7 slang words and phrases only a Calgarian would know

Sep 16 2025, 8:25 pm

Calgary is a pretty unique city, and with that comes some unique slang words and phrases that only Calgarians truly get.

From Dome Foam to Deadmonton, here are seven slang words only Calgarians will understand.

Dome Foam

 

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Dome Foam is a hilarious nickname for the brews served at the Saddledome. Calgarians argue that these are some of the strongest brews you can get.

Plus 15 

 

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If you told a regular person, “I’m taking the Plus 15 to work,” they might look at you a bit funny. But to a Calgarian, everyone knows about the beloved network of walkways that sit 15 feet above the ground, making downtown commuting so much easier. 

Red Mile

 

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The Red Mile is a stretch of 17th Avenue SW that Calgary Flames fans took over during the Flames’ 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs run. The street was filled with red jerseys, and the name has stuck ever since.

The Ship

 

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Ship and Anchor is one of Calgary’s iconic local spots, but it’s better known as The Ship by locals. So if you ever get invited to The Ship, you won’t need a lifejacket, just an appetite. 

CTrain

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Most cities call their trains LRTs, short for Light Rail Transit, but here in Calgary, it’s affectionately known as the CTrain. It’s a super convenient way to get around that many locals and visitors use. It’s definitely not just any LRT, it’s the CTrain.

Cow Town

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Calgary has many nicknames, but one of the most famous ones is Cow Town. It nods to the city’s Western roots and cattle history, especially in July when cowboy boots and hats take over the streets. 

Deadmonton

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Deadmonton is a name used to throw a little shade at our neighbours up north in Edmonton. It’s all fun and games in the long-standing rivalry between Alberta’s two major cities, especially during hockey season.

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