DCHP-3

true north

DCHP-2 (Jul 2016)

Spelling variants:
True North

n. — slang, often Politics

a nickname for Canada.

Type: 4. Culturally Significant — The term appears to have been coined by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, poet laureate during the reign of Queen Victoria, in his poem "To the Queen", in which he refers to Canada as "that true North". Tennyson apparently wrote the poem in response to an editorial in The Times on October 30th, 1872, in which it was suggested that Canada separate from Britain (see the 1873 quotation and Colombo (1994: 57)). The term was appropriated by Canadians, among them poet Agnes Maule Machar, who wrote Lays of the 'True North,' and Other Canadian Poems in response to Tennyson's ode (see the 1899 quotation). The term true north was popularized shortly after due to its inclusion in the national anthem "O Canada", in which the country is described as "The True North strong and free!". This line, which currently forms part of the official anthem proclaimed in 1980, was first included in the 1908 version of the song that was composed by Robert Stanley Weir (see Canadian Heritage reference). Today, the name has acquired significant cultural salience, comparable to Canuck; a prestige term that is found in proper names, such as company names (see, e.g., the 2016 quotation).
See also COD-2, s.v. "true north", which is marked "Cdn informal".
See: Canuck(meaning 3)

Quotations

1873
[We are content, therefore, simply to note Mr. Tennyson's sad forebodings. But there is one reference in the Ode which demands different treatment. The Laureate, exulting in the loyalty of the nation to the THRONE, calls to witness among other the loyalty of
"that true North whereof we lately heard
"A strain to shame us - 'Keep you to yourselves;
"'So loyal is too costly! Friends, your love
"'Is but a burthen; loose the band and go.'"
It would be affectation to pretend not to understand the reference here intended. The Poet plainly has in mind the observations we made or are supposed to have made, immediately after the publication of the San Juan Award on the expediency of considering practically the emancipation of Canada.]
1899
Lays of the 'True North,' and other Canadian poems
1913
When, then, I think of the rude, narrow, churlish pioneer life out of which the splendid, virile, clean civilisation of Canada to-day has evolved, and when I recall the noble part which Canadian women have taken in the making of that civilisation, I am overcome with admiration, and I find no language adequate to express my admiration of them, save that fine and gallant metaphor of my French-speaking countryman, who signalised their self-poise and beauty and charm under the apt figure, "Ces etoiles du nord" - those fair-shining Stars of the True North.
1928
A great laurelled poet named Canada, with justice, "that true north." "Dark and true and tender is the north."
1932
I had come back from snake hunting in Siam determined to go up the muddy Irriwaddy to Mandalay and watch those flying fishes put on their act, but the thermometer zoomed to 108 and that's no place for a son of the true north.
1959
We buy or borrow from outside.
Oh Canada, my native laand.
On guard, by proxy, we now stand!
Our sovereignty of the True North,
Marine and Airways ransomed forth [...]"
1978
And endless discoveries of improper behavior by the national police (almost invariably denied by a non-responsible Government until denial became absurd) have raised the question: Is the True North free, or just another police state?
1988
Nationally, according to the philanthropy centre, Canadians are making more money than they did 10 years ago, but giving less as a percentage of income: 0.76 per cent compared to 1.06 per cent in 1969. Are we selfish Scrooges in the True North?
1998
I find it ironic that your paper should, on the same day, give us Roy MacGregor's commentary on the lack of Canadian appreciation for heroes (No Joe DiMaggios to Be Found in the True North) and George Koch's article on Gen. Romeo Dallaire's actions in Rwanda (Fax Spelled End to Rising Military Career, Dec. 10).
2013
The Brew Benefit, organized by Yashy Murphy of dishcrawl Toronto, a company dedicated to re-imagining the way people experience food, drink, and their communities, is a celebration of life in the true north, and the pursuit of happiness.
2016
Quality & Tradition
For over 25 years True North Furniture has been designing and manufacturing solid wood furniture using traditional methods and superior craftsmanship.

References