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localism

/ˌloʊkəˈlɪzəm/
IPA guide

Other forms: localisms

Localism is a preference for the place where you live. Your localism might make it hard for you to understand people who come from other countries.

Localism can range from a love for the town in which you live to a prejudice against other states or countries. A police officer who's accused of localism may have a habit of only giving speeding tickets to out-of-towners, for example. A more positive kind of localism might inspire you to buy vegetables that are grown nearby and purchase tools at the neighborhood hardware shop instead of at a store that is part of a national chain.

Definitions of localism
  1. noun
    a partiality for some particular place
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    type of:
    partiality, partisanship
    an inclination to favor one group or view or opinion over alternatives
  2. noun
    a phrase or pronunciation that is peculiar to a particular locality
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    type of:
    non-standard speech
    speech that differs from the usual accepted, easily recognizable speech of native adult members of a speech community
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