Pronunciation: [tjˈuːk] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "tuque" is often a source of confusion for English speakers. The pronunciation is /tuːk/, and the word is typically spelled "toque" in French. However, in English, the spelling "tuque" is more common. This might be due to Canadian English, where "tuque" is the preferred spelling. Regardless of the spelling, the word refers to a type of winter hat typically made of wool or acrylic, with a pom-pom on top.
A tuque is a type of knitted winter hat commonly worn in colder regions. It is designed to cover the entire head, including the ears, to provide warmth and protection from the cold weather.
The tuque is typically made of a soft, stretchy, and insulating material such as wool or acrylic. It is characterized by its close-fitting, snug design that hugs the head closely without any brim or visor. The hat's construction allows it to be worn folded or unfolded, depending on the desired amount of coverage or style preference.
Originating from Canadian French, the term "tuque" or "tuque en laine" is widely used in French-speaking regions of Canada, particularly in Quebec, where it is an essential winter accessory. However, this hat style is also known by different names in other parts of the world. It is sometimes referred to as a beanie, knit cap, or wool hat in English-speaking countries, while it is known as a bobble hat or simply a hat with a pompom in some British English dialects.
Tuques are not only functional but also fashion-forward accessories, available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs. They have become popular globally due to their versatility and practicality in protecting the head and ears from freezing temperatures. Whether used for winter sports, outdoor activities, or as a trendy fashion statement, the tuque is an iconic and essential item that embodies both style and warmth in colder climates.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tuque" is derived from the French word "toque", which originally referred to a type of hat worn by men in the 16th century. The French word "toque" came from the Latin word "tŭcca", which meant a headdress or cap. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved, and in Canada, it particularly became associated with the knitted winter hat that covers the head and ears, known as a "tuque". The term is mainly used in Canadian English and is commonly used in Canada to refer to this specific type of headwear.
