Canadianism

[ kuh-ney-dee-uh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. allegiance to or pride in Canada and its institutions.
2. a custom, trait, or thing distinctive of Canada or its citizens.
3. an English word, idiom, phrase, or pronunciation that originated or is distinctively used in Canada.

Canadianism

/ kəˈneɪdɪəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the Canadian national character or spirit
2. loyalty to Canada, its political independence, culture, etc
3. a linguistic usage, custom, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of Canada, its people, or their culture

Word History and Origins

Origin of Canadianism¹

First recorded in 1870–75; Canadian + -ism

Example Sentences

The development of “chesterfield”—once a common Canadianism for a sofa of any sort, but now somewhat moribund—is explored at length.

From The New Yorker

Confident, eloquent, dominant, he conveys a proud but not jingoistic Canadianism.

From Time Magazine Archive

Submitting the report to the Commons, Prime Minister Diefenbaker said only: "The government is giving careful study to the recommendations in the light of its objectives to foster a sound and strong Canadianism."

From Time Magazine Archive

In Canada," said Fowler with some warmth, "the simplest way for a public speaker to catch the headlines is to give a rousing speech which masquerades as rugged, independent Canadianism but is really no more than anti-Americanism.

From Time Magazine Archive

This unalterable belief in unhyphenated Canadianism was anathema to French Canadians.

From Time Magazine Archive