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Saskabush
DCHP-2 (Jun 2016)
1n. — informal, slang, Prairies, predominantly Manitoba
a nickname for Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Type: 1. Origin — Saskabush appears to have been used originally as a nickname for Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Earliest known quotations appear in University of Alberta and University of British Columbia student newspapers and may have originated among the student body there, as the term is often used in reference to rival athletic teams from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon (see, e.g. the 1952 and first 1969 quotations). In fact, it is possible that the term originally designated the University of Saskatchewan, although this remains unclear. The nickname continues to be used by Saskatchewanians to refer to Saskatoon, but outside Saskatchewan is more likely to be used to refer to the entire province (see 2015 quotation) (see meaning 2).
See also COD-2, s.v. "Saskabush", which is defined as "a nickname for Saskatoon".
See also COD-2, s.v. "Saskabush", which is defined as "a nickname for Saskatoon".
Quotations
1983
''This is the greatest thing that could happen to Saskatoon," says John Davidson, a tobacco-store clerk. ''We'd be able to stick it to every dude that ever called us 'Saskabush.' "
2015
He’s from Regina, not Saskatoon. Us Saskatchewanians refer to Saskatoon as ‘Saskabush’ not the entire province. Just a quick public service announcement for you hurtin’ Albertans.
2016
Saskatoon is 604 kilometres away, but she’s been there a few times.
Most residents here seem to have paid at least one visit to “Saskabush” as it’s locally known, but few have traveled as far south as Regina, 872 km away.
La Loche’s sheer geographical distance from major centres presents huge challenges.
2n. — informal, slang, Prairies, predominantly Manitoba
a nickname for Saskatchewan.
Type: 1. Origin — Over the years, the nickname was semantically generalized to refer to the entire province of Saskatchewan and this meaning has become relatively widespread. This semantic generalization appears to have occurred outside the province, as inside Saskatchewan speakers most often use the term in reference to Saskatoon (see meaning 1). Saskabush is most prevalent in Canada (see Chart 1), and especially in the Prairies (see Chart 2).
Quotations
1977
"The outlying areas of the city bear a marked resemblance to the Steppes of eastern Europe where much of the movie's action will take place." But, what was the realreason [sic]? Surely Saskabush would have sufficed, or even Montana?
1989
Saskatchewan has a similar problem. The neighbors in Alberta and Manitoba keep up with the times by going DST.
But our compatriots in Saskabush hang tough on standard time year-round.
1999
It starred a band of gypsies who rallied to the leadership of a youthful, jut-jawed, straight-shooting, mom'n'apple-pie-type coach from the Saskabush stubble fields.
2008
Or there was Blue Bomber placekicker Troy Westwood who called people from Saskatchewan (every city needs to have somewhere to look down on, even Winnipeg) "banjo-pickin' inbreds." Later he said it wasn't true; most people in Saskabush can't play the banjo.
References
- COD-2
Images
Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 22 Jul. 2013
