People from Jacksonville are commonly referred to by two primary terms: Jacksonvillian and Jaxson. While both have historical usage, there are differing opinions regarding their grammatical appeal and preference among residents.
Common Terms
When identifying a person from Jacksonville, Florida, you will typically encounter one of these two terms. Each carries its own nuances in popular and historical use.
Jaxson
The term "Jaxson" is considered by some to be the preferred moniker for a person from Jacksonville. It is a more modern-sounding term that aligns with the common abbreviation "Jax" for the city.
- Preference: Some residents and commentators view "Jaxson" as the more favorable term, finding it less awkward to pronounce or more fitting for the city's identity.
- Historical Usage: This term has also been used in various historical contexts relating to the city.
Jacksonvillian
The term "Jacksonvillian" is another widely recognized way to refer to someone from Jacksonville. However, it has faced some criticism for its grammatical construction.
- Grammatical Debate: An anonymous reader in a local newspaper once described "Jacksonvillian" as "grammatically gauche," suggesting a preference for "Jaxson."
- Historical Usage: Despite any grammatical concerns, "Jacksonvillian" has a long history of being used to describe people from the city, appearing in numerous historical documents and books about Jacksonville.
Historical Context and Usage
The usage of both "Jacksonvillian" and "Jaxson" is not new; both terms have a history within the city's narrative. Historically, both terms have been found in books detailing the history of Jacksonville, indicating that their use has been fluid and accepted over time, despite modern preferences or critiques. This dual usage highlights a unique aspect of Jacksonville's identity, where residents can choose from more than one accepted term to describe themselves.
Term Comparison
| Term | Common Usage & Perception |
|---|---|
| Jaxson | Often preferred by some residents; perceived as modern and aligned with the city's "Jax" abbreviation. Also historically used. |
| Jacksonvillian | Widely recognized and historically prevalent; sometimes criticized for being "grammatically gauche" by some. |
