# epithets for "American"? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 9, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741 "2010-08-09T18:38:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![qpw3141](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/6bbea6/32.png) [@qpw3141](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qpw3141)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/21 "2010-08-10T08:22:26Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > > [@John\_Mace](#): > > > > Really? Is it always (or mostly) said as a pejorative? Maybe I’ve been missing things, but it seems like I generally hear it as a simple abbreviation. The way we would use “Brit”, which is neutral, unless the context says otherwise. > > Is Limey always negative? I’ve heard it said, but took it as a gentle ribbing at most. Is Limey offensive, even though it’s outdated? Like ‘yank’, it all depends on the context - particularly the word immediately before or after. ---
**Author:** ![sandra\_nz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@sandra\_nz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sandra_nz)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/22 "2010-08-10T09:03:29Z")
I’ve heard Yank used pejoratively in the UK, but it’s more about how it’s said and what it’s paired with, e.g. ‘Typical Yank,’ ‘Goddam Yank,’ etc. ---
**Author:** ![Ximenean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/aca169/32.png) [@Ximenean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ximenean)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/23 "2010-08-10T09:05:28Z")
[quote=“Mahaloth, post:12, topic:549741”] > [@John\_Mace](#): > > Is Limey always negative? I’ve heard it said, but took it as a gentle ribbing at most. Is Limey offensive, even though it’s outdated? It’s difficult to get offended by “Limey” because it just sounds so quaint and… silly. I’ll tell you what does pique me a bit, and I’m not sure why: “Britisher”. That’s a much better insult. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_of\_Lucan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dbc845/32.png) [@Michael\_of\_Lucan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_of_Lucan)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/24 "2010-08-10T09:42:30Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > > [@mascaroni](#): > > > > “Yanks” is probably the the most comon term used in england. I wouldn’t really consider it a pejorartive term, its more in line with ‘Jock’, ‘Taff’ and ‘Paddy’. > > Are you saying that calling an Irishman “Paddy” is neutral, not offensive, or not _always_ offensive? Only a person actually born on the island of Ireland is permitted to call himself a Paddy, and we often do. Use by any other group is deemed mildly pejorative but it’s no big deal. It’s unfair, but life is unfair. It’s like a low-level version of the rule for use of the N word in the USA - “Forbidden unless used by those described”. ---
**Author:** ![Giles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giles/32/60_2.png) [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/25 "2010-08-10T09:50:51Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > I have never, in 43 years of growing up and living here seen anyone wear a hat with corks hanging from the brim or call an American a Seppo, except as displays of, or discussions about, what Australians supposedly do or say. They are both weird little supposed cultural indicators with no real basis. I’ve not heard it spoken, but I’ve seen it often enough in writing, on Internet forums where a lot of Australians hang out. ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/26 "2010-08-10T11:54:29Z")
An amusingly offensive one that I’ve heard a few times is Americunt. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/27 "2010-08-10T12:16:17Z")
> [@panamajack](#): > > > [@Colibri](#): > > > > In Latin America, I think that the most common pejorative is _Yanqui._ While _gringo_ can also be used pejoratively, more typically it is used as a simple descriptive. […] > > Out of curiosity, is _guero_ used much in South America (or southern Central America)? It seems to about the same level of usually neutral but possibly offensive (restricted mainly to white people, though) in the US and presumably Mexico, since I’ve heard it only from Mexicans or Mexican-Americans. _Pinche guero_ is undeniably offensive — I actually saw this printed on a bumper sticker in the US. I’ve actually never heard “yanqui” used in Mexico. I _think_ maybe I saw it on a headline once, but it was one of those quasi-communist rags that are so common in Mexico City (and I’m pretty certain it wasn’t a baseball article). “Gringo” is common, and I’ve never heard it used by itself as a pejorative, however like **panamajack** indicates, “pinche gringo” isn’t very comforting. I think that in Mexico “guero” isn’t merely just for lighter-skinned people, but lighter-skinned people that are also tending towards blond. For example with my dark brown hair, I’ve never personally been called “guero,” and any time I see it used on soap operas (Mexican or imported), it’s almost always a guy with lighter colored hair. I also can’t imagine that it’s particularly offensive. It seems like in every town I visit, there’s always “Guero’s Tacos” or “Taco de El Guero.” (Reminds me, how common is the English possesive 's construct outside of Mexico? Obviously it’s not Spanish, but I do see it all over the country.) ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/28 "2010-08-10T12:33:34Z")
