Skip to main content

Mysteries of vernacular: Yankee - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

82,308 Views

1,202 Questions Answered

Mysteries of Vernacular

Let’s Begin…

Is it a doodle dandy? A baseball team? The origins of the word yankee are unclear, though its usage in America as a pejorative is well-documented. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel track the varying levels of contempt that the word yankee has elicited from the pre-Revolution era to today.

Who first used the word Yankee when referring to the United States colonists?

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by TED Ed

More from Mysteries of Vernacular