"
Down East", also "
Downeast", is a term referring to parts of eastern coastal
New England and
Canada, particularly the U.S. state of
Maine and Canada's
Maritime Provinces. The phrase apparently derives from sailing terminology: sailors from western ports sailed
downwind toward the east to reach the area. The area referred to closely corresponds to the historical French territory of
Acadia. Within Maine, the phrase may refer specifically to the easternmost regions, also called
Down East Maine. A person from the area may be called a
down-easter.