Yankee

Yankee, the popular name for a New Englander in America, and in Great Britain often applied indiscriminately to the whole population of the United States, has often been explained as in its origin a corruption of the word English as pronounced by the Indians (Yenghies, Yanghies, Yankees). It was in use in Boston about 1765, but is claimed to have circulated in Cambridge slang as early as 1713, with the sense of 'excellent.' If so, it is the same word we meet in Scotch yankin, 'active,' yank, 'a sharp stroke.' The Southern population apply the name to Northerners generally. For 'Yankee Doodle,' see NATIONAL HYMNS.