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The list of official names for natives of U.S. states is causing a stir

Are you a Massachusettsan? Floridian? A Hoosier?

Sage Anderson

on August 1, 2019

Are you a Floridian? Wyomingite? A Hoosier? If you're from a state in the U.S., you have a name. Even if you don't agree with it.

Debates have long raged on about what we call ourselves. Being from New Jersey myself, I'm a 100 percent certified New Jerseyan (maybe a New Yorker if I'm at a rooftop party in Brooklyn and don't want to seem uncool.) But it's a central part of our identity nonetheless, and all the stereotypes that go along with it. For example, oftentimes when I reveal my New Jerseyan origins, I am met with a classic "I'm so sorry." Or, "like the Jersey Shore, right?" Wrong.

But just because we're branded a certain label doesn't mean we have to like it. Especially when it comes from the federal government.

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After viewing some debates on state resident labels, Twitter user Natalie Jackson went straight to the source to end this conversation for good: the U.S. Government Publishing Office Style Manual (PDF).

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But this official list only set out to confuse and irritate even more people. Floridian? Excuse me? It is Florida Man/Woman/Resident respectively. The people have spoken, and the government is in the wrong.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

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If you're also wondering what's up with the "Hawaiian Resident" label, the government observes the term "Native Hawaiian" for the indigenous people of the islands.

So take it or leave it folks! If you want to fact check for yourself, or just feel more rage, the official document is here. Just don't judge a state by their peoples' names.

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Sage Anderson

Sage is the newest Culture writer on the block at Mashable NYC. They recently graduated from Sarah Lawrence College, and have previously worked for The Dr. Oz Show, NorthSouth Productions, and on Netflix's 'The OA Part II'. Off the clock, they can be found testing out cupcake recipes, collecting dolls, and watching Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure for the millionth time.