Camila Morrone’s Toronto Slang Lesson Sparks Controversy

A segment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon featuring actress Camila Morrone and her attempt to teach Jimmy Fallon “Toronto slang” has ignited a debate online, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and the misrepresentation of local dialects. The controversy stems from Morrone’s use of phrases she says she learned from her co-star, Adam DiMarco, during the filming of their Netflix thriller, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.

The Slang Lesson and Initial Backlash

During her appearance on the March 24th episode of The Tonight Show, Morrone quizzed Fallon on phrases like “two-twos is my word croski,” “that’s too Mazza, ahlie,” and “that’s gerbert, fam.” Footage of the segment quickly circulated online, prompting criticism from Toronto residents who argued that the slang was inaccurate, outdated, or even nonexistent. Many took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment.

Adam DiMarco Responds

Adam DiMarco, Morrone’s co-star and a native of Oakville, Ontario, clarified that he wasn’t responsible for the slang lesson. He stated he had never heard anyone speak that way and suggested much of it was “just trolling.” As reported by NOW Toronto, both DiMarco and Morrone joked that they should “go back to old English.”

Cultural Appropriation Concerns

The controversy quickly evolved beyond simple linguistic inaccuracies, with many critics accusing Morrone and Fallon of cultural appropriation. BuzzFeed News highlighted that several of the phrases Morrone presented originate from Somali, Arabic, and Jamaican Patois, and represent contributions from immigrant communities to Toronto’s unique cultural landscape. Critics argued that presenting these phrases as generic “Toronto slang” erases the origins and significance of these terms.

The Defense and Generational Divide

Despite the widespread criticism, some defended Morrone, arguing that younger generations in Toronto do use similar slang. NOW Toronto reported that some internet users came to her defense, saying she wasn’t too far off. Though, this defense did little to quell the concerns about the segment’s broader implications.

‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’

Morrone and DiMarco are currently promoting their new Netflix thriller, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, which filmed in Toronto. The controversy surrounding the slang segment has overshadowed some of the promotional efforts for the series. Exclaim! noted the series began production in 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Camila Morrone’s attempt to teach Jimmy Fallon Toronto slang on The Tonight Show sparked significant backlash.
• The controversy centers on the accuracy of the slang used and concerns about cultural appropriation.
• Adam DiMarco, Morrone’s co-star, distanced himself from the segment, stating he wasn’t the source of the slang.
• The incident highlights the importance of understanding the origins and cultural significance of language.