the tone. Tone is everything in that case.
But standard "Sorry"s, in one way or another, are generally about keeping the peace. And when they're not, the tone ensures that there's no ambiguity about it.
When it comes to taking your shoes off, one must remember that in Canada over 50% of the year we are in wet, slushy or powdery snow, thus if you do not take you shoes or boots off, you would track dirty/muddy water around their house. Thus forcing you host or yourself to spend extra time cleaning. This is another taboo, you should always clean after yourself. Never make a mess and leave it. Most Canadians will clean up before leaving hotels, or brush crumbs off tables after they eat in restaurants. In Canada, cleanliness is often compared to godliness.
What do you mean 50% of the time, it's 100% 😝 sometimes I don't get how there's so much dust and sand everywhere 😂 but yeah it's very weird that most of them don't take their shoes off. My friend live in California and I'm like dude California is covered with sand how come you do this 😝 also if you are in a city you step on a lot of dirty transparent thing if you know what I mean 😳
I am Canadian, and my job involves going to peoples homes. I’ve been surprised at the number of people who tell me not to take off my shoes when I come in (usually because of pet hair, which doesn’t bother me since I have 4 cats and 2 rabbits) and I almost always take them off because walking in someone’s home with my shoes on just feels wrong lol
@PiercingChild I have a set of tarps I put down whenever I'm expecting a workman so they don't have to take off the workboots
Specially in the bathroom or outhouse.
More than 50% of the year?!!! Where do you live? In the ARCTIC??? Perhaps 1/4 - 1/3 of the year! Promoting untrue stereotypes much?😂
I am Canadian, and I have to say that this girl honesty makes us sound prudish. We aren’t strict sticklers like this. We are very laid back…and I’ve never seen anyone point at anyone. Ever. For any reason. Love your videos! I’m a new viewer/subscriber.
I think she is giving cultural lesson to non-Western audiences who are considering to move to live, study, and work in Canada.
Agree 100 %
👱👉🧑 "How are you?" 🤣😂
A gift for the hostess is a token of appreciation for their hard work and a thank you for including you in the celebration,
As for being polite.... I was told 'thank you for shopping with us..... and my response was 'oh, you are welcome!,,, the problem wasn't apparent to me until the man next to me burst out laughing saying,... 'I love it' what had i done to set him off??? I was at the self checkout !! LOL!!
I found some of your reactions to Canadian taboos interesting, particularly your surprise at "Hostess Gifts", something we take very much for granted. I belong to a local music circle that gets together weekly to play and sing - a very common occurrence in Eastern Canada, commonly called a "kitchen party". There can be anywhere from 10 to 50 members or more, but the best circles contain about 12 to 15 players. Sometimes, when our regular venue isn't available, we'll hold our 3-hour music circle at a member's home, and no one arrives empty handed. Whether it be a plate of homemade cookies, veggies and dip, a bag of chips, a jar or jam or a bottle of wine, or something special picked up at the local Farmer's Market or grocery, these hostess gifts are appreciated by one and all for large gatherings like ours. It's not about "fanciness", it's about showing a small amount of gratitude to the host/ess.
I was taught as a child that one of the reasons Canadians are more drawn to social democracy ("socialism" down your way!), is that with a relatively small population living in a huge land mass the size of Canada, and dealing with a rather severe climate, we need each other.....must depend on each other....help each other - sometimes our very survival depends on others. This explains our tendency perhaps to be far less "individualistic" than folks south of our border, and more empathetic to those not as fortunate.
Never heard of this
Very well said, fellow Canuck 😉🇨🇦🍁
we call that a block party or party in the park
Well said/explained. I'm a Canadian living in the US (16 years now), and when I go Home, I'm glad that I don't get teased too badly for how sometimes I'm a bit slow to remember I'm Home (usually only takes a few hours).
as a canadian, i never show up to dinner empty handed! and also, in her second point, i would say HATE is a strong word, but being compared to Americans frequently isn’t appreciated for sure.
I even bring something when going to a family dinner. Never flowers, usually wine or a desert.
@@korivex742 When invited to dinner, I always bring my appetite.
Yes, I would say that the practice is generally first to ask the host or hostess, "What can I bring?" i.e. to contribute to the dinner (bread, salad, dessert). And then if they say nothing, you would then bring some small gift just to make sure you didn't come empty handed, generally a beverage or other type of goodie. The only exception may be just going to your parents' house, but generally even then you would still ask what to bring, especially for a holiday meal.
@@amybutcher6827 When the hostess told me not to bring anything to contribute to the dinner, because everything was fully planned and probably already too much to eat, I brought her lovely flowers. I had no idea that she was highly allergic to flowers.
