44 votes

How many Hosers are there on Tildes?

Bogans too.

75 comments

  1. [3]
    phoenixrises
    Link
    Just FYI the admin and creator of this site, Deimos, is Canadian! This is actually a Canadian site.

    Just FYI the admin and creator of this site, Deimos, is Canadian! This is actually a Canadian site.

    34 votes
    1. [2]
      chewonbananas
      Link Parent
      Oh, so that's why everyone is so nice.

      Oh, so that's why everyone is so nice.

      19 votes
  2. [2]
    clem
    Link
    My front teeth are Canadian--I broke them playing hockey, and I believe that is one path to citizenship. But the rest of me is from Michigan. Not sure how exactly you count my teeth in your...

    My front teeth are Canadian--I broke them playing hockey, and I believe that is one path to citizenship. But the rest of me is from Michigan. Not sure how exactly you count my teeth in your statistics, but you'll figure it out.

    15 votes
    1. chocobean
      Link Parent
      I'm sure many of us have left teeth in your country playing hockey as well lol

      I'm sure many of us have left teeth in your country playing hockey as well lol

      4 votes
  3. [3]
    GobiasIndustries
    Link
    Good day, eh? Born and raised in Ottawa, but have been living in Vancouver for the past 15 years. I actually arrived here the day after our last hockey riot. I've made a point of travelling within...

    Good day, eh?

    Born and raised in Ottawa, but have been living in Vancouver for the past 15 years. I actually arrived here the day after our last hockey riot.

    I've made a point of travelling within Canada way more in the past few years. Initially because of the pandemic, but carrying on because of, well, you know. I managed to visit places in 6 different provinces/territories last year not including BC.

    The biggest surprise of the year was how multicultural Yellowknife is. Beyond the various First Nations and Inuit groups, there are big Filipino, Indian, African, Vietnamese, and Chinese communities along with a United Nations of young people on working holiday visas. I think I spoke to people from at least 10 different countries over the week. That's pretty impressive for a town of about 25,000 people.

    12 votes
    1. [2]
      chocobean
      Link Parent
      how's the food up in Yellowknife? My spot in rural atlantic canada is like the snowy view outside my window. Food is permutations of pub food and coffee shop franchises.

      how's the food up in Yellowknife?

      My spot in rural atlantic canada is like the snowy view outside my window. Food is permutations of pub food and coffee shop franchises.

      2 votes
      1. GobiasIndustries
        Link Parent
        Considering how hard it is to bring fresh food that far North, you have to calibrate your expectations for price and quality accordingly. There's a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, but the...

        Considering how hard it is to bring fresh food that far North, you have to calibrate your expectations for price and quality accordingly.

        There's a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, but the best I can say for most of the food I had is "It's impressive that they managed to get the ingredients for this from so far away". Not to say the food was bad, but the prices reflect the cost of shipping almost everything in from Edmonton or further. One standout was the Mexican place in the legislative assembly building. Definitely worth checking out both the assembly and the restaurant.

        4 votes
  4. [4]
    Aerrol
    (edited )
    Link
    +1 for Vancouver - maybe we should do a meet-up one day! It seems like a decent proportion of Tildes users are Canadian which tracks in my mind: we are a people very concerned with politeness,...

    +1 for Vancouver - maybe we should do a meet-up one day! It seems like a decent proportion of Tildes users are Canadian which tracks in my mind: we are a people very concerned with politeness, decorum, and (generally, not all Canadians) sound reasoning. All IMO core parts of the Tildes experience.

    11 votes
    1. [2]
      neosloth
      Link Parent
      I’m always surprised by how over represented vancouver is in niche online communities. It seems we’re a terminally online people (complimentary)

      I’m always surprised by how over represented vancouver is in niche online communities. It seems we’re a terminally online people (complimentary)

      8 votes
      1. Aerrol
        Link Parent
        Can't get wet if you don't go outside! taps head

        Can't get wet if you don't go outside! taps head

        11 votes
    2. chocobean
      Link Parent
      I'm only there some of the time these days but yeah that would be fun to have a Tildes meet up. Are there any good SciFi Fantasy fiction or gaming cons these days?

