liz

Being an educated person, I understand where "Brits" are coming from when they refer to me as a "yank." However, being a proud native Texan, I recoil from that term. Here, being a "yankee" means you are an outsider, an invader, you are unwelcome, you do things "different" and you do not understand our ways. In Texas, yankees are not only residents of the states that made up the "North" but also California, South Dakota, and in some cases Maryland (which was only a part of the North because President Lincoln imposed martial law before they could vote to join the confederacy.) Basically, a person from Oklahoma could be a "yankee" if they don't appreciate life in Texas.<BR><BR>I agree that the definition of a "damn yankee" is one that doesn't go home. All the Brits, limeys, scotch, and whatnot need to understand that not all Americans appreciate being called "yank."

oh puhleez

US,<BR><BR>Nope. Mostly stereotyping from Joan and mostly equivocation from you.<BR><BR>And just so you know, I was born in No. Carolina and live in Southeastern VA. I agree with a lot of what you say about what a great place the south is to live. <BR><BR>When I'm in the UK, I don't care who calls me a "bleedin' yank" as it comes with that pint of old speckled hen.

xxx

I would think that being called a texan would be the biggest insult of all.<BR>

uncle sam

xxx,<BR><BR>Well there you go...trying to think again! It was obvious though, I saw the smoke coming out of your ears from here!<BR><BR>US

uncle sam

oh puhleez,<BR><BR>I'm really with you. As we used to say, "you can call me anything, just call me to dinner."<BR><BR>US

uncle sam

Or as Jerry Jeff once said,<BR><BR>"you don't have to call me darlin, darlin...just call me by my name."<BR><BR>US

Rita

Oh, I reckon there's worse things than bein' called a Texan, like New Yorker or Angeleno.

Karloff

I've known many English people who refer to the French as "frogs" routinely. 'Course I doubt that they do this to their face.<BR><BR>In France I've heard the English referred to as, "The Enemy," which I thought extrememly trite considering how man English have died to defend France in two world wars.

liz

US, <BR>That was David Allan Coe... "the only time I know / I'll hear 'David Allen Coe' is when Jesus has his final judgement day / and you don't have to call me darlin', Darlin' / you never even call me by my name..."<BR><BR><BR>Need I go on??

Raven

I've heard English, Americans and French refer to Germans as, "Krauts,"<BR>but has anyone ever heard of Germans being called "Schwabs?" Someone told me this was common slang in <BR>Switzerland.

uncle sam

Liz,<BR><BR>Mea culpa, a thousand mea culpas!<BR><BR>You are absolutley correct. <BR><BR>Perhaps I was thinking of "Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother";~<BR><BR>US

justdont

I thought the term "frog" came from the initials F.R.G.. Something about those initials on a uniform or flag or patch?? <BR><BR>I've got several friends from the U.P. of Michigan and they all (reluctantly) admit to being "upers".

limejuice

A limey writes<BR><BR>If the most offensive thing we ever get called is Limey's then then we have very little to complain about.<BR><BR>I think americans using the word "limey" is funny, its just so quaint and old-fashioned.<BR><BR>The french have also been known to call us the "roast beeffs"

schwabbie

Is it true that the Swiss call Germans "Schwabs?" If so, that's a new one on me, I've never heard that in my life!<BR><BR>Can someone please confirm or deny? My name is Schwab!

uncle sam

ENOUGH OF ALL THIS...LET'S GET TO SOMETHING IMPORTANT!<BR><BR>THE RYDER CUP STARTS TOMORROW<BR><BR><BR>GO USA!!!<BR><BR>us<BR>

Nicknames

Do Americans mind being called 'seppo'? I understand it comes form rhyming slang (yank/septic tank) but I could be wrong. I didn't know yank had a negative connotation either - I've never even heard of the term 'limey'. I'm australian & yes we're guilty of calling the Brits 'Poms' (thanks for explaining the origin Kate! I didn't know that either...& I would never precede it with the 'W' word ) which like Yank (or Kiwi for New Zealanders) is meant to be just a colloquialism shorthand (or term of affection even) with no negative connotations. Apologies to all the Ameriacns I've unknowingly offended over the years by calling them yanks!!!

have no hang-ups about

Limey is very definitely dated and I have never been called it in my life - but would not have a problem even if I had been.<BR><BR>As has been mentioned earlier we call the French 'Frogs' because they eat frogs legs, similary thet call us 'Le Rost Beofs' because of our penchant for eating roast beef (better than snails!!!!!!)<BR><BR> The Frogs also call Johnnies (rubbers to you Yanks!!!!!!!) the Englsih Overcoat; they also call V D the English Disease but we are not so insecure as to whinge and whine - it's all good fun.

Houstonian

Umm.. Liz, as a former Maryland resident, now a Houstonian/Texan for 12 years, what is a "native Texan"? Are you American Indian? Everyone else here came later, and my bet is your ancestors hailed from Europe or some other country. This "native" crap is more offensive than "yankee".

Meg

Nobody has mentioned the nickname "granola." I'm from the BEAUTIFUL Pacific Northwest, and just because we enjoy a more active, healthier lifestyle some of us have been dubbed granolas. <BR> To me it's just funny. As long as you could say it in front of your mother, I don't care what you call me.

Another Texan

Yeah Liz..And how could you be "and educated person" and "a proud native Texan". This is contradictory to many Texans.