> [@Michael\_of\_Lucan](#): > > > [@Dr.Drake](#): > > > > Are you saying that calling an Irishman “Paddy” is neutral, not offensive, or not _always_ offensive? > > Only a person actually born on the island of Ireland is permitted to call himself a Paddy, and we often do. Use by any other group is deemed mildly pejorative but it’s no big deal. > > It’s unfair, but life is unfair. It’s like a low-level version of the rule for use of the N word in the USA - “Forbidden unless used by those described”. Nonsense. The word is, if anything, a rather affectionate nickname for the Irish. The word “Mick” is a deliberately offensive term used against the Irish. And “Thierry”… ---
**Author:** ![qpw3141](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/6bbea6/32.png) [@qpw3141](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qpw3141)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/29 "2010-08-10T12:47:00Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > Nonsense. The word is, if anything, a rather affectionate nickname for the Irish. You should be careful of calling other people’s assertions ‘nonsense’ just because they are not true of your own experience. It’s certainly true that the term ‘paddy’ can be, and has been, used offensively although, of course, it’s more general use merely observes the popularity of the name Patrick (or Pádraig) with Irish families. ---
**Author:** ![GiantRat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@GiantRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiantRat)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/30 "2010-08-10T12:48:54Z")
This post immediately brings the “fuck you Yankee blue jeans” scene from _Clerks_ to my mind. And now I’m going to have to watch it again. Another 2 hours wasted… ---
**Author:** ![Mk\_VII](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Mk\_VII](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mk_VII)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/31 "2010-08-10T13:01:52Z")
‘Paddy Power’ is a large online gambling site based in Ireland [http://www.paddypower.com/bet/about-us](http://www.paddypower.com/bet/about-us) ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/32 "2010-08-10T13:13:33Z")
> [@qpw3141](#): > > > [@mascaroni](#): > > > > Nonsense. The word is, if anything, a rather affectionate nickname for the Irish. > > You should be careful of calling other people’s assertions ‘nonsense’ just because they are not true of your own experience. > > It’s certainly true that the term ‘paddy’ can be, and has been, used offensively although, of course, it’s more general use merely observes the popularity of the name Patrick (or Pádraig) with Irish families. I am careful. He was talkng nonsense. Almost any descriptive word can be offensive, particularly when followed with an Old english noun. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/33 "2010-08-10T13:29:05Z")
> [@Hippy\_Hollow](#): > > In my experience, Yank in Britain is more of a playful nickname than a pejorative. I certainly wouldn’t take offense, unless it was from someone I didn’t know, followed by another epithet. (“You Yank bastard” or summat.) If someone called me a “yank” with intent to offend, my response would probably be: “yank this”.😉 ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_of\_Lucan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dbc845/32.png) [@Michael\_of\_Lucan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_of_Lucan)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/34 "2010-08-10T13:33:47Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > > [@Michael\_of\_Lucan](#): > > > > Only a person actually born on the island of Ireland is permitted to call himself a Paddy, and we often do. Use by any other group is deemed mildly pejorative but it’s no big deal. > > > > It’s unfair, but life is unfair. It’s like a low-level version of the rule for use of the N word in the USA - “Forbidden unless used by those described”. > > Nonsense. The word is, if anything, a rather affectionate nickname for the Irish. > The word “Mick” is a deliberately offensive term used against the Irish. You should be courteous when making comments which may be based on limited experience. It is correct that “Mick” is also used in some social groups, in some areas of England. As a result, it is possible that your experience is different, and that people do not use “Paddy” as a derogatory term in your social group. However, there is no doubt that it is regularly used to me and others in a derogatory fashion. It is usually linked to the Victorian view that the Irish were stupid. Have you never heard an “Irish joke” in England? It’s not about Mick the Irishman but almost always Paddy the Irishman. ---
