Table of Contents
Introduction
Newfoundland slang words are a distinctive part of everyday speech in Newfoundland and Labrador. Influenced by Irish, British, and maritime traditions, these expressions can sound unfamiliar but add character and humor to conversations.
This A–Z guide covers a wide range of slang words and short phrases you might hear in places like St. John’s.
Looking for full phrases and real-life expressions?
Looking for full phrases and real-life expressions? Check out our complete guide to Newfie slang and sayings.
A
Arse
Meaning: Yes / agreement
Example: “Arse, I’ll go with ya.”
At ya
Meaning: How are you
Example: “At ya, b’y?”
B
B’y
A more in-depth guide for b’y meaning.
Meaning: Friend / buddy
Example: “How’s it goin’, b’y?”
Best kind
Meaning: Everything is good
Example: “Everything sorted? Best kind.”
C
Come from away
Meaning: Someone not from Newfoundland
Example: “She’s a come from away.”
Crooked
Meaning: Drunk
Example: “He was crooked last night.”
D
Deadly
Meaning: Very good
Example: “That was deadly fun.”
Drove
Meaning: Annoyed
Example: “You’re gettin’ me drove.”
E
Eh b’y
Meaning: Expression of surprise
Example: “Eh b’y, look at that!”
Elsewise
Meaning: Otherwise
Example: “Do it now, elsewise you’ll forget.”
F
Froze da det
Meaning: Extremely cold
Example: “I’m froze da det out here.”
Fair bit
Meaning: A lot
Example: “That’s a fair bit of snow.”
G
Give ‘er
Meaning: Try hard
Example: “Give ‘er all ya got.”
Gwan
Meaning: Go on
Example: “Gwan, tell the story.”
H
Hard case
Meaning: Funny person
Example: “He’s a hard case.”
Hafter
Meaning: After
Example: “I’ll see ya hafter.”
I
I dies at you
Meaning: That’s funny
Example: “I dies at you, b’y.”
In on the go
Meaning: Busy
Example: “She’s always in on the go.”
J
Jig’s dinner
Meaning: Traditional meal
Example: “We’re havin’ jig’s dinner.”
Jib
Meaning: Spirit / mood
Example: “He’s in good jib today.”
K
Knackered
Meaning: Very tired
Example: “I’m knackered after work.”
Kept on
Meaning: Continued doing something
Example: “He kept on talkin’.”
L
Luh
Meaning: Look
Example: “Luh at that car.”
Loves it
Meaning: I love it
Example: “Loves it, b’y.”
M
Me nerves is shot
Meaning: I’m stressed
Example: “Me nerves is shot today.”
Me ol’ trout
Meaning: Friend
Example: “How’s it goin’, me ol’ trout?”
N
Nar bit
Meaning: Not at all
Example: “Nar bit ready.”
No odds
Meaning: No problem
Example: “No odds, I’ll help ya.”
O
On the go
Meaning: Busy
Example: “He’s always on the go.”
Out to lunch
Meaning: Confused
Example: “He’s out to lunch today.”
P
Put the side in ‘er
Meaning: Close the door
Example: “Put the side in ‘er.”
Proper job
Meaning: Well done
Example: “That’s a proper job.”
Q
Quare
Meaning: Strange
Example: “That’s quare.”
Quare good
Meaning: Very good
Example: “That’s quare good food.”
R
Right some
Meaning: Very
Example: “That’s right some cold.”
Ripped
Meaning: Very drunk
Example: “He was ripped last night.”
S
Scoff
Meaning: Food
Example: “Time for scoff.”
Stunned
Meaning: Silly
Example: “Don’t be stunned.”
T
Turr
Meaning: Turn
Example: “Turr left here.”
Tickle
Meaning: Small path or inlet
Example: “Walk down the tickle.”
U
Up to something
Meaning: Mischievous
Example: “He’s up to something.”
Under the weather
Meaning: Sick
Example: “I’m under the weather.”
V
Vittles
Meaning: Food
Example: “Get your vittles.”
Vast
Meaning: Stop
Example: “Vast that now.”
W
What’s ya at?
Meaning: What are you doing
Example: “What’s ya at today?”
Where ya to?
Meaning: Where are you
Example: “Where ya to?”
Y
Yes b’y
Meaning: Yes / agreement
Example: “Yes b’y, let’s go.”
You’re drove
Meaning: You’re annoying
Example: “You’re drove today.”
Planning to move to Newfoundland?
If you’re planning to move to Newfoundland, understanding local language is just one part of the experience. You should also check our guide on cost of living in St. John’s to better prepare for daily life.
How to Use Newfoundland Slang Words
Most Newfoundland slang words are informal and used in everyday speech. Start with simple and commonly used expressions like “b’y” or “yes b’y,” and gradually build your vocabulary as you become more comfortable.
Start with Common, Versatile Words
Begin with slang that fits naturally into many conversations. Words like “b’y” (friend) or “what’s ya at?” (what are you doing) are widely used and easy to adopt. These expressions help you sound more natural without overcomplicating your speech.
Pay Attention to Tone and Context
In Newfoundland and Labrador, tone matters just as much as the words themselves. Many phrases can change meaning depending on how they are said. For example, “yes b’y” can express agreement, excitement, or even sarcasm depending on context.
Use Slang in Casual Situations
Newfoundland slang is best used in informal settings, such as:
- Conversations with friends
- Social gatherings
- Local events or community interactions
Avoid using slang in formal situations like job interviews, academic writing, or professional emails.
Listen and Learn from Locals
One of the best ways to master Newfoundland slang words is by listening. Pay attention to how people speak in places like St. John’s, whether in person or through local media. Notice pronunciation, rhythm, and how phrases are naturally used in conversation.
Don’t Overuse It
Using too much slang at once can sound unnatural. It’s better to introduce a few expressions into your speech gradually. This helps you sound more authentic and avoids confusion.
Practice with Real-Life Examples
Try using slang in simple sentences:
- “How’s it goin’, b’y?”
- “Yes b’y, that sounds good.”
- “What’s ya at today?”
Practicing in context will help you remember meanings and use them correctly.
Be Respectful of Local Culture
Slang is an important part of identity in Newfoundland and Labrador. Use it respectfully, and avoid exaggerating or mocking the accent. When used naturally and appropriately, it can help you connect with people and better understand the culture.
Further reading
For a deeper understanding of the dialect, visit Newfoundland English on Wikipedia, and for interactive learning and YouTube lessons, you can visit “A Guide to Newfoundland English” by Adventure Canada.
Final Thoughts
Learning Newfoundland slang words helps you better understand conversations and connect with locals in Newfoundland and Labrador. Even using a few expressions can make your communication feel more natural.