'Mum' or 'Mom' in Canada? How do you refer to your mother in Canada? I would have thought it more likely that 'Mom' is used because of its proximity to the United States but here is exhibit A, Mr Gedd

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Paul

'Mum' or 'Mom' in Canada?

How do you refer to your mother in Canada? I would have thought it more likely that 'Mom' is used because of its proximity to the United States but here is exhibit A, Mr Geddy Lee, Canada born and raised clearly talking about his 'Mum.' He is from Toronto, for what it's worth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz5UBnk-JOg

I guess it's province specific, right? I know people say things like 'Mum' is British and 'Mom' is American but that's not strictly the case. A lot of people in the UK call their mother 'Mum' (as I do) but if you're from the North of England or Wales you might call her 'Mam' (as my father did to his mum.) Or if you're from Northern Ireland maybe you call her 'Ma.' And apparently in Birmingham and the Black Country they even use 'Mom'. There are probably more variations. Having just explained that, I perhaps shouldn't be so surprised that there are some differences in another country.

评论 · 7

I lived in Canada and speak Canadian English and I write it 'mom'.

Thank you Paul

Your explanation of the use of mum, mom, ma, and mam, as used throughout the Uk was quite enlightening.

I cannot speak for all of Canada, but I would always use Mom, although I have no problem with Mum.
Incidentally, here they are both pronounced the same way.
Also, I'm not sure if Geddy Lee was saying Mum or Mom (because of the similar pronunciations).

Because the adjective "mum" (keeping information to oneself; silent) sounds like Mom, I would never spell Mom as Mum.

So, I've said my piece and now I'll stay mum... :)

Good topic Paul...

Now, Paul, you have me curious.

In the Southern US, we often say Momma (also spelled Mama). :) I've always liked the sound of "Mum". But I don't know that it would sound as nice without a British accent. Haha

I spell it 'mom', though when I say it is comes out somewhere between 'mom' and 'mum' - probably closer to 'mom'. Given how diverse Canada is, you'll find all kinds of variations.

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