Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is known by many names—Hogtown, T-Dot, and most famously, The Six. But where did this nickname come from, and why has it become such a defining part of the city’s identity?
From its roots in Toronto’s area codes to its popularization by global superstar Drake, The Six is more than just a catchy moniker—it’s a cultural symbol that represents the city’s diversity, resilience, and influence. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the origins of The Six, how it became mainstream, and why Torontonians have embraced it as their own.
The Origins: Where Did “The Six” Come From?
The nickname The Six has two widely accepted origin stories, both tied to Toronto’s geography and culture.
1. The Area Code Theory
One of the most straightforward explanations is that The Six refers to Toronto’s original area code, 416. Introduced in 1947, the 416 area code covered the city and its immediate surroundings. As Toronto grew, a second area code, 647, was added in 2001. Later, 437 was introduced in 2013 to accommodate more phone lines.
When you add the digits of these area codes together:
- 4 + 1 + 6 = 11
- 6 + 4 + 7 = 17
- 4 + 3 + 7 = 14
This doesn’t directly add up to six, but the prominence of 416 (and later 647) led locals to refer to the city by its most recognizable digits. Over time, The Six became shorthand for Toronto, especially in hip-hop culture.
2. The Six Boroughs Theory
Another explanation ties The Six to Toronto’s municipal structure. Before the 1998 amalgamation, the city was made up of six distinct boroughs:
- Old Toronto (Downtown)
- East York
- Etobicoke
- North York
- Scarborough
- York
When these six municipalities merged into the current City of Toronto, some people began referring to the unified region as The Six, symbolizing the coming together of these diverse communities.
While both theories have merit, the area code explanation gained more traction in pop culture, thanks in large part to Toronto’s most famous ambassador—Drake.
Drake & The Rise of “The Six”
Aubrey “Drake” Graham, Toronto’s hometown hero, played a pivotal role in making The Six a global phenomenon.
How Drake Popularized the Nickname
Drake frequently references Toronto in his music, but his 2016 album Views (originally titled Views from the 6) solidified The Six in mainstream culture. Songs like “Know Yourself” (“Running through the 6 with my woes”) became anthems for the city.
In interviews, Drake has explained that The Six represents Toronto’s resilience and unity. He even has the CN Tower (one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks) tattooed on his shoulder with “416” inscribed beneath it, further cementing the connection.
The Cultural Impact
Thanks to Drake, The Six became more than just a nickname—it became a brand. Toronto’s sports teams, businesses, and even tourism campaigns adopted the term. The Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship run was dubbed “We The North”, but the energy of The Six was everywhere.
Local businesses capitalized on the trend, with restaurants, clothing brands, and even real estate agencies incorporating The Six into their names. The term became a badge of pride, symbolizing Toronto’s unique identity on the world stage.
Why Torontonians Love “The Six”
Not every city nickname sticks, but The Six resonated deeply with Toronto residents. Here’s why:
1. It Represents Unity
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over half of its population born outside Canada. The Six symbolizes the blending of cultures, neighborhoods, and histories into one cohesive identity.
2. It’s Authentically Toronto
Unlike forced nicknames (looking at you, “Hollywood North”), The Six emerged organically from the streets, music, and everyday conversations. It wasn’t created by a tourism board—it was born from the people.
3. It’s a Flex
Before Drake, Toronto was often overlooked in global conversations about major cities. Now, The Six carries weight—it’s a sign that Toronto is a cultural powerhouse in music, sports, and entertainment.
Controversies & Criticisms
Not everyone loves The Six. Some critics argue:
- It’s Overused: As the nickname went mainstream, some felt it lost its authenticity.
- It Excludes the GTA: The Greater Toronto Area (Mississauga, Brampton, etc.) isn’t technically part of The Six, leading to debates about regional identity.
- It’s Too Drake-Centric: While Drake helped popularize it, Toronto’s history runs deeper than one artist.
Still, the majority of Torontonians have embraced the term as part of their city’s evolving story.
The Future of “The Six”
Will The Six stand the test of time? Likely yes. Just as New York is The Big Apple and Los Angeles is The City of Angels, Toronto’s nickname has cemented itself in pop culture.
As the city grows, The Six will continue to evolve—maybe new area codes will emerge, or new neighborhoods will redefine its meaning. But one thing is certain: Toronto has claimed its place on the map, and The Six is here to stay.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Nickname
The Six isn’t just about area codes or Drake—it’s about pride, community, and Toronto’s rise as a global city. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, saying “The Six” instantly connects you to the energy and diversity that make Toronto special.
So next time you’re running through the 6 (with or without your woes), remember—you’re part of a legacy that’s still being written.
What do you think of The Six? Love it or hate it? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