      I'm only there some of the time these days but yeah that would be fun to have a Tildes meet up. Are there any good SciFi Fantasy fiction or gaming cons these days?

      4 votes
  5. Rudism
    Link
    I was born in Yellowknife, but grew up in Calgary. Moved to the states and been living here for the second half of my life so far, but not sure how much longer that's going to pan out. It's rough...

    I was born in Yellowknife, but grew up in Calgary. Moved to the states and been living here for the second half of my life so far, but not sure how much longer that's going to pan out. It's rough when my extended family no longer feels safe coming down to visit. Depending what happens election-wise come 2028 there's a good chance I'll be taking the family back up north.

    9 votes
  6. [9]
    plutonic
    Link
    I'm in the Lower Mainland of BC!

    I'm in the Lower Mainland of BC!

    9 votes
    1. [7]
      chocobean
      Link Parent
      yay delicious food from all kinds of cultures ~~ I'm convinced greater Vancouver / Islands is the best place to live in Canada money and survival material goods sold separately housing not included

      yay delicious food from all kinds of cultures ~~

      I'm convinced greater Vancouver / Islands is the best place to live in Canada money and survival material goods sold separately housing not included

      7 votes
      1. [5]
        maple
        Link Parent
        Spent any time in the Interior? I go to Kelowna a lot for work and absolutely love the Okanagan in general. The Island is way up there too! For some reason I live in a Vancouver suburb instead of...

        Spent any time in the Interior? I go to Kelowna a lot for work and absolutely love the Okanagan in general. The Island is way up there too!

        For some reason I live in a Vancouver suburb instead of either of these places I’d rather be…

        3 votes
        1. [4]
          chocobean
          Link Parent
          The gulf islands are my second favorite after Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley. I'm very partial to the ocean, so, as much as I love the Shuswap and Kamloops and even little out of the way places...

          The gulf islands are my second favorite after Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley. I'm very partial to the ocean, so, as much as I love the Shuswap and Kamloops and even little out of the way places like Trail or Peachland or the Osoyoos, sorry, it's got to be the ocean for me.

          2 votes
          1. [2]
            maple
            Link Parent
            I get it! I’ve lived near an ocean of one sort or another almost my whole life so I understand the draw. I find the lake scratches the water itch for me when I’m in the Okanagan but to each their...

            I get it! I’ve lived near an ocean of one sort or another almost my whole life so I understand the draw. I find the lake scratches the water itch for me when I’m in the Okanagan but to each their own!

            Couldn’t live in Calgary… for many reasons, but the distance from water is one of them.

            1 vote
            1. kinnabari
              Link Parent
              I visited Calgary once, and it was so dry I literally couldn't breathe. There were some really nice restaurants, and I got a delicious durian and taro milkshake, but it was so dry!

              I visited Calgary once, and it was so dry I literally couldn't breathe. There were some really nice restaurants, and I got a delicious durian and taro milkshake, but it was so dry!

              2 votes
          2. dedime
            Link Parent
            I'm on Salt Spring Island (visiting) right now! It's my ideal retirement location, fingers crossed

            I'm on Salt Spring Island (visiting) right now! It's my ideal retirement location, fingers crossed

            1 vote
      2. plutonic
        Link Parent
        It's really good, we are especially spoiled with great Indian & Asian food here. Great place to live if you have the income to afford it.

        It's really good, we are especially spoiled with great Indian & Asian food here. Great place to live if you have the income to afford it.

        1 vote
  7. patience_limited
    (edited )
    Link
    I'm genetically half-Canadian, and live closer to the nearest Canadian city than the nearest major U.S. metro. So I'm a Hoser in spirit, and if Canada chose to buy Michigan, I'd welcome our...

