The Great Demonym Debate: Are You a Windsorite or a Windsorian?

For those who call Windsor, Ontario, home, a curious question often sparks playful debate: what exactly do you call yourselves? Is it 'Windsorite' or 'Windsorian'? While the answer might seem straightforward to some, this seemingly simple linguistic query delves into local identity, history, and official usage.

The consensus, overwhelmingly, points to 'Windsorite'.

This term has deep roots in the city's lexicon and is the preferred demonym by official channels. Mayor Drew Dilkens, for instance, has consistently used 'Windsorite' to refer to his constituents, solidifying its place in public discourse. The City of Windsor itself also defaults to 'Windsorite' in its communications, acting as a quiet but firm endorsement of the term.

Delving into historical records and linguistic resources further supports 'Windsorite'.

Major reference works like the Canadian Oxford Dictionary and the Dictionary of Canadian Biography list 'Windsorite' as the accepted term. For decades, local media, historians, and everyday residents have used 'Windsorite' to describe those living in the city. It's woven into the fabric of Windsor's identity, a familiar and established label.

But where does 'Windsorian' come from, and why does it sometimes surface? Demonyms – the names given to people from a specific place – often follow various patterns.

Adding '-ite' is a common suffix, as seen in 'Torontonian' (though that’s '-ian') or 'Vancouverite'. The '-ian' suffix is also prevalent, think 'Parisian' or 'Ottawaian'. The emergence of 'Windsorian' might be an attempt to follow a different linguistic convention or perhaps a more recent, less formal coinage by some residents.

While 'Windsorian' does exist in usage by a smaller segment of the population, it lacks the historical backing and official endorsement of 'Windsorite'.

It’s not uncommon for cities to have multiple demonyms, or for one to gradually gain prominence over others. However, in Windsor's case, 'Windsorite' has maintained its stronghold.

Ultimately, the debate is a charming reflection of community pride and a subtle exploration of how language shapes identity.

While you might occasionally hear 'Windsorian', rest assured that if you're looking for the historically accurate, officially recognized, and widely accepted term, 'Windsorite' is the one that truly defines those who live in the heart of the automotive capital of Canada.