@@chrisgraham2904 Oh no! The consequences of a nice gesture! 😆
Inuit is the correct term for the people who used to be called “ Eskimos”. Métis is the term for the peoples who are of mixed heritage, such as First Nation/ English or French/ First Nation etc. First Nations is somewhat of a blanket aboriginal name, because Canada, like the US contains many different peoples speaking different languages , with different cultures ( different tribes ) such as Cree, Ojibwe, Blackfoot, Algonquin, Haida, and many more.
First Nations doesn't include Métis or Inuit.
My understanding is Eskimos (Yupik) are from Alaska. I think it's kind of like calling a Korean, Chinese. I was told not to call Inuit people First Nation. I think more general terms are indigenous, aboriginal (though it's more appropriate for natives of Australia), Amerindian (all the natives of the Americas).
I work for BC government and Indigenous is the most widely accepted blanket term in Canada. It covers Métis, First Nations and Inuit peoples. We don’t say aboriginal, native or First Nations as a blanket term.
I am an inuit myself, I do agree that i prefer being called indigenous, but mostly just say inuit, being called anything else is just kind of offensive
aboriginal is okay too
As a Canadian, please and thank you are the first words I learned just after Mama 😂
❤ diddo
The thing about saying sorry when you are bumped into IS NOT asking for an apology. Instead a Canadian is suppose to be aware of their surroundings. When they say sorry, it is "sorry, I should have seen you but I didnt"
Tyler, I love your reactions. I’m Canadian and there is a small correction I need to add. There are many A-holes living in Canadian.
Agreed. Aasshats can be found everwhere.
Lol. Yes indeed. I just remind my son to continue showing manners and kindness, and maybe, just maybe, one day those aholes will turn their aholiness around lol
I am Canadian and I was thinking the same thing!
100% Paulette. It's not just ugly Americans. Canadians do reprehensible things everyday that are purposely overlooked just because our neighbour is worse! This denial is one if the reasons our country is on the state it is in. I'll celebrate our Flag only after we decide to have an honest conversation about where we are and what we're going to do to be better!
@@tinapetrovicz9741 asstuques
That was a good video to watch. Saying sorry is just automatic when bumping into someone. I've been known to say it to inanimate objects like walls and poles. 🤷♀️
LMAO, yes, I have done that as well.
😂😂😂😂 same
Me too!!!
Same
That pole in the middle of the sidewalk must have that word imprinted on it🤣
The "talking loudly in public enclosed spaces " is definitely a thing I've noticed. Not so much in Toronto (pretty hectic and loud city in general), but I've really noticed it here in Montreal. I used to be a "loud talker" and you start to notice a lot of people glaring at you (no one ever said anything though). Now whenever I have my loud friends visit me, I've very conscious of just how many people are doing the "silent glare".
I find that a really tell tale sign of someone from the US. Oblivious and loud. I don’t think they even notice it.
Montréal gal here, totally! 😂
We can’t stand selfish people and selfish behaviour (like holding the door), it shows a total lack of respect of others’ right to NOT hear about your mess of a life. You can very possibly end up being called out on it in front of everyone. Politely but surely lol. It’s just extremely annoying to us, we call on the selfishness behind the behaviour. Please, Don’t expose to us just how much substance you don’t have.
@@a.b.2850 Native Montrealer here. Haven't lived there in 30s yrs but still visit family and friends all the time. Selfish behavior (whether it's out of obliviuosness or not) was always abhorred there and I noticed that even today in myself, and even in my other expat friends. That would be things like, getting of and standing at the end of a crowded escalator and not moving. Jimmy Fallon calls these, baracades of idiots. Whether we still live there or not, we really have no patience for it. It's ingrained. You can't take Montreal out of the Montrealer.
20:17 When she talks about the swearing, this is just what I remember as a child, I was the only one who spoke fluent French when we were passing through Quebec, so my mom, who is retired Military, had me stick my head out of the car window and repeat what she said to the other drivers in French. I was 6. My mom swears so much she can make a sailor blush. For those who know Mom is a Newfie. P.S. It rush hour.
It's very funny, because here in Québec, when you are invited for diner, it is considered rude to be there ON TIME. You should always arrive a bit early to chat a bit, take a glass of wine, even help in the kitchen if you know your host well enough. Arriving just in time for the meal is seen as considering your host like a "meal provider" and nothing more. Goes to show how different certain parts of Canada are. Also, a good hostess gift can be to offer to bring a part of the meal (salad, dessert, sidedish, etc). Not the main meal, obviously...
When someone invites me for dinner at 7pm. for instance...that doesn't mean the food is being served exactly at 7pm. So showing up exactly on time wouldn't mean you're there just to eat. Coming 30 minutes early isn't extremely bad...but an hour early would be! It's not something the rest of Canada does...but in Victoria BC, being super early would be.
I’m in Quebec, and you’re right about every point you stated.
