http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcanuck.html
Canuck is derived from the French practice of using “oque”, sounds like “uck”, as a suffix to make a derogatory form of a verb or noun for a particular nationality - for example, Americans are known as “Amerloques”, Chinese “Chintoques” etc…
markbellis. Any chance you can tell me when the French practice of using loque as a derogatory suffix started? One assumes it goes back before the 1835 cite for the first use of Kanuk.
I wonder if the practice isn’t more modern?
Interesting, and if provable, it would solve the origin of the word.
And for a total hijack –
Dex, my admiration, respect and worship of you knows no bounds. However, in your report you used a phrase that is a pet peeve of mine. You said
(bolding mine)
Surely the First Nation/AmerIndian/native peoples had discovered it long before Jacques got there. 
I realize this is a minor point, and you likely intended “discovered for European explorers,” but I felt compelled to mention it.
My “Petit Robert” says that “Amerlot” as a derogatory form of Américain dates from 1936, and “Amerloque” from 1945…
I can’t find any use of e.g. “amerloque” (or lok, loc etc.) earlier than mid '60s
I guess this is a recent development.
Mycroft, you’ll note I didn’t say he was the first person to discover the St. Lawrence River, I only said he discovered it. As have many after him.
OK, if you don’t buy that, at least give me credit that I didn’t say he invented it.