G.H. Hadden's definitions

tabagerie

In Quebec provence, a corner news stand that may specialize in finer tobbacco products, such as cigars. Many have their own humidor.

Also common name for a news stand in a train station, bus station or Metro station that may sell finer tobbacco products like cigars, news papers and some tacky souvenirs, but is not per se a souvenir store exclusively. Similar to a Depaneur, but sells only candy bars and snacks, not staple foods like you would find in a dep.

I stopped in at the tabagerie to get myself a copy of Match magazine to help me with my french lessons.

by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005

language police

In Quebec, the street name for the officers of the OLF (Office de la Langue Francais) who patrol the streets enforcing law 101, the infamous language law that at first completely outlawed english on any commercial signs in Quebec, and now only outlaws english on outdoor signs. Indoor signs must conform to a system whereby the french text must "predominate", that is, be put in a bolder, larger text above any englsh or other language.

Though few in number, they are much hated in the English and Allophone community for their Nazi-like tactics of harassment of small businesses. It is the reason why Kentucky Friend Chicken (KFC) is Poulait Frit Kentucky (PFK) here. Not all large coporations have changed their names to comply, however. Mac Donlald's was allowed to keep their apostrophe, but other stores, notably Eaton's (and the fat English ladies that worked there)were not immune.

Those fucking language police want me to change my sign! What the hell do ya mean the english is one quarter of an inch too big to be less prominent than the french! FUCK YOU FROGS!

by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005

Via train

Via (aka: Via Rail Canada), is Canada's national passenger rail service, formed in 1976 from the combined networks of CN and CP Rail. Responsible for intercity railway service. Runs the famous Canadian to Vancouver BC, the Ocean to Halifax and many trains in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor. Government run Crown Corporaton of the Canadian Government. Famous for the LRC trainsets, RDC's (rail diesel cars--Budd cars) running out of Victoria BC, and extensive use of the "Turbo" train in the 70's to mid 80's

I took the Via train to Toronto. (As opposed to the GO train, which I took once in the Greater Toronto area.)

by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005

Nickelodeon

A 1930's to 1950's (roughly)expression meaning a juke box, which was a machine usually located in diners or bars that played popular music singles on small 45 records. Most were large, streamlined, stylish speaker boxes with neon lighg bands and chrome. So called because of the company that made them, and the price of a song was a nickel.

Hey momma, lets fire up the ol' nickelodeon. I'm "In The Mood" (Popular song title of the time. Instumental "Big Band" song by Glen Miller.)

by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005

Trans-Canada

1. Paved 2 lane rural higway or 4 lane freeway that stretches across the Canadian provinces from Newfoundland to BC. In Quebec, aka: Trans-Canadienne

2. Was the predecessor to Air Canada
Trans-Canada Airlines

Terry Fox walked the Trans-Canada as far as Thunder Bay.

Back in 1947, we flew Trans-Canada to Victoria in an old Constellation.

by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005

Screech

1 n. Homemade alcoholic recipe native to Newfoundland Canada, similar to moonshine. Is famous for being extremely strong hooch, mixed often with dark rum and colas. So named for American serviceman who gulped the once nameless bootleg drink in one shot and the resulting throat burn caused him to howl.(from a screech recipe web site)

I dranks me screech at that kitchen party, and damn if I didn't pass out on the chesterfield, boyoah! (Not totally accurate Newfie dialog, but you gets the picture.)

by G.H. Hadden May 4, 2005

Nunavut

1. n. Northern most territory in the Canadian federation, formed in 1999 when the Northwest Territories was split in two. Capital is Iqaluit, total population is 30,000. English is second language, as most are Inuit and speek Inuktuk. Mostly consists of the arctic archapelago, isolated and cold much of the year. Like Nortwest Territories, except no roads.

Person 1: I live in Nunavut.
Person 2: My condolances.

by G.H. Hadden May 4, 2005