a) (short for Habitans): a term refering to French
Canadians of both Upper Canada as well as Lower Canada. This is synonymous with calling an American 'a
Yankee' or a Canadian (from outside Quebec) 'a Canuck', but is much less offensive.
b) a term of endearment refering to the Montreal Canadians
hockey club.
father: son, what's your latest school project on ?
son:
Dad, my project's thesis is trying to explain why the Montreal Canadians
hockey team is alternatively and dearly referred to as the Habs. you can, lol, read the rest of my written paper when I'm done with it.