Etymology

From the perceived difference in pronunciation of the words such as and between the folk of Newcastle upon Tyne (Geordies) and the folk of Sunderland, Geordies would say and and Sunderland folk would say and hence the term mak and taks thus shortened to Makems.

Noun

1. A native or inhabitant of Sunderland, England.
2. The dialect spoken in these areas.
3. A supporter of Sunderland Football Club.

Usage notes

The first definition would apply to those born within the city boundaries of Sunderland, including Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole. Additionally a person born within the greater Wearside Area to include all those towns and cities on the banks of the River Wear and its tributaries from its source in Weardale to its mouth at Wearmouth and the towns of the East Durham Coast from Blackhall, north through Peterlee, Horden, Easington, Seaham and Murton.