a) (short for Habitans): a term refering to
French Canadians of both Upper Canada as well as Lower Canada. This is synonymous with calling an American 'a Yankee' or a Canadian (from outside
Quebec) 'a Canuck', but is much less offensive.
b) a term of endearment refering to the
Montreal Canadians hockey club.
father: son, what's your latest
school project on ?
son: Dad, my
project's thesis is trying to explain why the Montreal Canadians hockey team is alternatively and dearly referred to as the Habs. you can, lol, read the rest of my written paper when I'm done with it.