John Chew traces the letter Z back through French and Greek to explain how nearly every English-speaking country in the world settled on Zed, while one major country broke from that standard entirely.

He also lays out how saying Zed or Zee has quietly become a small political signal in Canada right now, whether the speaker intends it that way or not.

John points to a specific Canadian spelling that isn't borrowed from American or British English at all, a detail that reshapes what "Canadian English" actually means.

Topics: Canadian English, language and identity, Zed versus Zee, Canadian dictionary, John Chew

GUEST: John Chew | http://canadianenglishdictionary.ca

Originally aired on 2026-09-22

John Chew traces the letter Z back through French and Greek to explain how nearly every English-speaking country in the world settled on Zed, while one major country broke from that standard entirely.
He also lays out how saying Zed or Zee has quietly become a small political signal in Canada right now, whether the speaker intends it that way or not.
John points to a specific Canadian spelling that isn't borrowed from American or British English at all, a detail that reshapes what "Canadian English" actually means.
Topics: Canadian English, language and identity, Zed versus Zee, Canadian dictionary, John Chew
GUEST: John Chew |<a href="http://canadianenglishdictionary.ca"> http://canadianenglishdictionary.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-09-22

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.