Today, let’s talk about something that’s as important as the weather, hockey, and the art of barbecuing in the snow: the Canadian Dollar, aka (also known as) the ‘Loonie’, and its big brother, the ‘Toonie’.
The Birth of the Loonie
Before we delve into the origins of these peculiar names, let’s take a quick peek at the history of the Canadian Dollar. Canada’s first coins were introduced in the 1850s, but it wasn’t until 1987 that the one-dollar coin, now known as the ‘Loonie’, made its debut.
But why ‘Loonie’, you ask? Well, it’s quite simple really. The coin features a lovely image of a common loon, a bird that is as quintessentially Canadian as mounties and maple syrup. The name ‘Loonie’ was a no-brainer and caught on faster than a wildfire in a pine forest.
Fun fact: the Loonie wasn’t initially intended to feature the loon. The original design was of a voyageur paddling a canoe, echoing the design of the dollar bills it replaced. However, the concept of the voyageur coin were lost in transit, leading to a last-minute design change. And voila! The loon became the star of the show.
Then Came the Toonie
Now, if you’ve got a ‘Loonie’, what do you call a two-dollar coin? Canadians, with their infinite creativity and penchant for puns, decided on ‘Toonie’ — a portmanteau of ‘two’ and ‘Loonie’. Introduced only in 1996, the Toonie features a polar bear, another iconic symbol of Canada, on one side and Queen Elizabeth II on the other. For now. The new king should be feature at some point in the near future.
The Toonie also has a unique bimetallic design, with a silver outer ring and a gold-colored inner core, which led to early jokes about the centre popping out. While this isn’t a common issue, we Canadians do love our quirky anecdotes.
More Fun with Canadian Currency
While the Loonie and Toonie might steal the spotlight, there’s plenty more to love about Canadian currency. For instance, did you know Canadian banknotes have Braille-like markings for the blind? Or that they’re made from a polymer material that makes them almost impossible to rip (but please don’t try, it’s still money)?
And let’s not forget about the interesting designs. The current series of banknotes showcases important Canadian civil rights milestones, while previous series have featured everything from famous prime ministers to symbolic Canadian artwork.
The Other Side of ‘Loonie’
Finally, let’s explore the double meaning of ‘Loonie’. Beyond being a term of endearment for our one-dollar coin, ‘loony’ or ‘loonie’ is also a fun, informal term for someone who’s acting crazy or foolish. It’s derived from ‘lunatic’, but it’s much friendlier and less severe. If someone calls you a ‘loonie’, you’re probably just being wildly eccentric or hilariously unpredictable.
So, if you find yourself at a hockey game, cheering for the underdog team while wearing a toque in summer, and a friendly Canuck turns to you and says, «You’re a loonie, eh?» don’t worry. They’re probably just acknowledging your rapid and enthusiastic immersion into the great Canadian culture.
Whether you’re counting your Loonies and Toonies or being called a ‘Loonie’ for your winter barbecuing habits, remember this: it’s all part of the fun of being in Canada. Welcome, and enjoy every loonie moment of it!
The LINC program : Free English classes for immigrants. The courses for adults are free of charge, and focus on spoken and written English language training, as well as the acquisition of essential knowledge for a newcomer: healthcare, housing, work, banking, legal and political systems, and other aspects of Canadian society.
