Canuck

[ kuh-nuhk ]
/ kəˈnʌk /

noun Slang: Sometimes Offensive.

a term used to refer to a Canadian, especially a French Canadian.

Origin of Canuck

1825–35; perhaps ultimately to be identified with kanaka Hawaiian, South Sea islander (< Hawaiian; see kanaka), if the word once identified both French Canadians and such islanders, who both were employed in the Pacific Northwest fur trade; later reanalyzed as Can(adian) + a suffix

usage note for Canuck

The term Canuck is perceived as insulting when used by non-Canadians or when referring specifically to French Canadians. But among Canadians, it is sometimes used as a neutral nickname or term of self-reference.

British Dictionary definitions for canuck

Canuck
/ (kəˈnʌk) /

noun US and Canadian informal

  1. a Canadian
  2. (formerly) esp a French Canadian

Word Origin for Canuck

C19: of uncertain origin