When used as a swear word,
hostie may also written without the letters "h", "e" or without both letters.
It is a french biblical word (the sacramental bread) often used by canadians as a curse word. (specially in Québec) It is pronounced "us tea".
Like many other biblical words (such as "tabarnak", "
calisse", "sacrament"...) hostie can be used as the following:
1. noun (to insult)
2. adjective (to enhance a lot - most common use)
Note: Other words, such as "calisse" (pronounced "
Kah lyss") mentioned earlier, can also be used as verbs. ("
M'a te calisser", which means "I'll give you", in a violent way)
1. Ah,
mon hostie... (usually replaced by "
Why you little...", but could also be replaced by any insult)
2. A) Un hostie de... (can be replaced by "really", as in "A really big cake")
