''Newfie'' (also ''Newf'' or sometimes ''Newfy'') is a
colloquial
Colloquialism (also called ''colloquial language'', ''colloquial speech'', ''everyday language'', or ''general parlance'') is the linguistic style used for casual and informal communication. It is the most common form of speech in conversation amo ...
term used by Canadians and others for someone who is from
Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada, in the country's Atlantic region. The province comprises the island of Newfoundland and the continental region of Labrador, having a total size of . As of 2025 the population ...
. Many Newfoundlanders consider "Newfie" a
slur first used by American and Canadian military forces stationed on the island. It is also the shortened name of the Newfoundland dog breed. The term is also associated with jokes from the mid-to-late 20th century that depicted "Newfies" as foolish, leading to a belief in the derogatory nature of the term.
Usage
During the
Second World War
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
, sailors on
convoy
A convoy is a group of vehicles, typically motor vehicles or ships, traveling together for mutual support and protection. Often, a convoy is organized with armed defensive support and can help maintain cohesion within a unit. It may also be used ...
duty nicknamed
St. John's ''Newfiejohn''.
The first edition of the ''Gage Canadian Dictionary,'' published in 1983, and the second edition of the ''
Random House Unabridged Dictionary,'' published in 1987, both include usage notes describing the term 'Newfie' as offensive. However, neither the second edition of the ''
Canadian Oxford Dictionary'', published in 2004, nor the current edition of the ''Dictionary of
Newfoundland English'', published in 1998, make such a mention.
In March 2006, an
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Alberta. It is situated on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, which is surrounded by Central Alberta ...
police officer was disciplined for using the word ''Newphie'' to describe the apprehension of an individual under the Mental Health Act.
See also
* ''
Newfie Bullet'', an
ironic nickname created by
U.S.
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous ...
military personnel serving at bases in Newfoundland during the
Second World War
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
for a notoriously slow
passenger train
A passenger train is a train used to transport people along a railroad line, as opposed to a freight train that carries goods. These trains may consist of unpowered passenger railroad cars (also known as coaches or carriages) push-pull train, ...
operated on the island.
*
Newfie Screech, a type of
rum
Rum is a liquor made by fermenting and then distilling sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice. The distillate, a clear liquid, is often aged in barrels of oak. Rum originated in the Caribbean in the 17th century, but today it is produced i ...
bottled in Newfoundland.
References
{{reflist
External links
Awareness/Education: Implications of the use of the word 'Newfie'Discussion on Implications of the word 'Newfie'
HomeSickNewfies
A comedy podcast discussing 'Newfie' with a Newfoundlander
From Newfoundland to UpAlong.org
*
Regional nicknames
Pejorative demonyms
Canadian English