Chennais

Chennais is a term used to refer to residents or natives of Chennai, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The form is informal and is used to describe people connected with the city’s social, economic, and cultural life.

Origin and usage: The name Chennai from which the plural "Chennais" is formed traces to the city’s historical name and local place-names. The city was known as Madras until 1996, when the government officially adopted the name Chennai. As a demonym, "Chennais" is less formal than Chennaiites or Chennaites, and is encountered mainly in colloquial speech and media.

Geography and economy: Chennai sits on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal and is one of India's largest urban areas. Chennais are associated with a cosmopolitan culture that blends Tamil traditions with modern industry. The city is a major hub for information technology, manufacturing, and port-related trade; it hosts the Tamil film industry (Kollywood) and several educational and cultural institutions.

Cultural identity: Tamil is the dominant language, with English commonly used in business and education. Chennais are linked to coastal cuisine, Carnatic music, dance, and a rich literary and theatrical scene. They are a diverse group, reflecting Chennai’s status as a major metropolitan center.