Why Do People Put the Washington State Outline Upside-Down?There are a multitude of reasons why people choose to turn the Washington State outline upside-down, and that is what makes it so cool! Some people put the sticker upside-down to make it humorous. To say, “Yes, I am from Washington, but I am not serious.”
Some say it is symbolic. For example, when someone moves away, especially far away, they may flip the sticker as a visual nod to being turned around or disconnected from home. I have read several Reddit threads where expatriates said they leave the sticker that way to create conversation topics. “People always ask me why my sticker is upside-down,” wrote one Reddit user. “It gives me a reason to talk about home.”
Lastly, there are people who think it just looks better that way. Different. Unconventional. Rebellious.
For me, it feels like the visual equivalent of wearing your hometown sweatshirt inside out. Not because it was an accident, but because it is saying something a little different than everyone else’s version. During my own travels, I have been able to notice the flipped sticker more and more, especially on vans parked near climbing areas or on cars in National Parks. It is low key but it means something.
Places You’ll Find It
The little decal has traveled the globe. You will see the upside-down Washington State sticker not only in Seattle or Spokane, but also in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and all over the United States. It is like a trail of breadcrumbs left behind by Washingtonians traveling far from home.
Many people who have moved away say it is a comforting nod to their roots. Whether it is on a dusty Subaru in Utah or a campervan parked in British Columbia, the sticker appears in locations where Washingtonians travel.
More than anything, you will usually see it on rugged vehicles – SUVs, Subarus, Jeeps, camper vans – the types of vehicles that indicate a love of the outdoors, a love of the mountains, or that Washington-born wanderlust that rarely leaves.
