Have you ever wondered what are Swiss people called? Many people think of Swiss cheese, chocolate, and watches when they hear the word Switzerland. But have you ever stopped to wonder what the people of Switzerland call themselves? Read on to learn more about the name of the people of Switzerland and why they use it.
Swiss people are known as Swiss. It’s a simple name that is mostly used for convenience. After all, what else can you call someone who comes from Switzerland? At the same time, it’s also a bit of a misnomer, since Swiss people come from many different backgrounds. Switzerland is actually a multiethnic society with German, French, Italian, and Romansh speakers among many others.
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Names for Swiss People in Different Languages
The Swiss themselves have different names for their people depending on the language. In German, they are known as Schweizer. In French, they are known as Suisses. In Italian, they are known as Svizzeri. And in Romansh, they are known as Svizzers.
History of the Name Swiss
The name Swiss comes from the Latin name for Switzerland, Confoederatio Helvetica (CH). Helvetica comes from the Helvetii tribe who lived in Switzerland during the Roman Empire. The name was then adopted by the Swiss citizens to refer to all citizens of the country, regardless of their nationality or language.
A Word of Warning!
It’s important to remember that a Swiss person is not necessarily a citizen of Switzerland. You can be Swiss and be a citizen of another country. So if you want to learn more about the culture and people of Switzerland, it’s best to avoid making assumptions about their nationality or ethnicity.
Poking Fun at the Name Swiss
Naturally, people in Switzerland are not immune to a bit of lightheartedness when it comes to the name of their citizens. In the Romand French-speaking part of Switzerland, Swiss people are often jokingly termed as Swashbucklers. This is a play on the Swiss name and the English word “swashbuckling” which means to “show off with flashy movements and boldness”.
To summarise, the name Swiss is widely used for people who come from Switzerland. However, it’s important to remember that a Swiss person can be a citizen of any country. Additionally, the name changes depending on the language and there are some that like to term themselves as “Swashbucklers” in a playful way.