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Why is Toronto called 'The 6'?

Introduction

Many great cities across the globe go by distinct nicknames that carry rich historical and cultural connotations. New York is known as ‘The Big Apple’, Paris is coined ‘The City of Love’, and Tokyo is called 'The Land of the Rising Sun'. In the northern part of North America, Toronto - Canada’s most populous city, recently gained a fresh epithet popularized by its very own celebrity ambassador, Drake: ‘The 6’. But what’s the story behind Toronto being referred to as ‘The 6’? Let’s explore this phenomenon.

Origins in Old City Boundaries

At the heart of Toronto’s moniker ‘The 6’ is the number six, which encompasses a significant part of the city's historic evolution. Until 1998, the area that we now call Toronto was divided into six different municipalities: Old Toronto, East York, North York, York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke. These six municipalities combined to form a 'megacity' during the contentious amalgamation process in the late 1990s, thus lending the first reason for Toronto’s nickname.

Reflection of Area Codes

Another interpretation behind the appellation revolves around the city’s telephone codes – 416 and 647. The renowned rapper Drake, also a Toronto native, started using the term ‘The 6’ to highlight his roots and his connection to the city. The term went viral after Drake’s studio album “Views from the 6” where ‘the 6’ stands for Toronto's original area code, 416, and its later addition, 647. This version gives the nickname a more contemporary twist, connecting the city’s digital communication channels to its cultural identity.

Popularization by Drake

The popularity of the nickname ‘The 6’ shot up mainly due to its usage by Aubrey Drake Graham – known to the world as Drake. As a worldwide sensation who takes immense pride in his Toronto upbringing, Drake expertly weaved this local culture into his globally-consumed music. His billboard hits, brilliant marketing, and immense personal influence led to the widespread adoption of the term, tying the pop-cultural relevance to the nickname.

Influence Over Toronto’s Identity

What started as a seemingly simple nickname has now led to a significant conversation about Toronto's identity. It's a modern phenomenon; a title that embraces the unique cohesion of a city with diverse municipalities and area codes. This has further cemented Toronto's reputation as a global city with a strong local character.

Conclusion

In summary, calling Toronto ‘The 6’ is not just a hip slang. It's a tribute to the city's heritage, its dynamic evolution, and a testament to its international reach. From the once distinct six municipalities that came together to form this bustling metropolis, to the reflection of the area codes that connect its citizens – ‘The 6’ breathes life into Toronto's multifaceted identity. As cities go, Toronto has a compelling story to tell, and its nickname 'The 6', popularized by one of its own, is an intrinsic part of that narrative.