Insults

In Newfoundland, when someone says you're stunned, it's not about being hurt or sick. It's more like a judgment, a way of saying something about you.

Newfoundland is a place where insults are an art form, almost like a funny kind of poetry. The people there are known for being warm and friendly, using terms like "m'love" and "m'dear" when they talk to you. But when someone from Newfoundland thinks you're not very smart, they can come up with some pretty creative and humorous ways to say it. These aren't just swear words, they're more like clever observations about someone's character, and they're often said in a lighthearted way that leaves you wondering whether to laugh or feel offended. It's a unique way of communicating that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it's definitely a part of what makes Newfoundland's culture so special. The way they use language is a reflection of their witty and humorous nature, and it's something that sets them apart from other places. Whether you're from there or just visiting, experiencing this kind of creative insult is definitely a memorable experience.

These words have their origins in the same Irish and West Country English roots that are found in the rest of Newfinese. They have managed to survive all these years because, in the past, people in outport communities needed simple and efficient ways to describe the people they knew, like the one who was always lazy, the one who was sneaky, or the one who couldn't be trusted with a boat. But now, 400 years later, the people have changed, yet the words remain the same.

Here's your field guide.

"Stunned"

In Newfoundland, there's a classic insult that you'll hear all the time — "stunned". But here's the thing, it doesn't exactly mean stupid in a mean way. It's more like a casual observation, a resigned kind of comment. When someone says "he's some stunned, b'y", it's not meant to be hurtful or angry. It's just a way of stating the obvious, like a shrug of the shoulders. You're not trying to be cruel, you're just acknowledging what everyone already knows. It's a unique way of expressing yourself, and it's definitely a part of the local culture.

It's really versatile. You can be a little shocked, somewhat shocked, totally shocked, or — when someone has completely blown you away — absolutely, mind-blown shocked, with no room for debate, it's the ultimate verdict, and that's final.

In Newfoundland, the word has a peculiarly gentle quality to it. When you call someone stunned, it's almost like you're showing them affection, because it suggests you thought they were capable of better and you're willing to let it slide. It's a criticism that comes with a comforting cup of tea, making it a uniquely forgiving kind of insult.

"Sleeveen"

You know, there's one insult that really stands out, and that's "sleeveen". This word is particularly nasty because it describes someone who is sneaky and dishonest — the type of person who will be all smiles to your face, but then badmouth you the moment you're out of earshot. The word "sleeveen" actually comes from the Irish word "slighin", and it was brought over to America by settlers from Waterford. Despite being around for so long, the word "sleeveen" still packs a punch, and it's a term that you definitely don't want to be called. It's interesting to think about how words like this can travel across the ocean and still retain their original meaning and impact. The fact that "sleeveen" has managed to do so is a testament to the power of language to shape our perceptions of others and ourselves.

You can't just go around calling someone a sleeveen, it's a serious thing. Being stunned is one thing, that's understandable, but being a sleeveen is something entirely different. When you're stunned, it's not like you have a choice, you're just caught off guard. But a sleeveen, they know exactly what they're doing, and that's what makes it so bad. In Newfoundland, if someone calls you a sleeveen, that's it, the conversation is done, and the relationship is probably going to be put on ice for a while, at least. It's not a word you throw around lightly, and if someone uses it to describe you, you know you've done something wrong.

You know, it's nice to have just one word to describe someone like that. In some places, you need to explain a lot to get your point across. But in others, like Newfoundland, all it takes is one word and a certain look, and everyone knows exactly what you mean. It's like the whole culture is understood in that one moment.

"Angishore"

Pronounced ANG-uh-shore, and it means a pitiful, useless, miserable sort of creature — someone so pathetic you almost feel bad for them. Almost. Originally it meant a person too lazy or too weak to fish, which in a fishing community was about the worst thing you could be.

This term originates from the Irish word "aindeiseoir", which has a unique blend of feelings — a bit of pity and a bit of contempt, the kind that's often found in small, close-knit communities. An angishore is different from a sleeveen, it's not someone who's harmful or causes trouble. And it's not like someone who's entertainingly clueless either. No, an angishore is just a sad person, the kind that makes you feel sorry for them, but also a bit frustrated, you know, like when you're talking to someone and you just don't know what to say, so you change the subject. They're just sad, and that's it.

