The Great Angeleno Identity Crisis: What Do You Call Those Dudes (and Dudettes) From LA?
Ah, Los Angeles. City of Angels. Land of dreams (and killer traffic). But what do you call the people who brave the freeways and dodge the overpriced avocado toast to live there? Buckle up, because this is where things get interesting (and slightly existential).
The Classic: Angeleno
This is your go-to, bread-and-butter demonym (fancy word for a place-based nickname). It's got a nice ring to it, sounds vaguely angelic (which, let's be honest, is debatable in rush hour), and is widely understood. Bonus points for dropping it casually in a conversation. "Yeah, I'm an Angeleno. Originally from the Valley, but now I battle it out in Koreatown for decent tacos. #Struggles"
The Less Common Cousin: Angelino
This one's a bit more old-school, like the cool uncle you only see at holidays. It works, but might get you a raised eyebrow from younger Angelenos (are they Angelinos too? See, this is where it gets complicated).
The Full Monty: Los Angeleno/Los Angelan
Now we're getting fancy. These options slap the full "Los Angeles" right there in the name. Perfect for when you want to leave absolutely no room for confusion (or maybe you just like saying "Los Angeles" a lot). Warning: May cause slight awkwardness if used in everyday conversation.
The Trendy Nicknames: L.A. Folks, Left Coasters, L-Aliens
Let's face it, Angelenos can be a bit...well, themselves. These nicknames reflect that. "L.A. Folks" is a friendly catch-all. "Left Coasters" highlights the geographical location (great for confusing East Coasters). And then there's "L-Aliens," for those Angelenos who seem to have beamed down from a different planet with their sunshine obsession and juice cleanses.
But here's the real question: Do Angelenos even care what they're called? Maybe they're too busy chasing that Hollywood dream (or stuck in the 405) to worry about it.
The truth is, there's no single right answer. It all depends on the vibe you're going for. So, the next time you meet someone from the City of Angels, greet them with a smile and a "Hey there, fellow Angeleno/Angelino/L-Alien!" Who knows, it might just spark a conversation about the best place to find decent tacos (because let's be real, that's the most important thing).