Good to know. On the west coast, if you know the host, then you come a bit early share some wine, and help out. . If you are more of a stranger or it's more formal then you arrive on time with flowers or wine. But dinner will not be served for another hour or so. Even two hours...maybe with snacks and apples first
It's very common in Canada Tyler. I have dinner parties with my friends once a month and they all bring wine, beer, flowers, chocolates, buns, juice, pop, cookies, croissants, nanaimo bars, pastries.
Ya. Kind of potluck lite. The host is providing the main course but the other guests are contributing something. That’s pretty common.
Bring butter tarts.
Nanaimo bars , lucy guy!
sorry lucky guy lol
As a Canadian, I remember being a bit loud in Europe out of excitement. Someone referred to us as American... Oh the shameee
How dare you put that bad mark on our perfect international reputation....bahahaha
@@juliengoguen17 I agree, someone needs to revoke his passport. ;)
*Gasp!* 🧐
About saying sorry by both parties when they bump into each other ... From my own experience, if someone bumps into me, I also say sorry because I wasn't paying enough attention to avoid the incident. So, in a way, I'm also at fault for not being aware of my surroundings.
Yeah this is always how I viewed it. I never know whose fault it was
Exactly.
I really like that you are speaking out on behalf of Canadians, That’s very kind of you.
Saying sorry here in Canada pretty much means you're a polite caring person. I use it so much that when i say Sorry as an automatic reply to my friends, or someone tells me i dont need to be.
I follow up with "Sorry."......
...... "Not really Sorry, just being polite."
If someone bumps into you, saying sorry is shortcut for “we are ok, right?” It lightens the mood for when there could be possible tension.
I'm a Canadian and I think the reason we don't like to be compared to Americans, is only because we are a Country in our own right. Some Americans tend to feel superior to Canadians. Even the U.S. documentaries of the two worlds wars, seldom mention about our Canadian war heroes and their significance of which there are many. The American taboos are pretty well the same as in Canada. It's just a matter of respecting each other. And we do have not so polite people here too.
I think that it has only been in the past 30 years or so that we've come into our own, from being the USA's backwater cousin. The Broadcasting Act of 1991 helped us to assert our culture through media otherwise dominated by American content that has considerable influence on Canadians. Now we've got a respectable international reputation (whereas America kinda "peaked in high school"), many known Canadians who are famous in the USA and beyond, and quite a bit of Canadian content has actually become popular there, too (Schitt's Creek and Letterkenny being a couple of examples. I'd love to see Tyler react to some Letterkenny).
@@bcpr9812 I disagree with you, we were where never America's backwater cousin Maybe america thought so but we've always had our own culture, government, economics etc.
It is strange to visit Canada and be hit with that hype about getting a "discount" for Canadian dollars. Canadian dollars, after all, are a separate currency as much as euros, pesos, etc. The prices in Canada are not the same and usually the prices are marked higher in twndem with the value of te Canadian dollar. I think people really do believe that the Canadian dollar is discounted, but that would be like saying that Canadians are penalized when they buy U.S. dollars. Neither is the case. They are just different currencies of twi separate countries. I still love Canadian Tire though and wish it had expanded to the U.S. It would be great to walk into a Canadian Tire in Texas!
@@jameshitselberger5845 It's not a discount. Canadian money is worth less than American. For every American $, we pay 1.25$ If you buy something in Canada worth 1.25, You only have to pay 1$. If you buy a big item in Canada, as an American you'd see a great difference.
Tyler, I think you are so polite! I absolutely love the ways in which you react to Canada/Canadian Culture!
I find myself agreeing with you most of the time on the videos that you watch. You are genuinely courteous and you're very respectful at that! I love your content and love watching you react to all of these crazy videos on/about Canada.
P.S.- I believe that this video had to have been made just before covid hit, since this video was indeed made in 2020. And I for one, would not shake anyone's hand anymore!! Nor go near anyone coughing or sneezing, lol.
Still, I find myself in agreement with most of your take on all of it.
Thank you for being an amazing person with wonderful values and views!!
➡️ I'm sure that I can speak for so many of us Canadians when I say that you are most open minded, courteous and thoughtful with ALL of your videos!! ❤️
Love watching you always!! Much love from Nova Scotia! 🥰💕😆💯🤣
Tyler, I have enjoyed a number of your videos. I am a Canadian and find your content and presentation humorous, and its informative to hear an American opinion. I have lived in the US and have found our countries more similar than people expect. Where there are differences, I always think to myself, that it's not wrong, just different. That's what makes people interesting.
Hey 👋 You’ve won something
I can't imagine going to a dinner without a little gift. A bottle of wine or flowers are lovely.
I think you’re right about the “sorry” thing. Canadians may just be very empathetic. Using the example she used, if two people bump into each other, they will both say sorry. One person will say sorry because they feel bad for bumping into that person while the other person would apologize either because they understand it was an awkward situation for the other person or because they feel empathetic to someone bumping into another person by accident
I think it's mostly only in Toronto (the most American part of Canada) that someone would say sorry to elicit another sorry statement when being bumped into (very passive aggressive). Elsewhere in Canada, it means you're genuinely sorry that you were in their way.
