So my boyfriend and I just came back from a Carnival Cruise and I was surprised to see just how many people identified us within a few seconds of elevator chatter, Dillan or myself having let an "eh?" slip out. Immediately, the conversation would come to a halt and some grinning idiot would exclaim, as though he was one of the very few gifted souls that would pick up on this subtle evidence of Great White North citizenship, "oh, a Canadian, eh?". It was always said with far too much emphasis on our supposed trademark word, and loud enough to be certain that everyone within earshot would know that the speaker was the first to come to this conclusion.

This isn't another rant about how we don't follow everything we say with a slow and passive "eh?". The truth is, it's not much of a misconception. We really do say "eh" a lot. However, I've realized something from paying attention to myself.  The majority of the time that I do utter this interjection is when I am seeking input or approval;

"Great weather today, eh?"

"This would work better then, eh?"

"You're feeling pretty tired, eh?"

It's sort of the equivalent of the phrase "right?" for me. I like to think of it this way, even if it's just a flyaway thought:
Canadians say eh quite often.
Those who say eh often must often be seeking agreement.
People who constantly seek agreement don't always think they're right.
People who don't always think they're right are usually humble and tolerant.
Ergo, the use of the word "Eh" is proof that Canadians are humble are tolerant.

Ain't that a twisted fallacy?