crackie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Regional (Canadian, specifically Newfoundland and Labrador)
Quick answer
What does “crackie” mean?
A small, mixed-breed dog, typically of uncertain ancestry, often found as a stray or street dog in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, mixed-breed dog, typically of uncertain ancestry, often found as a stray or street dog in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Informally, can refer to any small, scrappy, or energetic dog, especially one with a terrier-like appearance and temperament. Sometimes used affectionately to describe a person who is small but tough or feisty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually unknown in both British and American English in its core meaning. In the UK, it might be misinterpreted as related to 'crack' (drugs) or as a nickname. In the US, it is not part of the general lexicon.
Connotations
In its regional context, it is neutral to affectionate for a dog. Outside that context, it has no established connotation and risks being misunderstood.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside Newfoundland and Labrador. Frequency is negligible in both British and American corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “crackie” in a Sentence
[determiner] + crackie[adjective] + crackiecrackie + [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crackie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb in this sense]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb in this sense]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used adjectivally]
American English
- [Rarely used adjectivally]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially only in cultural or linguistic studies of Newfoundland English.
Everyday
Common in everyday speech within Newfoundland and Labrador when referring to local dogs.
Technical
Not used in veterinary or kennel club terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crackie”
- Using it outside its regional context without explanation.
- Capitalising it as if it were a breed name (Crackie).
- Confusing it with 'cracker' or 'crack'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a recognised breed. It is a colloquial term for the small, mixed-breed dogs commonly found in Newfoundland.
You can, but it will almost certainly not be understood in its intended meaning without explanation, as it is a highly regional Canadian term.
The etymology is uncertain. It may derive from the dog's 'crack' or energetic spirit, or possibly from a regional pronunciation of another word. It is a part of Newfoundland English lexicon.
Not inherently. Within Newfoundland, it is a neutral or often affectionate term for a type of dog. Context and tone determine its use.
A small, mixed-breed dog, typically of uncertain ancestry, often found as a stray or street dog in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Crackie is usually informal, regional (canadian, specifically newfoundland and labrador) in register.
Crackie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkraki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this highly regional term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a small dog 'cracking' or breaking into a run, or being 'crack' (excellent) in a Newfoundland sort of way.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL/SCRAPPY ENTITY IS A CRACKIE (used for tough, small things or people).
Practice
Quiz
Where is the term 'crackie' primarily used and understood?