In Canada (and this is written in law), sorry isn't an admission of guilt, it's an expression of concern for another person's misfortune, whether or not it was caused by you.
@@Zombie-lx3sh oh wow, thanks for the precision about the legal aspects.
Not from Toronto, but Montreal , and I have to agree that here at least I wouldn’t hear a sorry, ou “désolé”, in a passive-aggressive way. I myself, and I’ve heard others, am petty, so I’ll say clearly “my pleasure!” or “you’re very welcome” but in a way that not many people can figure out I’m not being sincere, and in a second are confused and weirded out of being so nicely thanked for something they either know they didn’t do or something that they have no idea 😂 Sometimes I end up waking the up and getting a thank you back 😅
@@Zombie-lx3sh from Toronto and I’m not familiar with “sorry” as trying to elicit an apology. It’s just purely reflexive, I think. Super common to hear “oh sorry” said to inanimate objects, after walking or bumping into something.
In Quebec, we have different expressions to apologize in French. We say ''désolé'' (sorry) or ''pardon'' (without saying the ''n'' in the end). Also, if you're walking through a crowded place, for example: in a bus with lots of people, you should say ''excusez-moi'' (Excuse me) while walking past people. When I'm in school, I also hear my teacher say ''pardonnez-moi'' in class, whenever he makes a mistake during his lessons.
or "bouge tabarnac"
@@raccoon874that would be if the other person is of bad faith not moving….
Something for you to watch. National Film Board of Canada short animated "Vignette's":
1) The Log Driver's Waltz.
2) The Big Snit.
3) The Cat came back.
Almost every Canadian knows and loves these. If you want to see a snapshot of one type of Canadian Culture from the late 70's to late '80's those are it. Absolute beloved classics!
The North American house hippos commercial
Yikes! 😮
Despite being half a century old and having lived on both the East and West coasts, other having heard the name "The Cat Came Back", I don't know anything about any of these. 🤭
Guess I'll also be adding to my "must watch" list.
The hockey sweater film too. That's classic.
We also must not forget the Blackfly song lol. I always laughed, growing up in Calgary, because we don't have blackflies there. "Cant be that bad!" id say, young and naïve. Then I moved to NB and found just how wrong I was
@@ctaylorluce yes don't forget the hockey sweater!!!
For the “sorry” when bumping into someone else for example, it’s both because we’re mostly empathetic yes but also not confrontational, we don’t want trouble
I am Canadian and was taught from an early age never to go to someone’s house empty-handed . And if you are here visiting Canada and are invited to someone’s home you would definitely bring something to show your appreciation for being invited over. Your channel is so fun to watch keep up the good work.👍
About a month ago, I was waiting for the bus and sneezed, and someone in a car on the road yelled, "BLESS YOU!!" LOOOOOL
In my first nation community, and maybe pretty much on all other communities, we used to identify ourself as first nations (inuits for them) native. We also use a particular original group names like for example blackfoot, algonquins, mohawks etc, and even general names giving for the whole groups such as Anishinabeg that represents a lot of communities but not in general. For example I am from a community call Kitigan Zibi, at Kitigan Zibi we are Algonquins, the Algonquin’s family are widely spread almost across canada that are part of the Anishinabe people. Its get complicated lol.
As far as I know to my best knowledge, we never use our community (hometown) names to identify ourself such like Torontonians etc.
« Indian » word is somewhat still use in some natives communities and especially between each other in a conservation…it has only been recent that we slowly disregarded ourself as « indians » even tho that the main government branches still known as « indian affairs ».
As a non-first nation Canadian, I have no doubt that I have inadvertently said things that would be insulting to a first-nation citizen. This would have been through ignorance and misinformation.
maniwaki my home town on vous aime 😁
As a non- Indigenous person, I am told the only polite way for me to refer to any person with First Nations roots is Indigenous.
Damn... Indian affairs.. that one slipped right past didn't it? 🤔 ..that's been out of date the moment folks realized North America was NOT actually India. Can we sneak a rename into some sorta bill? 😏
I corrected a media personality about this issue. Indians are from INDIA. The first inhabitants of North America are FIRST Nations and Inuit.
I noticed the next time they had to pause, but they did use indigenous and First Nations people. (American)
Where I live in Canada, I’ve heard people be called out for swearing in front of children. Like “watch your language, there’s children, what the hell is wrong with you?” So yes you will be called out. And yes it’s very rude to talk loudly on your phone in public places, I’ve seen people stare at others for doing this
Regarding the phone thing those playing music or talking loud on public transit near me. Loudly I'll say "What!! You don't have ear buds?" That usually does the trick. 😝
When the worse cases of loud cellphone conversations occur, I join in! Why not? If the person on the cellphone says "Really?!" I chime in "Yes indeed! You wouldn't believe it!"
