Definition of Yankee

YANKEE noun

	In Europe, an American. In the Northern States of our Union, a New Englander. In the Southern States the word is unknown. (See DAMNYANK.)

		definition from: *The Devil's Dictionary* by Ambrose Bierce, 1911

Year

Regular definition:

YANKEE:
?jæ?k? n. colloq. 1 often derog. = YANK. 2 US an inhabitant of New England or one of the northern States. 3 hist. a Federal soldier in the Civil War. 4 a type of bet on four or more horses to win (or be placed) in different races. 5 (attrib.) of or as of the Yankees. øYankee Doodle 1 an American tune and song regarded as a national air. 2 = YANKEE. [18th c.: orig. uncert.: perh. f. Du. Janke dimin. of Jan John attested (17th c.) as a nickname]

Last updated: 9/3/2011 12:48:30