**Author:** ![qpw3141](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/6bbea6/32.png) [@qpw3141](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qpw3141)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/35 "2010-08-10T13:35:20Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > > [@qpw3141](#): > > > > You should be careful of calling other people’s assertions ‘nonsense’ just because they are not true of your own experience. > > > > It’s certainly true that the term ‘paddy’ can be, and has been, used offensively although, of course, it’s more general use merely observes the popularity of the name Patrick (or Pádraig) with Irish families. > > I am careful. He was talkng nonsense. I think, as an Irishman, he should be allowed to know what he and his fellow countrymen consider ‘mildly pejorative’. I had the pleasure of living in Eire for several years and would not have dreamed of calling anyone a ‘paddy’. The term is likely to be considered offensive by many Irish because it is was originally a term used by the English to refer to the mass of uneducated Irish labourers who worked in the UK, particularly building the railways. I really find your stance the one that makes ‘no sense’. (Unless you are an Irishman who has polled a significant proportion of the Irish population across all its counties.) ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/36 "2010-08-10T14:25:14Z")
Indian culture is rife with nicknames for all kinds of groups, whether ethnic, linguistic, or religious. They are used quite freely, with varying degrees of intent from benign to pejorative, sometimes varying from one end of a sentence to the other. “Chinky,” meaning either a Chinese person or someone with East Asian facial features, is used quite freely – Bong - Bengali Musu - Muslim Mallu - Malayali Serd - Sikh (from “Sardar,” meaning “(military) commander” - “Sardar-ji” is a polite way of addressing a Sikh gentleman) - a “cut Serd” is a Sikh man who has shaved his beard and cut his hair Gujju - Gujarati Harry - Bihari ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/37 "2010-08-10T14:30:12Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > > [@Hippy\_Hollow](#): > > > > In my experience, Yank in Britain is more of a playful nickname than a pejorative. I certainly wouldn’t take offense, unless it was from someone I didn’t know, followed by another epithet. (“You Yank bastard” or summat.) > > If someone called me a “yank” with intent to offend, my response would probably be: “yank this”.😉 That’s just it, though. It’s a relatively mild word, and it’s often said with affection. My dad often got the “You Yanks helped us in the war, you’re alright” especially when he was in uniform. OAPs in Britain probably use it in an endearing sense. I think in most places, ugly Americans are more mythical than real. We have a generally good reputation, at least in Western Europe and East Asia where I’ve visited… and perhaps not the history and legacy of conquest and colonialism that older nations have. Maybe in 500 years, there’ll be more anti-American epithets, especially in the Middle East. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/38 "2010-08-10T16:30:15Z")
> [@Michael\_of\_Lucan](#): > > > [@mascaroni](#): > > > > Nonsense. The word is, if anything, a rather affectionate nickname for the Irish. > > The word “Mick” is a deliberately offensive term used against the Irish. > > You should be courteous when making comments which may be based on limited experience. > > It is correct that “Mick” is also used in some social groups, in some areas of England. As a result, it is possible that your experience is different, and that people do not use “Paddy” as a derogatory term in your social group. > > However, there is no doubt that it is regularly used to me and others in a derogatory fashion. It is usually linked to the Victorian view that the Irish were stupid. > > Have you never heard an “Irish joke” in England? It’s not about Mick the Irishman but almost always Paddy the Irishman. Anyone’s experience is limited. I work in construction and have been in contact with plenty of Irish people. I stand by my assertion that ‘Paddy’ has no more negative association than ‘Jock’ or ‘Taff’. Or ‘Cockney’, ‘Scouse’, ‘Manc’ or ‘Geordie’. ‘Mick’ is always a derogatory term. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/39 "2010-08-10T16:43:18Z")
Here in France, they’re sometimes called “les ricains”, an obvious diminutive for “américains”. Not pejorative that I know of, although I guess it’s sort of dismissive. > [@qazwart](#): > > I would think for many countries, simply calling someone an “American” would be pretty pejorative. Heh, yup. Often in conjunction with euphemisms or irony. For example, calling carpet bombing “diplomatie à l’américaine” and suchlike. [QUOTE=Hippy Hollow] I think in most places, ugly Americans are more mythical than real. We have a generally good reputation, at least in Western Europe and East Asia where I’ve visited [/QUOTE] I think much of Europe considers the US and its denizens as boisterous children : cute, enthusiastic, but naive and not overly burderned with smarts. Shouldn’t play with [del]matches[/del] high explosives so much. ---
**Author:** ![qpw3141](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/6bbea6/32.png) [@qpw3141](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qpw3141)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2010, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741/40 "2010-08-10T16:52:49Z")
> [@mascaroni](#): > > Anyone’s experience is limited. I work in construction and have been in contact with plenty of Irish people. I stand by my assertion that ‘Paddy’ has no more negative association than ‘Jock’ or ‘Taff’. Or ‘Cockney’, ‘Scouse’, ‘Manc’ or ‘Geordie’. > > ‘Mick’ is always a derogatory term. Again, these may well hold for your experience but that is not the experience of everyone. Do you really believe that if there was, say, a meeting of university vice chancellors and someone referred to the Irish members as ‘the paddies’, it could be taken as anything other than a gross insult? I’m sure that construction is an area where people are very ‘robust’ in their speech. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epithets-for-american/549741.md?page=3)