    I'm genetically half-Canadian, and live closer to the nearest Canadian city than the nearest major U.S. metro. So I'm a Hoser in spirit, and if Canada chose to buy Michigan, I'd welcome our liberators with open arms.

    7 votes
  8. [4]
    IsildursBane
    Link
    I have lived in various parts of Western Canada, but am currently in the Canadian prairies

    I have lived in various parts of Western Canada, but am currently in the Canadian prairies

    7 votes
    1. [3]
      sparkle
      Link Parent
      Hey fellow Flatlander! Been here for six years and the absolute flatness in places never ceases to amaze and fascinate me, especially when covered in snow. The glaciers and Lake Agassiz must have...

      Hey fellow Flatlander! Been here for six years and the absolute flatness in places never ceases to amaze and fascinate me, especially when covered in snow. The glaciers and Lake Agassiz must have been a sight to behold millennia ago.

      3 votes
      1. [2]
        IsildursBane
        Link Parent
        I am personally not a fan of the flatness. I much prefer a forest over the flat empty expanse

        I am personally not a fan of the flatness. I much prefer a forest over the flat empty expanse

        1 vote
        1. sparkle
          Link Parent
          That's fair - I'm personally a mountain goat but I enjoy new intriguing things, at least until I get tired of them.

          That's fair - I'm personally a mountain goat but I enjoy new intriguing things, at least until I get tired of them.

          2 votes
  9. [3]
    countchocula
    Link
    Vancouverite here for nearly 13 years, originally a Toronto kid. Definitely a hoser, i havent played hockey since high school

    Vancouverite here for nearly 13 years, originally a Toronto kid. Definitely a hoser, i havent played hockey since high school

    6 votes
    1. [2]
      chocobean
      Link Parent
      Gasp! A fellow Canadian choco!

      Gasp! A fellow Canadian choco!

      5 votes
      1. tomf
        Link Parent
        Tildes finally has its Highlander!

        Tildes finally has its Highlander!

        1 vote
  10. [2]
    HolaSrDavid
    Link
    I'm a Hoosier. Does that count? Lmao

    I'm a Hoosier. Does that count? Lmao

    6 votes
    1. TBDBITLtrpt13
      Link Parent
      Still enjoying the National Championship afterglow, I hope?

      Still enjoying the National Championship afterglow, I hope?

      1 vote
  11. [10]
    Wafik
    Link
    Born in Hamilton, ON but grew up in Fort Erie just across the border from Buffalo. Somehow found my way back to Hamilton where I have lived since 2017 and own a house with my wife. Doing our best...

    Born in Hamilton, ON but grew up in Fort Erie just across the border from Buffalo. Somehow found my way back to Hamilton where I have lived since 2017 and own a house with my wife.

    Doing our best to de-Americanize our lives. I was able to sell my Swasticar without too much of a loss. No American streaming services. Buy Canadian as much as possible. Fuck the American pedo cabal trying to destroy our country.

    6 votes
    1. [6]
      Rat-Circus
      Link Parent
      Howdy neighbour 👋 I didn't grow up in Hamilton, but I moved here for school and decided to stay after graduation.

      Howdy neighbour 👋 I didn't grow up in Hamilton, but I moved here for school and decided to stay after graduation.

      3 votes
      1. [5]
        Wafik
        Link Parent
        Howdy! It's a great city. Glad you decided to stay.

        Howdy! It's a great city. Glad you decided to stay.

        2 votes
        1. [4]
          Rat-Circus
          Link Parent
          I like it here! A lot more green space than where I grew up. The trails and parks in and around Hamilton are awesome

          I like it here! A lot more green space than where I grew up. The trails and parks in and around Hamilton are awesome

          1 vote
          1. [3]
            Wafik
            Link Parent
            Yeah definitely one of the best parts about Hamilton that most people don't think of. If you haven't already, you should check out Tiffany Falls or the Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse.

