I have travelled to many parts of the world and I’m always amazed at the number of people who call me a Newfie. A few days ago I was on a facebook group and I mentioned that I was from Newfoundland. The moderator said, “oh a Newfie.” I knew he was not using it in a demeaning way. Most people use it as a term of endearment but there are some who use it to degrade Newfoundlanders.
This is taken fron wikapaedia ,Newfie (also Newf or sometimes Newfy) is a colloquial and (especially in Québec) derogatory term used by the rest of Canada for someone who is from Newfoundland. Newfoundlanders consider “Newfie” as a slur used by American and Canadian military forces stationed on the island.
There are a myrimad of newfie jokes, stores and newfie souvenirs. Many of us as Newfoundlanders, have been the butt of some of those jokes and yes, some of us glory in them. I have, what I would consider to be a good sense of humor and I can laugh at myself and at some of the dumb things that I do or that I have done. I will not tell a joke or relate a story that embarrasses or degrades another person, group or nationality.
How do I feel about the term newfie! It depends on the context of how the term is being used. There are those who use the term to refer to us as hard workers, competent, truthful and friendly. I have heard it said, “I love my newfie friend because…” Then there are those who because of the ignorance of a few, refer to us as dumb and stupid. That makes my blood boil. In every society there are those who take no pride in their country or in their heritage,
I will never forget, on our honeymoon trip to Bermuda, back in the seventies.We were picking up our luggage and waiting for a taxi, when this burly man shouted to a baggage handler. Heh, Nigger.” My wife and I were horrified and we looked at each other and at this man in shock disbelief. It was so degrading. We have never forgotten it.
I’m proud to be a Newfoundlander and I will at all times lift up my province, Newfoundland Labrador. It is my home. If people refer to me as a newfie with respect, then I will accept it as a term of endearment..In contrast, if I’m referred to or I hear others demeaning Newfoundlanders by a negative use of the term newfie, then I will challenge the individual.
Here are some links about the topic.
‘Newfie’: Offensive or endearing? A McMaster researcher dives in
Newfoundlanders upset over use of offensive term in Anthony Bourdain’s show promotion
Province reacting to ‘stupid Newfie’ comments in latest
I will be adding to this post.
Comments are welcome.