The word is slowly disappearing from everyday conversation, especially among younger people, and that's a pity. You see, English lacks a suitable alternative to convey the same meaning. "Loser" is just too harsh and straightforward, while "pathetic" comes across as somewhat detached and clinical. But this particular word has a certain depth and character to it, a unique texture that's hard to replicate with other words.

"Skeet"

You know those people who just stand out in a crowd, and everyone in Newfoundland can spot them a mile away. They're the ones who are always loud, a bit rough around the edges, and maybe even a little wild. You can usually tell where they're from, and they often wear something that's, well, eye-catching — whether they meant to make a statement or not. The term "skeet" actually started out as an insult, and technically, it still is — but over time, it's taken on a weird kind of charm. Now, when people call someone a skeet, it's not always meant to be hurtful — it's more like a nod to their unique personality.

The thing about being called a skeet is that people have begun to own it. They're now deliberately wearing the word like a badge of honor. When someone calls themselves a skeet, it's a statement — they're saying, "I know who I am, I'm not trying to be someone else, and I couldn't care less about your opinion." It's like the people of Newfoundland have taken an insult and flipped it on its head, making it a part of their identity. There's something pretty bold about taking a word that was once used to put you down, slapping it on your chest, and walking into a room with your head held high. It's a way of saying, "You know what, I'm not ashamed of who I am, and I'm not going to let your words bring me down." By embracing the word skeet, people are taking away its power to hurt them, and that's a pretty powerful move.

"Gommel"

You know those people who are just a bit clumsy, always knocking things over and struggling to get their act together? That's what we call a gommel. It's not quite the same as being stunned, because a stunned person is just lacking sense, but a gommel is someone who can't seem to coordinate themselves, whether it's physically or socially. They're the ones who spill the gravy all over the table at Sunday dinner, or trip over their own feet on flat ground. And to make matters worse, they always seem to say the wrong thing at the worst possible moment, every single time. It's like they have a knack for making awkward situations even more awkward. Being a gommel is not just about being a little careless, it's about being consistently hapless, and that's what makes it so endearing, in a funny kind of way.

A gommel is like a storm that rolls in, causing chaos and mess, but it's not really something you can blame someone for. It's more like a quirky trait that you just have to accept and work around. When someone's being a gommel, you might let out a frustrated sigh or a joking insult while you're cleaning up the mess they made, but deep down, you know it's not really their fault. It's just something they are, like a habit or a tendency, and you learn to live with it and take steps to protect the things that might get broken, like keeping the good dishes out of reach.

"Sook" / "Sooky"

A sook is someone who complains a lot, usually about small things like being cold or having a tough day. They like to make sure everyone knows how they're feeling. Remember when your dad told you to stop being a sook before you went outside on a cold January day? Or when your sibling called you a "sooky baby" and it really got to you? That's because it's a pretty effective way to tease someone, especially if they're under twelve. It's like a way of saying, "toughen up and stop whining." But, at the same time, it's also kind of funny and lighthearted, like a joke between family members.

It's a word that expects toughness. Newfoundland weather, Newfoundland work, Newfoundland life — none of it was gentle, and the language reflects that. Complaining is allowed. Complaining too much makes you a sook, and a sook gets no sympathy.

Like most Newfoundland insults, though, it bends toward warmth if you give it a minute. Calling someone sooky is half insult, half arm around the shoulder. Yes, you're being soft. No, we're not going to leave you alone about it. But also, here's a cup of tea.

Why the insults are worth keeping

Newfoundland insults aren't mean the way mainland insults are mean. They come with context and history and, more often than not, a cup of tea right after. They're precise — each one describes a specific kind of person that a longer phrase can't quite capture. English is poorer without them.

If you take a step back, you'll notice that these words are actually a kind of honesty that's missing in most places. In a community where everyone knows each other, you need words that describe all aspects of human behavior, not just the polite ones. Take words like stunned, sleeveen, angishore, skeet, gommel, and sook — they pretty much cover every type of fool, fraud, and vulnerable person you'd find in the harbour. What's really interesting is that most of these words are said with a half-smile, which says a lot about the culture that created them. It's like they're being honest, but also gentle at the same time. This kind of language is unique and it's what makes this community special. They have a way of describing people and situations that's both realistic and compassionate. And that's something that's hard to find in other places.