DCHP-3

hang a larry

DCHP-3 (Mar 2023)

Spelling variants:
hang a Larry

The pair hang a roger/hang a larry are a newer Canadian development of the 2010s. Both forms have become enregistered as Canadian since.
expression — Informal

to turn left.

Type: 1. Origin — Hang a larry is one of a set of expressions to replace the standard directions and a development from the older hang a left. Hang a larry together with hang a roger comprise a Canadian pair. While hang a louie is connected to New York City and has some currency in the US, hang a larry is a Canadian-made alternative that is also not connected to the UK (see the 2023 quotation). Chart 1 shows the frequencies, with Canada in the lead. Image 1 shows the expression has acquired an association with Canada, where it is more widely understood (see Image 2). The origins derive from rural Canadian slang.

Quotations

2010
"Down to the end, hang a Larry." The little things in life.
2011
Which brings me to another suggestion for the new council. The Revelstoke Seniors Association has lobbied for a bus stop closer to their front door. Hang a Larry then a Roger instead of a Roger and a Larry. Put up a new bus stop post. Done. Makes sense.
2015
Hang a larry: Turn left.
2020
After about an hour of driving down the old dirt roads we came to a fork in the road. We stopped, decided to hang a Larry, and in the distance was a perfect patch of trees.
2023
No, Larry and Roger aren’t famous Canadian celebrities! These are expressions also used in giving directions! They are usually used while driving; ‘hang a larry’ means to turn left, and ‘hang a roger’ to turn right!

Images

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 18 April 2025

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 18 April 2025

Image 1: Winnipeg business advises <i>hanging a larry</i> to get to their store on Canada Day, 2017.

Image 1: Winnipeg business advises hanging a larry to get to their store on Canada Day, 2017.

Image 2: Vancouver resident unimpressed with driver who doesn't understand how to <i>hang a larry</i>, 23 May 2015.

Image 2: Vancouver resident unimpressed with driver who doesn't understand how to hang a larry, 23 May 2015.