Loiner is a demonym, describing the citizens of Leeds.
Natives of Leeds are known as Loiners and there are several theories as to the origin of the term but nobody can be certain where the word comes from.
There are three competing theories.
- Loiner could derive from the name Loidis (in use by the eighth century for the district around modern-day Leeds).
- Another explanation says that in the 19th century there were many yards and closes around Briggate whose back entrances were known as Low Ins or Loins, hence Loiner.
- Yet a third theory is that there were a number of lanes in the Briggate area pronounced loins in the local accent. People who gathered in these loins to gossip were therefore called Loiners.[1]
The mock-classical adjectives Leodensian and Leodiensian are sometimes used by some local sports clubs, and the word Leodensian also features in the lyrics of "I Predict a Riot" by Kaiser Chiefs, although in that context it was referring to John Smeaton, a famous 18th century resident of the city (who resided in Austhorpe Lodge on the site of Austhorpe Primary School) as a founder of Leeds Grammar School, as a Leeds Grammar School leaver is called an Old Leodensian.[2] The term is commonly used to refer to fans of Leeds Rhinos as well as the club itself, either as The Loiners or Loiners.