Who can say they're really from Boston

What does it mean that you're from here?

• Like, really from here?

Does it mean you came to Boston for college and have been proudly slurping on iced coffee ever since?

• How about if you're technically from the South Shore, but, you know, you feel like a real Bostonian after about 15 years on Dot Ave?
• Can you show your surname on the passenger manifest of the Arbella?
• Even better, can you curse out a WASP in Wampanoag?

A Florida Man with Mass. ties on Reddit recently pleaded his case to be considered a true Masshole. Some of his credentials:

• His parents are from New Bedford and fed him kale soup.
• He's been here one year longer than he lived in Florida.
• He's civically active and is openly critical of the Seaport.

Why it matters: We always argue about how long it takes — in generations, not years — to call yourself a Bostonian, a North Ender, a Dot Rat or a true Cantabrigian.

• There's no good answer.
• Unless you're from Connecticut, then there's definitely an answer.

The bottom line: It makes sense to use two strategies here: when you're in Metro Boston, claim your true native town or region.

• If you're outside the area, just say Boston. No one's going to care that you're actually from Dedham.