In Canada, a distinctive trait that sets us apart from Americans is our pronunciation of the last letter of the alphabet as “zed” instead of “zee.” This choice has historical roots that go back to the influence of French on the English language. Following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, French became the language of the British court for over three centuries, leading to the incorporation of French words, including the letter name “zède,” into English as “zed.”
The term “zed” can be traced even further back to ancient Greek, where the letter was known as “zeta.” This name was later adopted by the Romans from the Greeks, eventually making its way into English as “zed.” The usage of “zed” is not exclusive to Canada but is also common in countries throughout the Commonwealth like the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and India.
The term “zee,” used by Americans, emerged as one of many alternate names for “zed” in England during the 1500s. Noah Webster, an American spelling reformer, played a significant role in popularizing “zee” through his dictionaries in the early 1800s. Webster saw spelling reforms as a way to assert American independence from British influence, aligning written English with American pronunciation.
While Canadian children were initially taught to say “zed,” influences from American media, such as educational programs like “Sesame Street,” introduced “zee” into Canadian vernacular. A study in 1972 indicated that a majority of English-speaking Canadians preferred “zed,” but preferences have since shifted, with a growing number adopting “zee.”
Regional variations in Canada show that provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan strongly favor “zed,” while the usage of “zee” is more prevalent in the Maritimes and among younger demographics. Newfoundland and Labrador, despite its linguistic ties to British and Irish English, exhibit a preference for “zee,” possibly influenced by historical ties to American education and culture.
Interestingly, as Canadians age, there is a tendency to revert to saying “zed,” reflecting a sense of cultural and national identity. For many, the pronunciation of the letter “zed” serves as a subtle marker of Canadian heritage and individuality.