            Yeah definitely one of the best parts about Hamilton that most people don't think of. If you haven't already, you should check out Tiffany Falls or the Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse.

            2 votes
            1. [2]
              Rat-Circus
              Link Parent
              Gage park greenhouse is lovely, especially in the winter! I adore those tiny little quail they have living in there.

              Gage park greenhouse is lovely, especially in the winter! I adore those tiny little quail they have living in there.

              1 vote
              1. Wafik
                Link Parent
                Yes, they are the best part!

                Yes, they are the best part!

                1 vote
    2. [2]
      dsh
      Link Parent
      Hey neighbour! Not born and raised here but will probably be here for the rest of my life.

      Hey neighbour! Not born and raised here but will probably be here for the rest of my life.

      2 votes
      1. Wafik
        Link Parent
        Good enough, glad to know you!

        Good enough, glad to know you!

        1 vote
  12. [11]
    rkallos
    Link
    Bonjour-hi! I'm in Montreal, Quebec.

    Bonjour-hi! I'm in Montreal, Quebec.

    6 votes
    1. [7]
      Wafik
      Link Parent
      Bonjour! Are you anglophone or francophone? I always wonder how many people are on this site without English as their first language.

      Bonjour! Are you anglophone or francophone? I always wonder how many people are on this site without English as their first language.

      1 vote
      1. [6]
        rkallos
        Link Parent
        Anglophone. I grew up learning both, and wound up using English much more with family and friends and work, and now my spoken French is embarrassingly poor.

        Anglophone. I grew up learning both, and wound up using English much more with family and friends and work, and now my spoken French is embarrassingly poor.

        3 votes
        1. [5]
          Wafik
          Link Parent
          Fair enough, I imagine that's a relatively common story. I need to finally come visit Montreal. Any, non-touristy restaurants you recommend?

          Fair enough, I imagine that's a relatively common story.

          I need to finally come visit Montreal. Any, non-touristy restaurants you recommend?

          1 vote
          1. [2]
            aphoenix
            Link Parent
            Which part of Montreal are you going to? If you want something very inexpensive but quite good, Restaurant Picks was really enjoyable. They are fast food but not a chain, had great poutine and...

            Which part of Montreal are you going to?

            If you want something very inexpensive but quite good, Restaurant Picks was really enjoyable. They are fast food but not a chain, had great poutine and burgers the last time I was there. It's near McGill / College of Montreal.

            Creperie Chez Suzette in Old Montreal is the only creperie that has stuck with me from all the trips I've made to Montreal. It's somewhat near the Notre Dame Basilica.

            There are loads of great coffee places all over town, but I enjoyed Hinnawi Bros Bagel & Cafe (again near McGill) quite a bit last time I was there. The coffee was great and the bagels were really good Montreal style bagels.

            4 votes
            1. Wafik
              Link Parent
              Thanks for this. Nowhere in particular, just figured I would ask for some random recommendations when I finally can make it to Montreal.

              Thanks for this. Nowhere in particular, just figured I would ask for some random recommendations when I finally can make it to Montreal.

              1 vote
          2. [2]
            rkallos
            Link Parent
            I don't really eat animal products anymore, but one of my favorite vegan spots is a Thai restaurant called ChuChai. I haven't had a single dish there I didn't enjoy. Also, try some bagels....

            I don't really eat animal products anymore, but one of my favorite vegan spots is a Thai restaurant called ChuChai. I haven't had a single dish there I didn't enjoy.

            Also, try some bagels. Fairmount bagel is a popular spot, but its reputation is well-deserved.

            A third, non-vegan recommendation is to have a smoked meat sandwich from Snowdon Deli. Most tourists will go to Schwartz's, but I preferred Snowdon Deli.

            1 vote
            1. Wafik
              Link Parent
              All good, I appreciate the recommendations!

              All good, I appreciate the recommendations!

