“Cali” is an abbreviation of “California” that only non-Californians use. Nearly every other U.S. state calls California “Cali,” but Californians hate this. Avoid using “Cali” if you want to seem like a native Californian. “Rad” was used more frequently by Californians a few years ago, but you may still hear it today.

Do Native Californians call it Cali?

The only people who dont refer to California as Cali are the Golden State natives themselves. You will very, very rarely hear a Californian call their home state by this name, even though people from everywhere else love to call it that.

How do Californians refer to California?

Californians dont refer to their state as California and definitely not as “Cali”, but instead break it up the only way it should be divided: NorCal and SoCal.

What do Californians call their state?

“The Golden State” has long been a popular designation for California and was made the official State Nickname in 1968. It is particularly appropriate since Californias modern development can be traced back to the discovery of gold in 1848 and fields of golden poppies can be seen each spring throughout the state.

Why do Southern Californians say the freeway?

In 1964, California simplified its numbering system so the highways only had one route number each, but the linguistic pattern was already set. Essentially, “the” is just Southern Californians saying “I drove along highways before it was cool.” Hipness is at least one bright side of dealing with all that traffic.

Are freeways a California thing?

Two developments convinced Southern Californians to refer to freeways by number rather than name. In 1964, the state simplified its highway numbering system, ensuring that, with few exceptions, each freeway would bear only one route number.

Why do Californians say the before highways?

In 1964, California simplified its numbering system so the highways only had one route number each, but the linguistic pattern was already set. Essentially, “the” is just Southern Californians saying “I drove along highways before it was cool.” Hipness is at least one bright side of dealing with all that traffic.

What is the busiest freeway in Los Angeles?

405 The 405 is one of the busiest freeways in the country, the most commonly used highway to LAX, and a bypass for Interstate 5. The 405s northern terminus is the 5 in the San Fernando Valley.