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This blog is about the fascinating, fun, and challenging things about the English language. I hope to entertain you and to help you with problems or just questions you might have with spelling and usage. I go beyond just stating what is right and what is wrong, and provide some history or some tips to help you remember. Is something puzzling you? Feel free to email me at wordlady.barber@gmail.com.
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Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Saskatchewanians, rejoice!

Photo by Jannes Jacobs on Unsplash


The Saskatchewanism "bunny hug" made its appearance in the Oxford English Dictionary in September 2019:

Canadian. A hooded sweatshirt. 

Chiefly in Saskatchewan. 

Recorded earliest as a modifier.

1978   Shellbrook (Saskatchewan) Chron. 21 June 14/6   Lost—at Memorial Lake Sun., June 18th, one rust colored bunny hug jacket, with prescription sunglasses in pocket.
1982   Trade Marks Jrnl. (Canada) 28 Apr. 4/2   Wares: men's and ladies' clothing, namely, shirts, t-shirts,..bunny hugs, jumpers.
2017   Star Phoenix (Saskatoon) (Nexis) 29 Nov. (Early ed.) a3   He is wearing a blue bunny hug.
(Of course it has been in the Canadian Oxford Dictionary since 1998.) 


Don't forget! Only in Canada, You Say and Six Words You Never Knew Had Something to do with Pigs make great gifts for word lovers and for patriotic Canadians.

About Me

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Canada's Word Lady, Katherine Barber is an expert on the English language and a frequent guest on radio and television. She was Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Her witty and informative talks on the stories behind our words are very popular. Contact her at wordlady.barber@gmail.com to book her for speaking engagements; she can tailor her talks to almost any subject. She is also available as an expert witness for lawsuits.