Charlotteans not Charlatans is what we call ourselves here in Charlotte N.C.

Charlotte has an identity. We are not called Charlatans..we are Charlotteans Yes we are an old, old mining town. But that petered out long ago. The University of North Carolina Charlotte calls themselves the “Forty-Niners” after the gold miners from back in the 1830’s and 40's. So, we in Charlotte don’t call ourselves the Forty-Niners. The School Does.

Then, there is the fact we are named after King George's German born Queen – Charlotte of the German Mecklenburg-Strelitz family. But we don’t call ourselves "Queenies" either. (thank goodness) However, the city is referred to as the "Queen City".

As Charlotte is in Mecklenburg County, (yep, same German Queen ), we do not call ourselves Mecklenburgers, (although that would be a clever name for local hamburgers).

We have adopted the colloquial name of Charlotteans. After awhile it gets easier to pronounce.

The reason I am even writing this is to correct and set the record straight on the proper pronunciation of who we are.

I recently had a nice young couple relocate from another state. I called them after closing to see how they were adjusting to their new home. The husband responded “ Fantastic !, I’m starting to feel like a true Charlatan “…Ack (this is why pronunciation is necessary)

I don’t plan on giving Webster’s differentiation on meanings. I am just trying to get the phonics out there. We are Char–low-tee-ans, (not Charlatans). I hope this helps portray who we are and solidify our identity.

The idea of being a Charlatan who just happens to be a successful Realtor® is not the exact marketing I’m trying to push forward. Cheers from a Charlottean.