Yankee

usgb/ˈjæŋki/
noun

A person from the Northern United States, particularly the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions.

The yankees in the north support different policies than the southerners.
Visual representation of "yankee" - A person from the Northern United States, particularly the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions

Often appears as...

  • new england yankee
  • yankee states
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "yankee"
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Civil War Origin

Originally, 'Yankee' referred to Union soldiers in the American Civil War.

Illustration for Civil War Origin
My great-grandfather was a Yankee who fought in the Civil War.
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Regional Nuance

'Yankee' can imply different political and cultural attitudes associated with the North.

Illustration for Regional Nuance
As a New England yankee, she preferred maple syrup to molasses.
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Not Always Flattering

In the South, 'Yankee' might be used with a slightly negative tone.

Illustration for Not Always Flattering
Some southerners still tease him for being a yankee.
Visual representation of the word "Yankee"

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