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On the other hand, I don't like and in fact think it is very rude when a Brit uses the term "septic", or an Aussie uses "seppo". I think that is pretty sarcastic and nasty.
To me it depends purely on context and tone. My experience with Australians is that when they call me a 'Seppo nong' or 'Seppo b@st@ard', most of the time it is as close as they can get to calling me a 'good mate'. We need to be able to recognize this when it's meant kindly, lest we be identified as The Americans Taking Themselves Too Deadly Seriously Again. At least that's my view of it.
Seems the general consensus is that 'Yank' is classed by many Canadians as enough of a mild ethnic slang term (by some, even a slur) that quite a few refrain from it on the simple principle that they find ethnic slang terms generally impolite.
And I have heard Americans refer to Canadians as Mexicans in sweaters. Evidently, there is some discussion as to the merit of Winter Visitors, and some Americans look down on Canadian Winter Visitors as no better than illegal aliens.
I don't understand the reasoning as Winter Visitors pump so much into the economy. But.... whatever....
The only somewhat derogatory term I have ever heard of when referring to Canadians is "Goofy Newfy" for New Foundlanders. It might actually be a term of endearment because so many of us in the Boston area came from there.
I've heard 'Canknucklehead' used as a putdown. I also heard a Canadian tell this joke: What's the difference between a Yankee and a quickie? With a quickie you're not alone.
As long as it's all in jest I see no reason to take offense.
As an American of Canadian ancestry I have been north of the border many times. I have never been referred to as a Yank by Canadians - although I certainly wouldn't be offended by the term. Like many others, I don't refer to people of other nationalities by slang terms, just for reasons of courtesy. I don't want to inadvertently insult someone.
I live in Canada for college and I've never been called a Yank, or heard anyone use that term. I sometimes refer to myself as a Yankee since I'm from New England, so it's not an offensive term to me, if someone else were to call me that.
This thread reminds me of that time when President Bush referred to the Pakistani government as the "Paki" government.
I don't think many people in the US noticed or cared, but in countries with historical ties to Britain people sure did!
That speaks volumes right there.
Just out of curiosity, do you happen to recall if Mr. Bush was speaking positively or negatively about the Pakistan government when he was talking about it?
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