The English seems to have the most derogatory terms for anyone from another country, why should this be, and is there any other country in the world that could beat this depressing feat.
2006-11-13 06:42:40 · 16 answers · asked by BobbyBoy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
This is a serious question, and I am disgusted that some English use termssuch as taff, Mick, Paddy, Froggie, Kraut, Cloggy, Yank, chink, Pakky, nip, etc,etc. All part of the theory that British is Best I suppose
2006-11-13 06:54:58 · update #1
I don't know but Americans also have horrible terms for everyone.
As an American, I can tell you that "Yank" never bothered me much, if it makes you feel better. I figure we all need to relax a little bit about these things...but I understand your angst.
2006-11-13 07:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by vegetable soup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We call the Welsh Taffy because one of the main rivers in Wales is the Taff. We call the Irish Micks and Paddys, because the majority that came over to England were called Michael or Patrick. The French froggy because of the fact they eat frogs legs. The German kraut because of the German dish sourkraut.
A Nederlander cloggy because of his national dress. Pakistani Paki, because it's just shortened. Yank because of the nickname given by Confedeate soldiers. Chinky, because that's where i get my Chinese food.
I'm called 'le robief' on the continent, I am not outraged by it. Neither do I think the sensible people from the above countries would object if i called a Frenchie, frog!
Get a life and stop being outraged for other people.
2006-11-13 10:27:56 · answer #2 · answered by Moorglademover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure most other countries in the world have derogatory names for foreigners. I believe the French call us "les rosbif" - the roast beef (not sure if I've spelt that right!).
I guess people (in general) have always been Xenophobic to some extent, I don't think there will ever be a cure for it.
2006-11-13 06:52:24 · answer #3 · answered by kpk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the English have a head start on using the language?
2006-11-13 06:56:54 · answer #4 · answered by Black Dragon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that probably happens in nearly every language - just maybe the vocabulary isn't that extensive.
in Portuguese (and these are the few I've heard) you got chinos, monhés, bifes (yep, the English), carapinhas. there's probably more, but i haven't heard them.
the thing is whether or not you use these terms in derogatory sense.
2006-11-13 08:01:08 · answer #5 · answered by rosa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean the language or the people?
The language has many different words because it is a wide spread and constantly growing language.
The English people themselves probably have as many as other nations.
2006-11-13 06:53:08 · answer #6 · answered by D.F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You want to come to South Wales and hear the way that some of my Welsh "countrymen" (I am ashamed to call them that) behave around Englishmen (like my boyfriend).
2006-11-13 06:48:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have the widest vocabulary of any language. It is hardly surprising really. What an exciting language to be using!
2006-11-13 07:52:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is possible that it is due to alack off education to be brough up to be elites and to belive theh are better than anyone else still holding to thebelief that the world map is still painted red
2006-11-13 08:19:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh no we certainly aren't the worst.. just go to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_slurs
It seems that the Americans are worse, actually...
2006-11-13 06:56:48 · answer #10 · answered by Dom 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