Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods and naturally, many of these areas have their very own nicknames - we've even bestowed them on certain intersections across the 6ix (sorry). But, like most monikers, not all of these cute little epithets are endearing. Some are even downright awful (hi, Blansdowne).
Here are my picks for the best and worst neighbourhood nicknames in Toronto.
BEST
Roncy
This one's guaranteed to be divisive. Sure, some people hate this short-form for Roncesvalles, while others claim the neighbourhood's real nickname is Ronces (I can't pronounce either properly, so that's why I'm sticking with Roncy), but it's the best way to shorten what is admittedly an awkward neighbourhood name.
Yonge & Eg
Unlike other intersection-related neighbourhood names, this one isn't completely lame (ahem portmanteaus likes Av & Dav and Blandsdowne). Instead of referring to a tiny microcosm, Yonge & Eg symbolizes a vibrant area that's currently experiencing a massive condo and retail boom. Also, it's better than Yonge & Eligible (see below).
Scarberia
I'm going to get in trouble for this one, but there's something about it that rolls of the tongue. And, more poignantly, it refers to Scarborough's suburban roots. This a place with a unique identity. Just look at how long it's taken city council to actually make a decision about how to replace the aging RT line.
WORST
Blansdowne
Come on, this one sounds like it blends bland with down, which is just sad. This one is due for immediate retirement.
The Village
The Village is way too vague and can refer too many different places throughout the city. When a friends texts, "I'll meet you in the village!" they might be referring to Church and Wellesley, Forest Hill or even Bloor West. In the words of Justin Bieber, "what do you mean?"
Upper Beaches
This newly minted neighbourhood name draws ire from Beachers (note, never call the Beaches "the Beach"). The so-called Upper Beaches is located north of Kingston Road, roughly between Woodbine and Victoria Park.
DuWest
Few people refer to Dundas West by this cutesy nickname, and for good reason. It doesn't roll off the tongue particularly well, so let's just stick to Dundas West - it's not that hard to say.
Yonge & Eligible
Yes, there are lots of young professionals here, but this name needs to die.
The Danny
This one's kind of cute and endearing, but only if you're naming a puppy or an infant. "The Danny" makes the Danforth sound far less desirable. Whatever happened to Greektown?
What would you add or remove from the list? Let us know in the comments.
Photo via Margonaut in the blogTO Flickr pool.
by Staff via blogTO
No comments:
Post a Comment