Paulistano

Paulistano is a demonym in Brazilian Portuguese used to refer to a person from São Paulo, specifically the city that is the capital of the state of São Paulo. The masculine form is paulistano, the feminine paulistana. The plural forms are paulistanos (masculine or mixed gender) and paulistanas (feminine).

Usage and scope: While paulistano traditionally denotes someone from the city of São Paulo, in everyday language the term can also be understood as referring to residents of the wider metropolitan area. A closely related demonym, paulista, more commonly designates people from the state of São Paulo; context and locality often determine the intended meaning.

Context and connotations: The term is neutral, but it can carry cultural associations with urban, cosmopolitan life and the distinctive culture of São Paulo city, including its architecture, arts, and economic activity. Paulistano appears in literature and media to signal origin or identity linked to the city.

Other uses: The name appears in the titles of historical clubs and institutions based in São Paulo, such as Clube Athletico Paulistano, reflecting the city's long-standing role in Brazilian sports and culture.