Definition

Noun (Maine colloquial) * Temporary summer residents of coastal Maine: The term "summercaters" refers specifically to people who live in Maine's coastal areas only during the summer season. They are typically tourists, vacationers, or owners of second homes who are not permanent, year-round residents.

Usage

• The word is used as a common noun, often in a descriptive or sometimes mildly pejorative context to distinguish seasonal visitors from local Mainers.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• "The harbor is quiet in winter but fills with boats from summercaters every June."
• "Some local businesses rely almost entirely on the income from summercaters."
• "There's a noticeable difference in traffic once the summercaters arrive."

Advanced Usage / Notes

• The term carries cultural nuance. While it is a straightforward descriptor, it can imply a transient relationship with the community, contrasting with the deep-rooted connection of year-round residents ("locals").
• It is a regional colloquialism, primarily understood and used within the context of Maine, USA.

Variants and Related Words

• Summer people: A more common, less region-specific synonym for temporary summer residents.
• "From Away": A broader Maine colloquial term for anyone not born in the state, which includes summercaters.
• Tourist: A more general term for someone visiting for pleasure; not all tourists are summercaters (who may stay for a season), and not all summercaters are tourists (some may own property).
• Seasonal resident: A formal, neutral term with the same meaning.

Synonyms

• Seasonal residents
• Summer people
• Vacationers (in this specific, seasonal context)

Antonyms

• Year-round residents
• Locals
• Natives

Noun

1. (Maine colloquial) temporary summer residents of coastal Maine