A tuque (Canadian French: tuque) is a knitted hat, originally usually of wool though now often of synthetic fibers, that is designed to provide warmth in winter. Sometimes considered Quebec's (and, later, also Canada's) national hat, all tuques are tapered and brimless, and they are often topped with pompoms.
The word tuque is not etymologically related to the name of the chef's toque, although tuque is sometimes spelled "toque" (though still pronounced /tuk/) by assimilation. The word is also sometimes spelled "touque"; while this is technically a misspelling, it's a quite common one.
During the 1837 Patriotes Rebellion a red tuque became a symbol of Quebec nationalism. Today some consider tuques to be somewhat lacking in sophistication, though they are indispensable in cold climates. The most famous media characters to sport this kind of hat are the SCTV characters, Bob and Doug McKenzie. Michael Nesmith of the Monkees also wore this hat in his television series.
In the United States, this type of hat is usually referred to as a knit hat or knit cap, and sometimes as a ski hat. In the U.S. Southern states, it is sometimes called a toboggan.
There is also a town known as La Tuque, Quebec, named after a nearby hill that resembles a tuque.
A beanie is a similar type of hat.
See also