As a Canadian I grew up with the rhyme, (using the name of the person whose elbows are on the table):
"Tyler, Tyler, if you're able,
Get your elbows off the table!
This is not a horse's stable,
But a first class dining table!"🤣🇨🇦
My brother's family and my family get together for dinner a couple of times a month. He will always ask "what can we bring" and I always as the same when going to his house. Typically we will bring the salad, or sides to the dish. Something easy to transport. Oh and being Canadian, we always bring wine/booze.
I took a trip to the USA and used local buses, said "thank you" getting on and off. I got the strangest looks 😂. I apologized for not letting someone behind me in line who had 2 items, I had quite a few, at the grocery store. I said "I should have let them go ahead of me, sorry". Now I pay attention, and don't need to apologize so much.
I hear almost everyone say thank you getting on and off buses every day. Same for taxis.
Now it's easy to locate someone from outside Canada when a bus goes by with "Sorry, Not In Service" on the flasher above the front window. The strangers gape. 😊
People speaking loudly enough to hear every word on the transit system, train or buses, get either the driver or other passengers to ask, then demand, the loud speech to be lowered or stopped. It's both intrusive on others and obnoxious if too loud.
I always thought of the comparison between Canada and the US like siblings. No one wants to be compared or be considered the same as their older brother.
I like the one about Canada being the USA's really nice hat.
America is like our slightly brain damaged cousins. We still love them but feel very sorry for them.
@@Salicat99 I prefer the meme (look it up) that says if the was prison, America would be our bitch, because we're bigger and we're on top. As polite as they are, Canadians don't want to be someone's hat, come on.
@@Zombie-lx3sh I, as a Canadian, like the hat one.
Canada, or at least a lot of the east coast and definitely Quebec/New France were discovered and claimed before America or even the first British colony. Take this into account; the first British colony in North America was created in 1607, whereas, and this is just for Quebec or at the time it was called New France (Nouvelle France if you want to be fancy) was founded on July 24, 1534, which is an important day in Quebec.
Sorry if this was rude or anything, I just need to use my vast knowledge of Quebec history for something, I haven't learned it for nothing. Seriously, you learn it for two years straight in Quebec.
Edit: I forgot to add the whole point of this comment, basically I am saying Canada would be the older brother if you going by before Canada and America became actual Countries, though if you go by the BNA act (the British North American Colony act which merged the Province of Canada, in which was the now provinces of Quebec and Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) Canada would be younger and America older. I just prefer going by colonization dates when it comes to ages, at least for the Americas.
Quite often when we go for dinner we will ask if there is a part of dinner we can bring or if there is something we can pick up that was forgotten.
Usually we will bring buns or dessert or a salad.
It's very common for the host to tell you they don't need anything, then there is the obligatory "fight" about what you should bring lol
I remember seeing American shows as a kid and they always wore shoes in the house and even while in bed! Later I thought it was just related to acting/filming but I saw this talked about on American TH-cam channels and they thought it was rude to remove shoes in someone's house. Growing up in Canada, my mom would have freaked out if I wore shoes inside. I would also never wear shoes in someone else's home.
When you think of all the crap that's on every street and sidewalk, that you're literally walking through with your shoes, and then you realize there's a whole country of people who think it's perfectly normal to go home and put those same nasty dirty shoes on their sofa or bed (let alone all over their floors and carpets), uuuuugggggghhhhh!
Weirdly, when I watch American shows and they're wearing their shoes on the sofa or on the bed, I speak to the TV and say "take off your freaking shoes"! Lol
My experience in Canada is that you’re more likely to get a handshake at the end of an exchange (if it was very positive) than at the beginning.
When I yawn and don’t cover my mouth I usually try and force a smile but she’s correct that if you’re having a conversation and end up yawning you should not only turn away and cover your mouth but also apologize maybe say something like “I’m sorry, I had a late night last night” because most Canadians will think it’s rude like you’re bored with the conversation or something. It’s not on the same level as the finger if you apologize when it happens while in conversation.
The stuff about hostess gifts is generally more of a middle-upper class thing. For the working class we have the idea of pot luck where everyone brings a dish or a snack. Very common among students to ignore the middle class rules, but yeah I've been in social situations where bringing wine is standard as well.
100% agree
True about the potluck, I’m surprised she forgot about that
In fairness, asking what a person does for a living is more of an upperclass thing. If you are a garbage collector, or a custodian or work in sewage treatment or a restaurant or between jobs, you may consider the question a bit rude.
It's very common to bring a hostess gift among any socioeconomic group, maybe it depends on your age
OK I did the same when i was a student ..lets say that after you finish school usually we bring an hostess gift home made or bought. The flowers are less common here but a bottle of wine is very common (or beer for guys!)
