The creation of the smartphone has greatly influenced multiple aspects of our society. It would be wrong to look at these devices as the simple evolution of the telephone.

In a sense, a smartphone is a miniature computer, and shares many features with a PC or laptop. For example, most modern smartphones feature access to the internet, tools for writing, thousands of apps, and even video games.

Indeed, it is even possible to access various websites that feature a variety of games. On example would be the mobile casinos, which have garnered immense popularity in the past decade, or so.

Smartphone users can now get access to the best mobile slots, as well as games like roulette, blackjack, poker, and more. Of course, if gambling is not their preferred pastime, there are other video games that one could easily download from the Google Play or Apple stores.   

Texting and Smartphones

Entertainment, however, is not all that smartphones are good for. They are also the best thing to ever happen to the world of communications.

They have made it possible to stay in contact with friends or family, no matter what the situation is. While making calls is very much a possibility, studies show that most younger generations today prefer to text. 

Often, texting is associated with SMS messages. However, in 2024, texting can be done through several platforms. For example, some of the most popular social media platforms allow for text-based private messaging. Examples of this would include Facebook, via the Messenger app, Instagram, Twitter, Discord, and more. 

What is interesting about texting, is that it has brought upon, almost a new vocabulary. Often called “text slang” or “text talk,” the language we use in text is not always the same as the one we use in face-to-face conversation, or even online voice chat. So, in this article, we are taking a look at text slang that has become popular in Canada.

Canada-influenced Text Slang

All countries have their own unique slang and vernacular. It is an inescapable aspect of geographical distance. A Canadian might not speak the same as an American, for example. Even two Canadians from the East and West side of the country might have a different sense for words and a different vernacular. So, it stands to reason that Canada has developed its own unique text slang.

For example, many associate the Great White North with the speech filler “eh.” Unsurprisingly, this filler has managed to creep into the texting world, and quite a few Canadians may use it in their text conversations as a statement seeking agreement or approval. For example, one Canadian might write to another, “Quite a game last night, eh?” 

A noteworthy Canadian establishment is Tim Horton’s, a coffee shop with stores all over the country. When friends are discussing visiting Tim Horton’s through text, they wouldn’t type out the full name. Rather, they would shorten it to “Timmy’s” or “Tim’s.” The best comparison here is to reference how Americans often call McDonald’s, McD’s. 

Finally, a pretty interesting slang that has developed in British Columbia is Skookum. The word comes from indigenous languages, but is often used by residents of any background in Western Canada. It usually means awesome or great, but can also mean strong. 

Global-Influenced Text Slang

Due to the internet, no country is safe from the “general online slang.” Even non-English speaking countries often use phrases like “that is an L” or “what an ick” when talking to their friends. Of course, English-speaking countries are much more susceptible, as ultimately, these globally used terms come from the English language. So, what are these commonly used terms?

The most popular one is “LOL.” An abbreviation for “laughing out loud,” LOL is often used in lieu of typing out multiple “haha” to express that the person has found whatever has been sent funny or amusing. However, increasingly, people are using “LOL” sarcastically, to express that what was written was not amusing at all, and could even potentially be hurtful.

Many of the popular text abbreviations and slang terms come from the gaming world. Multiplayer games like League of Legends or Call of Duty were a hotbed of slang and abbreviations that quickly seeped into the mainstream.

For example, a term like “brb” definitely had its origins in gaming. Initially meant to mean “be right back,” players would type it out when they had to leave the game. 

Another term that comes from gaming is “GG.” In gaming circles, it means “good game.” However, when used colloquially, it could be used as genuine or sarcastic praise. For example, if a college student has recently graduated, their friends might type “GG,” and mean it genuinely. However, if a person flunks their driving test, they might get a slew of “GG” messages, which are not meant to be taken seriously.