The Big Smoke

Photo: Toronto's smoky skyline today

The sky in Toronto today is orange and hazy due to wildfire smoke, and unfortunately we have some of the worst air quality in the world as a result! This is a relatively new phenomenon in my experience, but it has become more common in the summer months in the past 3 years or so. It reminds me, though, of one of Toronto’s old nicknames - a nickname derived from the fact that smoke used to be a common sight along Toronto’s skyline in the past when it was a more industrial city. That nickname is “The Big Smoke” (which seems appropriate again today!). Interestingly, Vancouver has the same nickname (as do many other cities worldwide, including London and Sydney).

However, this isn’t Toronto’s only nickname. Like many cities in Canada, Toronto has a plethora of nicknames that come from various eras in the city’s history. In the past, it was also known as “Hogtown,” which dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Toronto became a major center for pork processing (“hog” is another word for “pig”).

More recently, Toronto has been called “T.O.” (derived from Toronto, Ontario) and “The 6ix” (which was made popular by a Toronto rapper named Drake and is based partly on Toronto’s telephone number area codes of 416 and 647). Also, Toronto was originally named “York” when it was founded, so that is why you can still find the word “York” in the names of many areas and businesses today!

If you have ever visited a Canadian city (or are planning to visit in the future) and want to know whether it has a nickname, you can check this Wikipedia article: List of city nicknames and slogans in Canada - Wikipedia

phenomenon - an observable fact, event, or circumstance (typically refers to something that is significant or unusual)

derived from - to originate, develop, or trace one's source from something else

plethora - a large or excessive amount of something (usually more than what is needed or wanted)

era - a distinct period of time (identified by prominent historical events, characteristics, or notable figures)