slang - Is "Canuck" offensive?


I was criticized the other day for using this word. It never occurred to me that it was offensive, but Wikipedia says it "may" be derogatory. Given Vancouver's hockey team, I tend to think it's benign, but I wouldn't want to get William Shatner angry. Please help me oot.



Answer



The reason why Canuck could be perceived as offensive is because it is a slang term for a nationality.


But as you know there are many sports in which Canadian teams have elected to call themselves the "Canucks". The most famous is the Vancouver Hockey team but the rugby national team is also called the Canucks.


Since sport is very much an activity based on group pride, Canuck is probably not an insult.


It's all a matter of circumstances, context and tone. I don't mind being addressed at as Froggy as long as it's not used in an offensive way or in a formal occasion.


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