The word '''Yankee''' (also '''Yank''') refers to an American of New England origin or heritage, and (outside the US) to all Americans. Historically, the term refers to residents of [[New England]], as used by [[Mark Twain]] in ''A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court''. During and after the [[American Civil War]], its popular meaning expanded to include any Northerner or resident of the Union, and included any resident of the northern states. | The word '''Yankee''' (also '''Yank''') refers to an American of New England origin or heritage, and (outside the US) to all Americans. Historically, the term refers to residents of [[New England]], as used by [[Mark Twain]] in ''A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court''. During and after the [[American Civil War]], its popular meaning expanded to include any Northerner or resident of the Union, and included any resident of the northern states. |