              1 vote
    2. [3]
      patience_limited
      Link Parent
      I've got relatives in Quebec who are overdue for a visit. How welcome are Americans (quiet, non-threatening, non-jingoistic, palpably embarrassed by the U.S. government, Canada-friendly,...

      I've got relatives in Quebec who are overdue for a visit. How welcome are Americans (quiet, non-threatening, non-jingoistic, palpably embarrassed by the U.S. government, Canada-friendly, considering emigration...) in Quebec these days?

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        rkallos
        Link Parent
        I obviously can't speak for everyone, but I like to think we'd be glad to have you! We understand that 2/3rds or more of Americans are reasonable, rational folks who are also suffering under the...

        I obviously can't speak for everyone, but I like to think we'd be glad to have you!

        We understand that 2/3rds or more of Americans are reasonable, rational folks who are also suffering under the current administration. If you choose to briefly (or not so briefly) escape that with a visit to our lovely province, then I would hope we will be grateful and welcoming.

        3 votes
        1. patience_limited
          Link Parent
          My gratitude for your graciousness and tolerance - looking forward to being a polite guest!

          My gratitude for your graciousness and tolerance - looking forward to being a polite guest!

  13. Blakdragon
    Link
    Born, raised, and lived in Saskatchewan for 30 years! Mostly around Saskatoon. But I moved to Ottawa a few years ago! It feels a lot like Saskatoon tbh. But it's really nice to be in a city with...

    Born, raised, and lived in Saskatchewan for 30 years! Mostly around Saskatoon. But I moved to Ottawa a few years ago! It feels a lot like Saskatoon tbh. But it's really nice to be in a city with more people, more options, and so much closer to places like Toronto and Montreal!

    5 votes
  14. patience_limited
    (edited )
    Link
    Um, it looks like I'm actually a Canadian citizen and just need to apply for a certificate (as of December 15, 2025), since my mother was a Canadian citizen when I was born in the U.S. Dual...

    Um, it looks like I'm actually a Canadian citizen and just need to apply for a certificate (as of December 15, 2025), since my mother was a Canadian citizen when I was born in the U.S.

    Dual nationality, here I come! Also, I'm sorry.

    5 votes
  15. [3]
    xothist
    Link
    I was born in Kingston but we moved around a lot as I was growing up. Lived in Ottawa, Sacramento, Summerside, then back to Ottawa for middle school and highschool. I lived in Halifax for a few...

    I was born in Kingston but we moved around a lot as I was growing up. Lived in Ottawa, Sacramento, Summerside, then back to Ottawa for middle school and highschool. I lived in Halifax for a few years after Uni but have been back in Ottawa since 2009.

    4 votes
    1. [2]
      chocobean
      Link Parent
      Hey you've been at a lot of places: how do you think Halifax stacks up, and what's the future of this small and super old city?

      Hey you've been at a lot of places: how do you think Halifax stacks up, and what's the future of this small and super old city?

      1 vote
      1. xothist
        Link Parent
        yeah i mean i love halifax. it's such a great city. i haven't been in 10 years or so but my sister is living there again so i hope to get back soon.

        yeah i mean i love halifax. it's such a great city. i haven't been in 10 years or so but my sister is living there again so i hope to get back soon.

        1 vote
  16. lackofaname
    Link
    Present! In Ontario. I'm grateful to have travelled through most of the provinces, and in a couple cases transiently worked or lived. (Still need to see Newfoundland, and I've not had the chance...

    Present! In Ontario. I'm grateful to have travelled through most of the provinces, and in a couple cases transiently worked or lived. (Still need to see Newfoundland, and I've not had the chance to go to any of the territories.)

    4 votes
  17. [2]
    teh
    Link
    Sault Ste. Marie checking in

    Sault Ste. Marie checking in

    4 votes
    1. Kawa
      Link Parent
      That's my hometown, but I don't live there any more. I'm 34 - if you're in my age range, I wonder if we know/knew each other. That said, with how Sault Ste. Marie can be, I wonder if I would even...

