Understanding Yankees: A Guide for Southerners and Non-US Citizens

The term 'Yankee' is often used in America to refer to different groups of people, depending on their geographical location. This article aims to clarify who Yankees are, as perceived by different regions and non-US citizens.

What are Yankees?

To a non-US person, a Yankee can be any American. However, within the United States, the term is used more specifically, often carrying regional connotations. In Southern parts of the US, a Yankee typically refers to a Northerner, someone from the northern states of the country. In the Northern states, particularly New England, a Yankee is often referred to as a New Englander, specifically a person with English ancestry whose ancestors arrived before the American Revolution. For Southern New Englanders, including states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, a Yankee can be further subdivided into Northern New Englanders, particularly from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Geographical Hierarchy of Yankees

The term Yankees is used in a hierarchical manner, starting from the broadest category to the most specific:

Non-US Citizens: Any American is considered a Yankee. Southern Americans: Northerners, people from the northern states of the USA. Northern Americans: New Englanders specifically, people from states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Southern New Englanders: Anyone from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, considering Northern New Englanders as Yankees. Northern New Englanders: Considering anyone from Vermont to be a Yankee. Vermonters: People from Vermont consider anyone who lives in the Green Mountains to be a Yankee.

Conclusion

Understanding who a Yankee is can be quite complex due to the regional nature of the term. This guide serves as a basic understanding of the term as it is used within the United States. It’s important to note that these distinctions are often cultural rather than legal or political, and can vary based on personal experiences and local traditions.

For non-US citizens, the term Yankee is essentially synonymous with any American, providing a unique perspective on American identity and regional diversity.