Portlandians

Nickname to someone who is either from Portland, living in Portland, and/or behaves in same way of what is considered a Portland-originated behavior.

The truth, however, is that these traits are in fact common to other towns and cultures.

Specialized Interests

Though often comically regarded as high-maintenance and/or needy. The truth about Portlanders, is that they live a highly specialized existence. This could present itself in their food and alcohol interests, but also wax into political views. Though Portlanders tend to voicing these preferences, it is by no means a plea for help. They simply have a set of views, and feel no issue with voice and/or demanding them.

Second Degree Confrontation

Generally when there is a social conflict between two people it is uncommon to be resolved in person. The bulk of interpersonal problems occur within one degree of separation, that is, with someone else who knows both people. Though in other parts of the U.S. this is thought of as a passive aggressive tactic in an effort to manipulate those thought to be social enemies. The truth is much more complex. Though there is always a low-level effort to undermine opponents, there is also a need to check-in with others to verify the conflict to be genuine. Conflicts and disagreements are voiced with others to check the legitimacy of the complaint. Tip to newbie: Make effort to appear as if you're listening. Nod, and then forget you heard it.

Slow Restaurant Service

This is mentioned also in the taboo section. Due to a number of reasons, table service has been criticized as being slow. This is often compared to by the occasional tourist and newbie. It is possible that this is compared to other urban areas such as Manhattan, and San Francisco. Most of the time, it is because the server is given to many tables to serve quickly which translates to slower service.

Small World

A common phrase a newbie might hear on occasion which on the surface means that everyone knows everyone, and therefore has a powerful complex social system. It should also be mentioned that there is a second part to the phrase that is unspoken. The full phrase being -- It's a small world, and you're not a part of it. It is usually uttered by a local when the newbie is discovered in their presence.

In case the goal is to attempt deception in an effort to hide ones newbie-status, the best response to this is to agree enthusiastically and proceed to cite a local's name as quickly as possible.

Keep Portland Weird

Anthem of civic pride: Keep Portland Weird A common phrase that is uttered with some religious faith by Portlanders. Though the literal meaning is a plea for Portland to remain esoteric and unique. There is a deeper meaning to it, which is a reaction to recent changes to culture and urban development thought to be caused by increased inflow of immigrants.

The thought toward the newbie is that Portland's local originated views should be dominant compared to other sensibilities thought to be new/foreign