Newfoundland Slang We Learned From Rock Solid Builds

Dreaming of life on the idyllic east coast of Canada? You’re not alone (watching episode after episode of Rock Solid Builds will do that to a person). But before you pack your bags, you’ll want to learn a thing or two to help pass as a local, starting with language. We’ve picked up a few local idioms from our favourite Newfoundland builders; read on for classic Newfoundland slang and sayings.

Watch Rock Solid Builds Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada. Also available on the Global TV App, and STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels. HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.

HGTV Canada

1 / 10

It’s Mint!

Randy Spracklin and the cast of Rock Solid Builds shared a few of their favourite East Coast terms and sayings, starting with “mint.” Mint is a term used when something, like a renovation install, goes perfectly! You can expect to hear it all the time on season two!

HGTV Canada

2 / 10

It Was Catty!

Similar to mint, when something is “catty,” it means it’s really cool or awesome. Randy uses the term often on job sites, when he and his team come up with a great idea or figure out a clever solution to a problem.

HGTV Canada

3 / 10

It Was Real Tangly

If you hear Randy and his team call something “tangly,” it means they’re in quite the predicament. Tangly is a term used to describe a messy or challenging situation. And you can bet on reno sites, things get pretty tangly! Thankfully, the Rock Solid Builds cast are pros at turning something tangly into something mint. (See what we did there?)

HGTV Canada

4 / 10

Yes B’y? Yes B’y!

The term “yes b’y” is a bit of a catchall on the east coast of Canada. It can mean anything from “OK” to “Really?” or “No way!” and even, “It’s true!” You can basically have an entire conversation uttering just, “Yes, b’y!”

Watch: Rock Solid Builds Season 2 – SNEAK PEEK

Paul Green

5 / 10

Come From Away

A CFA, or “come from away” is someone who isn’t from Newfoundland. Picking up this term (made famous in the Canadian musical by the same name), will go a long way to ensure you’re not considered a CFA for long!

Jim Desautels

6 / 10

It’s a Mauzy Day Out

When a local says the weather is mauzy, they mean it’s damp and warm. It’s similar to the term muggy. And on the east coast of Canada, you can count on more than a handful of damp, mauzy days.

Bird's eye view of Newfoundland cliff and water

Pexels

7 / 10

We Had a Time

When someone in Newfoundland says “I had a time!” they’re referring to a fun, jovial, social setting. It’s the ultimate compliment after hosting a party!

Sebastian Voortman

8 / 10

Get on the Go

When someone in Newfoundland tells you to get on the go, it means to get moving, or go on and have a good time! It’s the kind of encouragement we expect to hear from the cast of Rock Solid Builds!

HGTV Canada

9 / 10

Easy!

If someone tells you “Easy,” you better take note and quit whatever you’re doing. The term “easy” generally means to be careful or watch what you’re saying. It’s a polite way for Randy’s dad to tell him to back off when they’re on a project.

HGTV Canada

10 / 10

Best Kind

The term “best kind” is a friendly way to say “good!”. If someone asks you if you’re OK with lobster for dinner, you can say “Yep, best kind!”. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t say that to a traditional East Coast lobster supper!