For when people bump into each other, it's essentially an apology for having been in the way. At least that's my general experience for it
Tyler I do enjoy your videos. As I Canadian, I found watching this video you absolutely did constantly compare almost everything between America and Canada. Sometimes it gets to be too much. IMO you should learn and communicate without the constant comparisons. Love it when you do that. Tyvm. God bless 😊🇨🇦👋🏻
I'm Canadian. My parents would discuss politics at the dinner table, politely and, that's how I had the basics, by 15. But, Dad's rule was, While it's okay at home, with your family, you are NOT to ever discuss politics or religion at a dinner table, unless it's just your family.
Canadians are indeed polite. If someone else is rude we might say “I’m sorry” on that person’s behalf.
I’ve done that. It meant, “ I’m sorry you had to deal with that person. You deserve an apology.”
If I go to a gathering and food is being provided I always bring a gift for the host. I typically grab a bottle of wine, spirit or some beer just as a thank you.
French Canadian here.
If we're invited to dinner here, we most likely bring beer, wine, weed or energy drinks 😂
Young French Canadian then. Wine for a dinner, beer for a party. But energy drinks? That's cheap...
@@Xerxes2005 tbh I just bring energy drink when I go gaming to a buddy's place loll not really for a dinner.
@@eLWacKaZ Ah! That makes sense. Need fuel for long gaming nights. Haha!
@@Xerxes2005 not everyone drinks alcohol.
@@theravyshow2570 Then bring a box of fine chocolates. The wine you would give your host is usually not to be drunk during the dinner anyway. Your host probably bought a good bottle that best suits your meal.
Dinner: Yes, very common to bring something for the hosts. In my experience, you typically bring a bottle of wine. Your host(s) just spent time and money on getting their home ready, prepping a meal for you. You can easily leave a few minutes earlier, stop and buy a bottle of wine to say thank you.
Bringing a gift to a dinner invitation, you can also offer ahead of time to bring a dessert for after the dinner.
I'm Canadian and the US comparison thing is kind of because we're sensitive about the topic because we're so similar. The way you're doing it is great, very gracious and respectful.
I do enjoy the comparison, but really we're quite similar.
I would NEVER even think of arriving empty handed to a dinner. I’m going to a friend’s for dinner tomorrow and bought the cutest Christmas soaps and a beautiful Christmas hand towel for her powder room. I keep boxes of chocolate on hand as hostess gifts.
NOT WITH family...? With neighbours?....that kind close . Co workers etc
@@DawnCummins-lv2ggspeaking for myself, even with family, we bring something. Dessert, dinner rolls, does not have to be expensive.
this will be an interesting video. I’m Canadian and I’m excited to see his reactions
As far as bringing a gift if you’re invited for dinner, I’d say it depends. Now, this may vary in different regional parts of the country, I’m in Alberta. Generally I’d bring a gift for anyone I didn’t know very well, such as a neighbour, a work colleague, and especially someone like my boss. If it’s my best friend, and the dinner was fairly causal, I wouldn’t, but if they are hosting a dinner party or a housewarming, I would absolutely bring one. Another really good time to bring a gift is when you are meeting the family of someone you are dating. This is pretty important and would be seen as rude to show up empty handed. General rule, the better you know someone and the more times you’ve been to their house, the less important showing up with a gift is. Anyone of higher status or whom you are trying to impress, would always be smart to bring something.
A hostess gift is common on the west coast. If you bring wine it is completely up to the host if it's opened or not. If you say anything about it, that would be considered rude, unless it is a close friend or relative. Taking your phone out at the dinner table is considered rude.
We always bring a gift when we are invited for dinner. Usually wine.
As a Canadian, we dont get angry, we stare you down and hope you get the hint to stop whatever youre doing. I personally believe nothing is unforgiveable!
I was on a bu some time ago and a woman threw an empy pop can on the floor and I just stared at her, looked at the can and stared at her. I looked away for a second and when I looked back, she had picked it up. it works.
I was thinking that during the segment about speaking loudly on the phone while on the bus. When someone does that most people on the bus will keep glaring unapprovingly at the person until they hang up or quiet down.
I shake hands or hug (close friends). Physical interaction is important for our psyche. If you have a virus (any virus), stay home. If you’re healthy, be human and interact.
When it comes to Elbows on the table... The camp I went to as a kid had a whole thing "James, James(first name twice) strong and able, get your elbows off the table, this is not a horse's stable but a first class dinning table, Stand up say your sorry!" And then you had to stand up, say you were sorry or you had to ride a broom around the room and apologize to each person until they accepted your apology... So yes... It's definitely a thing.
Omg
Fun fact: "Don't put your elbows on the table" has a LONG history with many reasons, from making it more difficult to start fights in biblical times to giant lacy cuffs that would get in the food, to risking knocking things over or getting in the way or servers and so on.
