Citizens of Maine are often known as Mainers, though the term is often reserved for those whose roots in Maine go back at least three generations. The term Downeaster may be applied to residents of the northeast coast of the state. The term Mainiac is considered by some to be derogatory, but is embraced with pride by others,Louise Dickinson Rich. State o'Maine. Harper & Row, 1964, p ix and is used for a variety of organizations and for events such as the YMCA Mainiac Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon.
