Short answer why is toronto the 6: The nickname “the 6” refers to the city’s two area codes (416 and 647) which together form a shape resembling the number six. It was popularized by Toronto rapper Drake in his music and has since become synonymous with Toronto’s culture.
Breaking Down the Meaning: How and Why is Toronto the 6?
Toronto. The city where the hustle never stops, the people never sleep, and the liveliness is contagious. But why is it called the 6?
Firstly, let’s break it down. Toronto is comprised of six districts – Old Toronto, Scarborough, East York, North York, Etobicoke and York. When rapper Drake famously used “the 6” to refer to his hometown in a song, he was primarily referencing these six districts.
However, there’s more depth to it than just this simple explanation. For Drake and many Torontonians’, ‘the 6’ has significant symbolic meaning that encapsulates what Toronto truly represents.
‘The 6’ reflects the city’s identity as a diverse community with roots stemming from all corners of the world – hence Toronto being nicknamed ‘the global city’. It is an amalgamation of different cultures coming together as one big metropolitan area.
Moreover , ‘the 6’ also speaks to a strong sense of loyalty and perseverance that runs through T.O.’s history .The area codes for Toronto are (416/647), further emphasizing their significance as ‘the chosen few’ who have what it takes to overcome barriers while remaining true to themselves and their backgrounds
Ultimately , While its origins may have been practical , ‘the 6’ now signified much more to those embracing it .It expresses solidarity amongst Torontonians– regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic background — that everyone belongs here no matter where they come from. So next time you hear someone mention “the 6,” remember that there’s a lot more beneath that name than meets the eye.
The Ultimate Guide: Why is Toronto the 6 Step-by-Step
Toronto, also known as the 6ix, is a vibrant and multicultural city that has been gaining popularity over the years. But why is Toronto called the 6ix? In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how Toronto became the 6 and why it’s now synonymous with the city.
Step 1: The Area Codes
Let’s start with some background information. Toronto has two area codes- 416 and 647. These area codes cover most of Toronto and its surrounding areas. In the early days of cell phone usage, only one area code was assigned per region. However, as demand for more phone numbers increased, additional area codes were added to accommodate everyone.
Step 2: The Drake Connection
Now let’s jump ahead to 2013 when rapper Aubrey Graham (better known as Drake) released his album “Nothing Was the Same”. On track number three, titled “Started From The Bottom,” he raps: “I’m the one in front of the gun/We’ve been at it since a youngin’/ I’m representin’ for my town when I’m off tour.”
Drake hails from Toronto and throughout his music career he has often referenced his hometown in his lyrics. In particular, he has a fondness for referencing his time spent growing up in the city’s downtown. He also frequently mentions “the six” in his songs.
Step 3: Co-opting an existing nickname
At that point in time many Canadian cities had nicknames that were associated with their telephone area code. Winnipeg was called “The Peg”, Vancouver was referred to as “The Van”, Calgary was known as “The Four”. Interestingly enough Toronto already had an existing nickname – T.O., which stood for Toronto Ontario – but it never quite caught on outside Canada.
There were several other names thrown around for possible monikers during this period such as “The T-Dot,” or “T.Dot”. But, “the six” was the one that stuck thanks to Drake’s influence.
Step 4: The City Embraces ‘The Six’
Despite some criticism by those who weren’t fans of Drake’s music, but still loved Toronto, the city started to fully embrace the nickname. It was a breath of fresh air for many Torontonians and helped put the city on the map.
Nowadays, you can see references to “the six” throughout the city – from billboards and shops selling t-shirts emblazoned with “the six”, to murals dedicated to it. It’s even made its way into everyday speech among locals.
Step 5: Becoming a Cultural Icon
In addition to being associated with Drake, “the six” has become a cultural icon representing Toronto’s diverse identity. Just like the city itself, ‘the six’ is multicultural and inclusive. It symbolizes unity through diversity, something that Toronto proudly promotes both domestically and internationally.
Step 6: Forever Embedded in
First off, let’s clear up any confusion about what “the 6” actually means. Some people might think it refers to the city’s six boroughs or neighborhoods, but that’s not the case. The term originated from rap icon Drake who has referred to Toronto as “the 6” in several of his songs. In one interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, Drake explained that “the 6” was a tribute to Toronto’s two main area codes – 416 and 647 – which both start with the number six.
Now that we have established the origin of “the 6,” let’s get to the heart of why Toronto deserves such a cool nickname.
1. Diversity
Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with over half its population being born outside of Canada. This cultural melting pot makes it a vibrant and inclusive place where you can find authentic cuisine from every corner of the globe.
2. Art & Culture
Toronto boasts an impressive art scene, featuring everything from renowned museums like The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) to performing arts festivals like Luminato and Nuit Blanche. Music lovers can also enjoy many concerts and events throughout the year thanks to venues such as Massey Hall and Budweiser Stage.
3. Sports
Toronto is home to several famous sports franchises including NHL maple leafs, NBA Raptors etc., as well as exciting annual events like The Honda Indy Toronto car race every summer.
4. Food
The food scene in Toronto is thriving with trendy cafes catering scrumptious delights along King street West or across Kensington Market. From award-winning restaurants like Canoe and Alo to street food vendors, there’s always something delicious to indulge in.
5. Landmarks
Toronto is home to several iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, Toronto Islands, and The Yonge-Dundas Square which draws tourists from around the world year-round.
6. Community & Spirit
Lastly, what makes Toronto truly special is its remarkable sense of community and spirit. Whether you’re at a festival or just walking on the streets during a busy day everyone seems approachable and willing to strike up a conversation with strangers.
In Summary,
“The 6” nickname for Toronto has become popular because it encompasses everything that makes Canada’s largest city so unique and excitingly diverse – sports, art & culture, food, landmarks, community spirit etc. With its remarkable blend of modernity and traditional values rooted deep in history & rich heritage makes it an ideal place for anyone looking for exciting adventure in life. So calling this cosmopolitan metropolis “the 6” seems fitting considering how much it has grown since its inception back in the