I was taught all these by my parents and just thought this was everywhere. Lol I have also taught my son these also.
Habs suck balls but good point!
Hand shakes are still a thing here after Covid, but, if they’re not comfortable they “covid bump” with elbows or fist bumping.
As for not going to diner empty handed, maybe my etiquette is improper, but I would never expect someone to show up with anything, nor would I feel obliged to bring something. However, at least with the people I know, it is polite to ask "do you need me to bring anything?" And in this case if someone asks me to bring wine, I would bring wine. I am sure this differs from person to person and situation to situation.
Jess, you are not alone. Whenever we were invited for dinner or when we hosted a dinner no one expected the guests to bring anything. I think that this is a thing that has crept into the culture when I wasn't noticing. If people came to our house they were always welcome at our table and we at theirs. Mind you, we were fairly low on the social scale and never had formal dinners so we would not know of these more formal "rules".
@@judibrady422 I was also lower on the social scale, maybe it is a more "formal" thing. (I mean that respectfully)
Tyler I just want to say that I think you are an A Plus person. Your reactions to videos are very polite (even Canadian lol). Your channell is interesting and informative and always entertaining.
Saying "sorry" can mean empathy for what happened to someone.
I wanted to remind you about Remembrance Day before it happened.. It was on November 11th and explains the poppy you were curious about. Do Canada a service and react to Tim Brokaw explaining Canada to Americans. Its about the highway of heroes and stuff.
Tom not Tim. But yes, he needs to watch that documentary.
@@barbaraslater6507 Thank you. It was so early in the morning here in Toronto I was bound to mess up :P
That handshake one has pretty much ended with Covid in Canada. Even back in 2009ish, with SARS hitting Toronto, the business handshake started on its way out.
I can remember getting the waggling finger of admonishment for elbows on table from one very Scottish grandmother, but when she wasn't around, nobody cared.
The narrative around 17:50 is pretty much spot on :)
Swearing is treated similarly between Canada and US, but not the same. I had the opportunity once to watch a Die Hard movie that was playing on a Canadian and a US channel. Every time Samuel L. Jackson said "motherfucker" it was bleeped differently. On the Canadian channel you got "beeeeeepfucker", and on the US channel it was "motherbeeeeeeep"
Many business owners still shake hands, it shows trust just like it always has but now has a little extra kick to it.
@@myrchantkobold8268 I do the elbow bump or namaste 🙏 with anglo friends, but between french Québécois the two cheek kiss between close friends and family is making a big comeback (kinda wired in our DNA) 🙄
It's my understanding that the age thing is important in Asian countries because it directly affects how they address you within the peer group (eg: Noona = male addressing older female in Korean)
Tyler as a Canadian I’m really enjoying your videos. For the most part we are proud and so prefer not to be called the 51st state and have people assume we are American. I agree with some of the pts made in the video. I don’t fully agree with her statement regarding “sorry” - glad to see others did as well. I’ve never thought of it the way she does; it’s a nice thing to say to diffuse an awkward moment. As for bringing something when invited for dinner, that’s a given. Always ask what you can bring and let your host know what you are bringing especially if it’s food. If you bring wine, remember it’s a gift so it may not be served (your host might have the perfect pairing at the right temperature). I have noticed some of the endearing Canadian ways are going by the wayside as we become more culturally diverse… respecting personal space, stopping for pedestrians despite the right of way, holding doors for people behind us, talking on phones in public places, etc. I do find it encouraging to read the comments to see how like-minded your viewers are
The thing about getting bumped into is if you watched your surroundings more then you maybe could’ve avoided it if it really was an accident, so since you’re also partly at fault for not being careful it’s natural to say sorry too.
Two stories for you about the "saying sorry when you bump into people" thing. Once, I was riding down an escalator and was throwing my bag over my shoulder, accidentally punching a lady going up the other side in the shoulder. We both said sorry. Second, only a few weeks ago at the mall, two people bumped into each other 2 feet in front of me and all three of us said sorry, and I reflexively brought my hand to my chest as an "ooh no" reaction.
I was just imagining how you'd react to actually coming to Canada one day... but then, I realized that you'd probably just find it so similar to America once you're actually here. The differences seem stronger when listed and talked about here, but in day to day, we're extremely similar
I once bumped into someone and I reflexively turned around while saying, "I'm so sorry". Just to find out it was just inanimate pole I bumped into. Then I awkwardly said to the pole, "oooh... you're just a pole. I don't need to apologize to you". Then I looked up and everyone was looking at me like I lost my mind... That was embarrassing.
The phone calls on public transit, for me, is an "it depends" topic. If the call is someone saying that they''re on their way home and should be there soon, put the chicken in the oven, call done, no problem. So short and sweet and call over.
