What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cajun
Example
Let's go to that Cajun restaurant downtown. I heard they have amazing gumbo. [Cajun: adjective]
Example
The band played lively Cajun music, and everyone started dancing. [Cajun: noun]
Acadian
Example
My grandparents are Acadian and still speak French fluently. [Acadian: adjective]
Example
We attended an Acadian festival and enjoyed the traditional music and food. [Acadian: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cajun is more commonly used than Acadian in everyday language, especially when referring to the culture, cuisine, and people of Louisiana. Acadian is more specific to the French-speaking settlers in the Canadian Maritime provinces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cajun and Acadian?
While cajun is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, Acadian can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing the historical and cultural heritage of the Acadian people.
