Yankee

noun

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Yan·kee | \ ˈyaŋ-kē

Definition of Yankee

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a native or inhabitant of New England

b : a native or inhabitant of the northern U.S.

2 : a native or inhabitant of the U.S.

Yankee

communications code word

Definition of Yankee (Entry 2 of 2)

—used as a code word for the letter y

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Did You Know?

Noun

Many etymologies have been proposed for Yankee, but its origin is still uncertain. What we do know is that in its earliest recorded use Yankee was a pejorative term for American colonials used by the British military. The first evidence we have is in a letter written in 1758 by British General James Wolfe, who had a very low opinion of the New England troops assigned to him. We also have a report of British troops using the term to abuse citizens of Boston. In 1775, however, after the battles of Lexington and Concord had shown the colonials that they could stand up to British regulars, Yankee became suddenly respectable and the colonials adopted the British pejorative in defiance. Ever since then, a derisive and a respectable use of Yankee have existed side by side.