Definitions of Words of Native Origin
The following is a list of words of native origin. You will find in parentheses what each word refers to in everyday life (town, river, etc.), followed by the translation.
Ashuapmushuan
Where one waits for a moose.
Babiche
Strips of rawhide, sinew, or gut used for sewing, lacing, or fastening: making snowshoes for example.
What is the meaning of the word Canada?
Canada means: The village where I live.
Chibougamau
Lake crossed from edge to edge by a river. (source: Commission de toponymie du Québec)
Meeting place.
What Does the Name Chicoutimi Mean?
The meaning is interesting as it refers to where sea water and fresh water meet.
Where Does the Name Esquimaux Mean?
“They eat raw”
Ilnu / Ilunatsh
Name of the Montagnais in their language meaning “Human being”.
Kénogami
Long lake.
Kiwanis
This word is used to refer to someone who is restless or too noisy.
What is a Manitou?
Manitou refers to the spirit of spirits or a superior being.
Mashteuiatsh
Where there is a point of land.
Métabetchouan
Current coming out of the lake.
Mistassini
Large rock.
Ouananiche
Lost / away from its normal place.
(Typical local fish, sea trout which would have evolved following the disappearance of the salt water.)
Ouiatchouan
Winding path, full of curves.
Papinachois
He tells jokes / he laughs a lot.
Péribonka
The water of the river is scrambled.
Pichou
Lynx.
Piékuagami
Flat lake.
What is the definition of Quebec?
Quebec means a narrowing or escarpment.
What Does Saguenay Mean?
Exiting water / where the water exits.
Ship”shaw
River enclosed.
Definition of Tadoussac
Bosom, it refers to the capes on either side of the mouth of the Saguenay River, where the whales come to feed.)
What is a Windigo?
A Windigo is the forest ogre (a giant cannibal).
We thank the Mashteuiatsh Society of History and Archeology for their invaluable assistance in writing this article.