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Nanaimo bar

(chiefly, Canada) A chilled dessert confection consisting of a chocolate crumb-based layer, covered by a layer of custard icing, and topped with a layer of smooth chocolate.

nɑˈmɑioʊ ˈbɑɹ81 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 27, 2026

(chiefly, Canada) A chilled dessert confection consisting of a chocolate crumb-based layer, covered by a layer of custard icing, and topped with a layer of smooth chocolate.

Origin: Probably from the name of the city Nanaimo (British Columbia, Canada). Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

Nanaimo bar means: A chilled dessert confection consisting of a chocolate crumb-based layer, covered by a layer of custard icing, and topped with a layer of smooth chocolate.. It is mainly Canadian English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

Nanaimo bar means: A chilled dessert confection consisting of a chocolate crumb-based layer, covered by a layer of custard icing, and topped with a layer of smooth chocolate.. Register: informal, Canadian English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

Cluster: relaxed
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For specific readers

Nanaimo bar means: A chilled dessert confection consisting of a chocolate crumb-based layer, covered by a layer of custard icing, and topped with a layer of smooth chocolate.. It is mainly Canadian English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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