Local Lingo

In Pictou County we have our own way of saying things sometimes. These interesting phrases may puzzle scholars but are close to our hearts, endearing terms that have been used for generations. Here is a sample of our local dictionary:

Slippy

Poor, icy or slippery road conditions

The Outdoor

A very Pictou Countyspecific term referring to the Emergency Department at the Aberdeen Hospital

Brown Sauce

Our famous Pictou County pizza sauce, which is brown in colour and delicious

Sobeys bag

Any one-use plastic grocery bag, regardless of brand

Maritimer

Those living in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or New Brunswick

’Magine

‘Imagine’ without the ‘I’, said to convey ‘unbelievable’

Bed lunch

A snack you have before going to sleep, also known as a bedtime snack

Uptown, downtown, over town or going up town

“Going up/into town” is often used for those who live in the more rural areas of Pictou County, and refers to heading in to town for shopping or errands. Uptown, downtown, and over town are more directional advice, and usually depend on which way you’re facing

“Beside the old ________”

Pictonians often give directions by affectionately referring to landmarks of places that used to be there, like the “old post office”. If you’re new to the community, it may be helpful to clarify specific addresses or descriptions. Many people will also give directions in minutes versus the number of kilometers

Back Street/Front Street

Refers to the two main streets in downtown New Glasgow, Provost Street (Front Street) and Archimedes Street (Back Street)

Old mall/new mall

Pictou County used to have the Aberdeen Mall, which is now the Aberdeen Business Centre, located on East River Road, and was referred to as the “old mall”. The “new mall” refers to the current Highland Square Mall, which opened in 1981

Double-double

A Canadian term used when ordering a Tim Horton’s coffee (otherwise known as a Timmie’s) with two cream and two sugar. You can guess what a four-by-four must be