      That's my hometown, but I don't live there any more. I'm 34 - if you're in my age range, I wonder if we know/knew each other. That said, with how Sault Ste. Marie can be, I wonder if I would even want to know. My social ties to the Sault are kept minimal on purpose.

      1 vote
  18. datavoid
    Link
    Hosership confirmed 😞

    Hosership confirmed 😞

    2 votes
  19. [11]
    Foreigner
    Link
    I initially read this as "horses" and was very confused.

    I initially read this as "horses" and was very confused.

    17 votes
    1. [8]
      Pavouk106
      Link Parent
      Me too. Then I read it again, this time right, and I'm still confused. Never heard any of those terms.

      Me too. Then I read it again, this time right, and I'm still confused. Never heard any of those terms.

      16 votes
      1. [7]
        Foreigner
        Link Parent
        "Hoser" is slag for someone from Canada. Not sure about "bogan" in this context but in Australia it's supposed to refer to a trashy person/redneck.

        "Hoser" is slag for someone from Canada. Not sure about "bogan" in this context but in Australia it's supposed to refer to a trashy person/redneck.

        9 votes
        1. [5]
          datavoid
          Link Parent
          I thought a hoser was someone who can't play hockey?

          I thought a hoser was someone who can't play hockey?

          6 votes
          1. [4]
            GobiasIndustries
            Link Parent
            Legend has it that before the Zamboni was invented, the losing hockey team had to hose down the ice to resurface it after the game. Hence the term 'Hoser' as an appropriately self-effacing way for...

            Legend has it that before the Zamboni was invented, the losing hockey team had to hose down the ice to resurface it after the game. Hence the term 'Hoser' as an appropriately self-effacing way for Canadians to talk about themselves.

            9 votes
            1. [2]
              chocobean
              Link Parent
              is that why? I lived in Vancouver for a very long time and have never heard of Canucks being referred to as hosers in real life, outside of discussions like this. Is it an Ontario thing?

              is that why? I lived in Vancouver for a very long time and have never heard of Canucks being referred to as hosers in real life, outside of discussions like this. Is it an Ontario thing?

              3 votes
              1. GobiasIndustries
                Link Parent
                It's just one possible explanation for the term. It was widely popularized by the SCTV sketch comedy characters, Bob & Doug McKenzie, who parodied a certain flavour of Southern Ontario working...

                It's just one possible explanation for the term. It was widely popularized by the SCTV sketch comedy characters, Bob & Doug McKenzie, who parodied a certain flavour of Southern Ontario working class Canadian in the 1980s.

                7 votes
            2. datavoid
              Link Parent
              Speak for yourself ya hoser! As a Canadian I am determined to win this hockey game

              Speak for yourself ya hoser! As a Canadian I am determined to win this hockey game

              2 votes
        2. RoyalHenOil
          Link Parent
          It's a bit of a fluid term, but I think "bogan" is a bit more specific than that. It's a common subculture that tends to predominate in Australian suburbs (not so much in properly rural areas, at...

          It's a bit of a fluid term, but I think "bogan" is a bit more specific than that. It's a common subculture that tends to predominate in Australian suburbs (not so much in properly rural areas, at least that I've seen).

          Then again, I'd probably categorize "redneck" as a distinct subculture as well, at least when it's applied specifically to Southerners (speaking as someone with a bit of a "hillbilly" cultural background, but basically no connection to the "redneck" cultural background).

          2 votes
    2. [2]
      pseudolobster
      Link Parent
      I initially read "hoosiers", saw the comment count, and wondered if there's really that many people from Indiana.

      I initially read "hoosiers", saw the comment count, and wondered if there's really that many people from Indiana.

      4 votes
      1. Phynman
        Link Parent
        Me too! Then I had to look up what a hoser was.

        Me too! Then I had to look up what a hoser was.

        2 votes