To Americans do you consider it an inult to be called yanks?

Answer 1

It depends on who is saying it, or more "how" they are saying it. I am a person that grew up in the north part of the country and am currently living in the south. I have found that when
I do, say or even eat something out of the norm for the region I am setting myself up for some close-minded person to sneer and make the comment "Ugh - you are such a yankee". In short, I don't find the word offensive, and I am proud to be from the north, but I don't like when it is used in a derogatory way. Good news is I have learned to say "thanks for the compliment" the last few times it has been said to me. (they didn't like that very much.... ) :o) I guess if you are saying it to recognize the cultural difference as an observation, it's all good, if you are saying it as an insult it's just plain rude.

Answer 2

Anytime you are referring to someone by a "nickname" you are risking insult. To assume all American's are "Yankies" is ridiculous. Would you still use the term when speaking with an Asian-American, an African-American, or a Muslim-American? If our parents came from Germany, would you refer to us as Nazi's? No...I think not. Yankee seems to be a term reserved for white Americans, who may actually be from Ireland, Italy. Germany, or a whole host of other places. The civil war ended so long ago that no living human being was actually IN the civil war. Many American's ancestors may not have even been here yet, let alone involved in either side of the Civil War. I think it's best to respect all people from all heritages, and not do ANY name calling. Also, I would not assume that it's ok to use the term if it's not offensive to some, or even many American's. I for one, am from the Midwest, and the home of President Lincoln. I do not however, like being called a Yank. Not because the term itself is offensive to me, but because of the possible intent to cause offense. I am an American....period. I wish to be called an American, and no other "nickname" relative to any other portion of my heritage. Then I do not have wonder whether comments are meant to tease, or simply insult.

Answer 3

Yes I do. I live in the Southern part of the United States and to me and everyone in this part of the county a Yank or yankee is someone who lives in the North part of the country. I feel like people from other countries who say that are very judgemental and misinformed. This is just the way I feel and I would never act mean or rude to someone who called me a yank. However, I would explain to them that I am not a Yank and the reasons why.

Answer 4

Yanks is generally a neutral term for Americans. People outside the Northeast area of the country may not relate to it very closely, but it generally will not offend. Possible exception: Older or very conservative people from the deep South. The Civil War history is still a live and well for a small minority. (the Southern Confederates lost the war to the Northern "Yanks")

Answer 5

Depends on what part of the US a person is from. A Southerner would definitely not appreciate being called a Yank. I am from Maryland, which was a "neutral" state and probably would not mind being called a "Yank", but being called an American would be more thoughtful and avoid any misunderstandings or insults. If you are from England, being called a Brit may not cause offense, but if you were from Ireland (which is part of Great Britain) and being called a Brit, you may have a few issues with this.

Answer 6

Yankees are those who fought on the Northern side of the Civil War-those in the south would be Confederates if you want to go back that far. I live in Southern California and can say the western USA would look at you strangely if you called us that-I certainly would. As a part of history-one would take no insult but its kind of an old term and out of sync in my book. I'm an American and a SoCal Gal- thats what I relate to. I'm certainly not a Yank!

Answer 7

I keep reading how folks believe Southerners might be offended. I'm a Georgia native and when someone, usually English, calls me a Yank it isn't offensive at all. I don't know anyone in the South who'd be insulted and get angry. Most likely, they'll laugh because of the irony.

Just one caveat; Say it with a smile. You'll be judged on your attitude and intent more than the actual words.

Answer 8

No, I don't consider the term "Yanks" to be an insult. This is an historical term given to the colonists back before the Revolution, hence the song "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (which was originally a song sung by the British to tick the colonists off but it didn't succeed--people here took it to heart and we, most of us, still hear it played on our U.S. holidays). I'm sure Southerners don't care for the song now as it has negative connotations from the Civil War but to those of us of Northern descent, this reference is actually an honorable one.

Answer 9

I am from the South and I don't mind being called a Yank. It's just a term the British use. I do mind being called an idiot.

Answer 10

What is this, Yahoo UK forum? Thought we were in the USA here. Keep seeing questions about "refuse" collectors (not a term ever used in the US), and now people asking about this? Odd.

To answer your questions however, most Americans would like to be called a slang word as much as Brit would like to be called a slang word!

Most Mexicans or people from Ireland would not appreciate being called wetbacks or shanty Irish either, so please be sensitive to the names you call. A person's given name works well - we are all PEOPLE.

Also, Yank is not correct since many of us are southerners and would be totally incorrect to call us that.