What Do They Call People Who Live In Seattle?

Seattle is a city of proud culture, history, and living. Given its gorgeous natural surroundings, coffee culture and robust tech industry, it’s no wonder the citizens of this Pacific Northwest city have accrued a few different names over the years. Two or three words that tend to used both by Seattleites and outsiders when it comes to people living in Seattle. Here’s a closer look at the names that pair with Seattle residents, and where they come from.

The Most Commonly Used Name For People Who Call Seattle Their Home And Why It Stands Out

The most common term for people who live in Seattle is "Seattleite." This term follows the common English practice of adding “-ite” to a city’s name to describe its people. As New Yorkers are from New York and Chicagoans are from Chicago, Seattleites are from Seattle. A term that has existed for decades, it is widely regarded as the standard way to refer to someone from the city.

Seattleites are typically known for an appreciation of coffee, a love of the outdoors and an inclination toward a laid-back lifestyle. When they’re not sipping an espresso at a neighborhood café, hiking in the nearby mountains or listening to rain patter outside a window while reading on a gray day, Seattleites have a created an image that mirrors the city’s mood.

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Historical Nicknames That Were Once Used For Seattle Residents But Have Faded Over Time

The way its residents have been described over the years has roots in Seattle’s history. Before “Seattleite” became the official term, residents were sometimes referred to as “Seattlefolk.” This euphemism had a folksy, informal quality, and his usage was largely early-20th-century. You won’t hear it much these days, but it’s an interesting footnote in the city’s linguistic history.

And another historical nickname that has long gone out of use, “Rain City Dweller.” Seattle’s nickname for frequent rain derived from this, yet locals never adopted it widely. Seattleites are proud of their weather and aren’t always fond of stereotypes about the rain being endless.

Alternative Names That Some People Use To Refer To Seattle Residents And How They Came About

“Seattleite” is by far the most commonly used term, but there’s a couple other words that exist that may be applicable to someone that lives in the city. So, some are improvised or specific to contexts.

Emerald City Resident is one such example. Seattle is so lush with trees and flowering plants that it is nicknamed the Emerald City, and that nickname is sometimes used to describe its people. Not to be confused with “Seattleite,” used more often still, even in the media and tourism literature, but this word does pop up once in a while.

Some people are simply “Seattle Locals.” Less formal-sounding than “Seattleite,” but heard often in conversation. It emphasizes knowledge of the neighborhood and a sense of belonging, not simply residence.

The Role Of Seattle’s Culture And Economy In How Its Residents Identify Themselves

Seattle possesses a unique cultural identity that feeds perceptions of how its residents identify themselves. The city has a reputation for being a center of technology, music and environmentalism. Accordingly, some Seattleites own words that capture these facets of Seattle life.

Simply that those wrapped up in the tech industry might call themselves something like Tech Seattleites, jokingly. The arrival of large firms such as Amazon and Microsoft has turned Seattle into one of the technology capitals of the world, and that has affected how some residents perceive their identity.

A similarly passionate group around the city’s coffee culture might identify as “Seattle Coffee Lovers.” Starbucks began in Seattle, and there are plenty of independent coffee shops, so many people in Seattle take coffee seriously.

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How Long-Time Seattle Residents And Recent Transplants May Refer To Themselves Differently

Seattle is a transient city, with fresh faces moving in every year. As a result, there is sometimes a difference in how longer-term locals and newer arrivals identify.

Some native Seattleites hang their hats proudly on their long-standing Seattle roots, referring to themselves as Native Seattleites. This is less about your native blood and more about your family history in the area.

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Traditionally, people who have just relocated to Seattle have avoided identifying themselves as Seattleites too quickly. Instead, for instance, they might say they “live in Seattle” but not adopt the title until they better identify with the city. As their lives become interwoven with the local life, they might begin to identify as Seattleites.

How Residents In Different Seattle Neighborhoods May Refer To Themselves Based On Local Identity

Seattle is comprised of quite a few neighborhoods and for some, the parochial style of living might ultimately be more important than being a Seattleite. Or, if you’re from Ballard, a neighborhood with deep Scandinavian roots, you might count yourself a “Ballardite.” People who live in Capitol Hill, a neighborhood famous for its nightlife and arts scene, might even call themselves “Capitol Hill Residents,”.

Although these neighborhood-based identities do exist, most Seattleites still refer to themselves under a larger umbrella of "Seattleite."

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How The Identity Of Seattle Residents May Continue To Change Over Time As The City Evolves

Language and identity shift over time, and how Seattleites identify is likely to change in the future as well. Seattleite is still the most common name, but over time new trends or cultures can bring you new names to describe who lives in that special place.

Seattle is a city known for its innovation and creativity, which is evident in its residents' embrace of who they are. Anyone from Seattle will tell you that they are proud to be a part of the city, be it as a Seattleite, Emerald City Resident, or simply as a local, the city defines them.

Whatever you call folks in Seattle, the one thing is sure they love where they live. From the stunning vantage points of the Puget Sound to the small coffee shops that dot many a corner, Seattle has a lifestyle that residents embrace fully.