There are three types of calls that, in my opinion, are definitely not appropriate: the long personal call, especially with tmi; a business call, particularly dealing with a contract negotiation or some other potentially confidential matter; a series of I'm bored on this ride and I'm going to call everyone I know until I find someone who will chatter inanely with me for entertainment. Texting made such a huge difference in this area.
It needs to be noted that this video isn’t made exclusively for Americans thus the topic on shaking hands. Some cultures don’t shake hands (think kiss on the cheek or bowing). In Canada it would be rude to decline a handshake. Those cheek kissers and bowers would be thought of poorly. - if you don’t cover your mouth when yawning… is gross thus rude. Don’t show your masticated lunch and grungy teeth to people. - Growing up… our parents cared if our elbows were on the table. Also, outside of the home it was noted when we did this. Not so much now as people are moving away from basic manners. - Don’t get bogged down that pointing is only when someone says “how are you?”. This was an example. Just don’t point generally unless you’re pointing to show something. - I haven’t heard anybody in Canada complain about using manners… just Americans. Its our lexicon. Also, there are studies on manners around the world. In 2022 the US was ranked the 6th rudest country while Canada was ranked the 5th most polite - Cells phones… I’m not interested in your life and it shouldn’t be front and centre in mine. - Bringing gifts for dinner… people have gone above and beyond for YOU, at their cost, so why not show the appreciation for their efforts and generosity? -
Yawning and put your hand in front of your mouth and sneezing in your elbow is taught to you in kindergarten. It is a Canadian thing because in Europe they would sneeze on you. I am Franco-Ontarian and table etiquette is very very important in the French culture. We also always bring a hostess gift no matter how much you know or don’t know the person, wine, flowers or chocolate. We also always take off our shoes at the door.
Thanks for the laughs, Tyler. Yes cell phone calls on transit are "space invaders." - except as demonstrated, "i'm on the bus call you back" click.
Yawning IS a thing as it causes a chain reaction.
Your natural sense of humour, easy laugh and sense of respect is entertaining.
Oh and picking up a few hostess gifts to have on hand is a good idea. So you don't have to go get something at the last minute. Standard for Dinner or first time to someone's home.
Great perspective for our own self-awareness
Thank You
The #1 thing not to do in Canada is call a person a Goof. This is universal fighting words in Canada.
Saying someone is goofy is okay... but dropping the y and calling them a goof?
That's a paddlin'
With regards to #1, I have heard of not talking about Quebec separation/sovereignity especially in public in Montréal, as there are still people who pretty much support of Quebec being a separate country.
You can talk about it, not be a dick about it.
Yes, but if you're in quebec it also is hard not to be on the wrong side. I got yelled at for my clumsy French. I get it.... sorry.
One of the biggest differences between tipping in Canada versus the US (although things may have changed). Tips in Canada are not considered part of the servers wages
As a Canuck, for decades I've never gone to a friend's for dinner without giving them something, even if they're really close friends. Wine or flowers; both are always welcome. I'd never show up empty-handed.
Yes.... it is common to bring a small gift for dinner. If it's someone you know well, I usually offer too bring dessert, and always a bottle of wine
Happy Sunday! I really enjoy your videos hooked actually as a Canadian lol I appreciate your honest opinions and love your expressions when you hear or see something strange too.. look forward to your next lesson..
"Sorry" can have different meanings in Canada depending on the intonation. What an uninitiated person might think is an apology is actually "Well, fuck you too." 😉
I always bring a bottle of something if invited for dinner. Or offer to bring a desert ...
about the dinner gift,.. its not necessarily a case of bringing a bottle of wine or chocolates, it can also be something you prepared to share with everyone. We dont really consider it gifts, its more a respecting that the other person is supplying expensive food,.. so your helping offset the costs (or stress) by giving them or providing something to contribute to the dinner. Or if its a fancy dinner party then a formal wine or flowers sure. But your coming to hang out with a friend for lunch or such then ask if you can bring something (and when they say no bring something anyways) or just take initiative. It can be very small, my friend often gives a little goodie bag with a couple cookies or candies, or a slice of quiche, etc. when we hang out for lunch or for a hike and i do the same, could be some canning i did or home made broth, a jam, chips and dip etc. i think Canadians just like to share food. Or that could just be me. I kinda feel ripped off if i am given flowers 💐🤣 instead of food! The flowers could cost so much more too! But i look forward to even a little baggie of mints for after we eat. (Laughing at my self for this)
Yes, one covers their mouth when yawning. No, one doesn't put elbows on the table - and bring the spoon/fork up to your mouth, don't bend down to the spoon/fork. Also, when exiting the bus or streetcar say thank you to the driver. Quiet voices on the phone - keep your phone (camera) pointed DOWN. Always take your shoes off when you enter someone's home. Always take the host/hostess a gift if having dinner or game night - even dessert.