Don’t Call Me “Expat”
July 26, 2013 by orvietoorbust
I don’t like the word “Expat” – it feels exclusionary, divisive and, dare I say it, a bit elitist.
I never liked being a member of a clique in school either, preferring to spread myself around, hopping from one social and ethic circle to another.
1ex·pa·tri·ate verb \ek-ˈspā-trē-ˌāt\
1: banish, exile
2: to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one’s native country
…Nope, that doesn’t quite define me.
Look, it’s perfectly obvious that I am not from around here (especially when I open my mouth) so I see no real need to announce it, label it, or hide behind it.
Go ahead and call me an “American”, call me a “Straniera” (foreigner), call me “crazy”, but don’t call me “Expat”.
Photograph “American Girl” by Ruth Orkin, 1951
by Toni DeBella
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Posted in Italy, Living abroad, Living in Italy, Orvieto, Travel, Travel to Italy | Tagged expatriates, Expats, Expats in Italy, Living abroad, Orvieto, orvieto italy | 20 Comments
Orvieto or Bust: 
Oh, those definitions are so harsh! Knowing of your long journey to live in the place you love, I don’t blame you for refusing that moniker. We must come up with a more appropriate word.
Nina in Michigan
Hi Nina. That’s so funny because a friend and I were discussing that – a word that is better but we didn’t come up with anything? Let’s give it a think. Hugs. toni
Toni, we enjoyed you house hunters episode, and we felt like we recognized the streets of the first two places, but not the one over the cafe, and we all guessed right on your selection. I don’t care for EXPAT either, your just an American living the dream.
Hi Roger & Jane,
Thanks and I’m glad you enjoyed the HHI episode (I still haven’t seen it!). There’s a very famous quote about being an expatriate by Ernest Hemingway from The Sun Also Rises. Do you know it? If not, google it – it’s brilliant!. Hugs. toni
Toni, I won’t call you anything but Fabulous! I wanted to let you know how much fun we had watching you on the telly (Meghan was thrilled!). She and Stuart predicted your choice of apartments (sadly, I did not). I did not record it but I know it’ll be on again. We miss your sparkle but know you are in your element in Orvieto! Congrats.
Love, Paula
Paula baby! You are always too nice! You didn’t know which one I would pick? You know I’m a cheapskate! I heard Andrew came off as the protective “adult” on the show….well, life imitates art, they say! Thank Meghan for watching and tell her she can come and study abroad in Italy and stay with me. Hugs. Toni
I agree, the definition does not fit one who chooses to live some where they want. Will return to Orvieto in Sept 2014,
A lot of “expats” seem to grumble and grip about their current life, I often wonder why they stay or go in the first place.
Love hearing the good, keep it up,
Thanks dd (like how you don’t capitalize the “d”s),
To each his own, I say….just my opinion. See you on the Corso in 2014! hugs. Toni
Funny, I have never felt negatively about the word. It has always held a kind of F. Scott Fitzgerald glamour in my mind.
G,
I guess when you put it that way…:) (I hope I didn’t offend you!). Just my observations, blah, blah, blah. Hugs. t
Of course you didn’t offend me! How boring would the world be if we all thought the exact same thing.
🙂
Love that photo! People could call me whatever they wanted if I had the chance to live in Italy!
CB: :). Toni
I have a word you may prefer. You are translocated. I think I just made it up. If not, don’t tell me. I’m feeling quite proud at the moment!
I love it! Sono traslocata! Perfect! t
One of a kind, Umbria-lover, free spirit, open-hearted, adventurous, charming…. expat? Never. xx
Janineeeeee. Back at you, baby! xx t
I agree with you, I think I fall into the Zingero category 🙂
Hey Englishman or Zingerman…thanks for dropping by. Love the logo, by the way…toni