The Term "Yank"

[iRiSh]

I'll give you an example.

Traditional Irish craft shop owner, Dublin city centre

" the shop has seen a vast decline in turnover this year, there doesn't seem to be as many tourists around, especially noticed there arnt as many yanks visiting"

Offensive?

[Zeuceone]

Originally Posted by iRiSh

I'll give you an example.

Traditional Irish craft shop owner, Dublin city centre

" the shop has seen a vast decline in turnover this year, there doesn't seem to be as many tourists around, especially noticed there arnt as many yanks visiting"

Offensive?

highly offensive. you get punched in the mouth for something like that around here.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Zeuceone

highly offensive. you get punched in the mouth for something like that around here.

Surely you jest.

[backwoods357]

Originally Posted by iRiSh

I'll give you an example.

Traditional Irish craft shop owner, Dublin city centre

" the shop has seen a vast decline in turnover this year, there doesn't seem to be as many tourists around, especially noticed there arnt as many yanks visiting"

Offensive?

Again not at all offensive, same as brit, aussie, kiwi, paki ect. People can add a negative connotation but by itself innocent.

[iRiSh]

Originally Posted by backwoods357

Again not at all offensive, same as brit, aussie, kiwi, paki ect. People can add a negative connotation but by itself innocent.

In Ireland the term "Paki" is very offensive.

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by iRiSh

I'll give you an example.

Traditional Irish craft shop owner, Dublin city centre

" the shop has seen a vast decline in turnover this year, there doesn't seem to be as many tourists around, especially noticed there arnt as many yanks visiting"

Offensive?

Not offensive. I'm sure at some point in history the word was derived to be derogatory but as Americans on the whole I don't think we find the word to be. We have embraced it. We use it to name sports teams, ships as in Yankee Clippers, Yankee Candles, Yankee bird feeders, Yankee drills, etc. We have penned songs such as: Yankee Doodle and The Yanks are Coming, etc.

And just thinking about it - I don't believe I have ever heard the term used outside of the British and/or any former British colony/ruled country.

So continue on using the word "Yanks" to refer to us when you are outside of the USA. If on the other hand you find yourself in the US - in the South - use the word Yankee's and precede it with "f**king" . . . you will be right at home -

Ron (Born and Raised Southerner)

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by SvilleKid

It's all perspective! I thought he was referring to an action! As in "I yanked o.....". Er..... Never mind!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcWatNGKxEo