The Whale has Wings

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Ramp-Rat

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Must admit that I personally, find the term Limey, both complementary and ironic. The fact that our former colonial subjects, chose to constantly remind us, that we British had the good sense to insist that our sailors drank lime juice, and thus avoid scurvy. While they didn’t and thus subject their seamen to this deliberating disease, and think this insulting is ironic.

As for the term Yank, I do believe that there are many in the southern states who would be highly insulted to be called this.

Now back to the TL, and resent events. Questions have been asked about the reception that escaping Japanese troop would receive in Siam. A distinction here has to be made between the actions of the Siamese establishment and that of the villagers on the ground. Given how the Japanese took such care to ingratiate themselves to the local population wherever they went. I think that large formed units would find the locals hostile but unwilling to risk Japanese retaliation, so would give grudgingly aid and assistance.

Small groups however where the locals felt that they could do what they want and not suffer for their actions. Are without doubt going to fine the locals very hostile, and out to take revenge for previous Japanese actions. I for one would not want to be a small group of Japanese troops trying to make my way back, as I wouldn’t give good odds on survival.

I regard to American shipping, those that call in to both Burma and Singapore will back load with all that they can carry of the strategic materials that they can carry. Not that they will be paying for them, under lend lease, they will be paid for by the British, and supplied as reverse lend lease. No mater what many Americans think, lend lease wasn’t a one-way street, and there was a lot of reciprocation that went on.
 
Septics is a relatively polite term as well compared to some ;)

I'm sure we could all think of some eminently nasty epithets against all peoples, races, and creeds, if we really were to work at it. And if we wanted to find ourselves looking down the business end of an ICBM, uh, I mean, a banhammer.:eek:
 
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I think it should be self evident from my username that not Brits find the term Limey offensive. I agree on the use of Septic though.

Paulo the Limey

You have a very good reputation on AH.com for clear levelheadedness, and not prone to strident nationalism. As to the use of Limey? It DEPENDS ON WHO USES IT! You, sir, are a proud Englishman. You may call yourself, or any other Englishman or woman "Limey", and there's no problem. What if a Frenchman, whether in chiding or all the way up to an angry rant uses the word? Does it roll off your back, or do you find yourself thinking: "Where's Nelson and Wellington when I need them!?":mad: It's all about the context.:) I just haven't seen any like terms to septics being used on this thread so far regarding other powers, other peoples.

I'll PM you on a little bit more on this matter.
 
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Astrodragon, I just want to say congratulations on creating an excellent timeline. This timeline was the main reason I joined the board so keep up the good work!
 
Well I apologise for any offence, it was not intended,( but suggest you avoid career choices involving the City :D)

Gannt the chartist

It's OK. The fact that YOU are not responding with a charge that I am "trolling you" by daring to criticize you:rolleyes: is proof enough to me of your lack of ill will. There are plenty enough of AA's (Anti-Americans) around AH.com who would be outraged at the idea that anyone would dare to defend the USA, but due to forum rules are restricted to generalized counter-charges of "flaming", "baiting", and "trolling". In my eyes, the worst flame-baiters are the ones screaming "TRRRRROOOOLLLLLLLLLL!" the loudest.:D

"The City"? Logan's Run "City" or the Matrix "City"? Either one I would NOT recommend for a one night stay, never mind a place to make your career!:eek:
 
Or Australians.

Most American-like people on Planet Earth, except for Western Canadians. Americans like to read about Australian Conservationism. Because of all the English Speaking Peoples they are the only ones that make US Conservationism look good.:D
 
Must admit that I personally, find the term Limey, both complementary and ironic. The fact that our former colonial subjects, chose to constantly remind us, that we British had the good sense to insist that our sailors drank lime juice, and thus avoid scurvy. While they didn’t and thus subject their seamen to this deliberating disease, and think this insulting is ironic.(1)

As for the term Yank, I do believe that there are many in the southern states who would be highly insulted to be called this.(2)

Now back to the TL, and resent (3) events. In regards to American shipping, those that call in to both Burma and Singapore will back load with all the strategic materials that they can carry. Not that they will be paying for them, under lend lease, they will be paid for by the British, and supplied as reverse lend lease. No matter what many Americans think, lend lease wasn’t a one-way street, and there was a lot of reciprocation that went on. (4)

1) That practice of NOT using lime juice DID NOT last long. In fact, in the fledgling US Navy of 1797, the US seamen were the best fed in the world. They HAD to be, as the demands of the Merchant Marine for manpower meant the USN had to pay $$$ and provide the best amenities for their crews in order to keep them.

2) Not when it is spoken "Yanks" by someone with an English/CW accent, rather than the full "Yankees" by anyone else. You'd have to be a reject from "Deliverance" to not know about when the term "Yank" is used in it's proper context. That's why I said the word "Yank" is not taken as a complement but it's not an insult either. The most you might see is a Southron responding to being called a "Yank" by an obvious Australian with the words "I ain't no Yankee! I'm from Alabama!" But that's as far as it would go. In fact, as a New Englander, I and my neighbors take the title of "Yankee" with great pride.:cool:

3) Freudian slip?:D

4) Like radar, jets, split carrier decks, super heavy bomb hooks (from the Lancaster to the Silverplate B-29s), etc, etc, etc...Any American who saw any war movie about Merrill's Marauders knows about the plentiful reverse Lend-Lease that went on in the CBI. I remember the film "Hasty Heart", set in Burma near the end of WWII. A group of Allied wounded servicemen in a field hospital, slowly becoming the best of friends. The American cheerfully describes himself as being "reverse Lend Lease". His character did alright, as he eventually became President.
 
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The most you might see is a Southron responding to being called a "Yank" by an obvious Australian with the words "I ain't no Yankee! I'm from Alabama!" But that's as far as it would go. In fact, as a New Englander, I and my neighbors take the title of "Yankee" with great pride.:cool:
My wife would take great offence at being described as a Yankee, and she's from Long Island.

She is a Mets fan though!
 
My wife would take great offence at being described as a Yankee, and she's from Long Island.

She is a Mets fan though!
Outside the USA I'd imagine most people familiar with the term "Yanks" would have no idea what a Yankee is, it's not commonly used.
 
My wife would take great offence at being described as a Yankee, and she's from Long Island.

She is a Mets fan though!

Historically, the definition of Yankee has extended to New York State, depending on who you are talking to. As to your wife being a Mets fan, I can sympathize. I've been in recovery from Mets-addiction for decades. The best treatment I've found is the magic elixir known as Red Sox Nation :cool:
 
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Nitpick. There was no IJAF. Army and navy air forces.
Apologies. One too few 'A's there. Then again, I was assuming the IJA are responsible for Japanese airspace. 'To assume is to make an ass out of you and me', as my English teacher used to say. Was Home Island defence IJA, IJN, or a mixture?

Anyway, consider my nits picked!
 
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GarethC

Donor
Outside the USA I'd imagine most people familiar with the term "Yanks" would have no idea what a Yankee is, it's not commonly used.

There's an E.B. White quote...

To foreigners, a Yankee is an American.

To Americans, a Yankee is a Northerner.

To Northerners, a Yankee is an Easterner.

To Easterners, a Yankee is a New Englander.

To New Englanders, a Yankee is a Vermonter.

And in Vermont, a Yankee is somebody who eats pie for breakfast.
 
There's an E.B. White quote...

To foreigners, a Yankee is an American.

To Americans, a Yankee is a Northerner.

To Northerners, a Yankee is an Easterner.

To Easterners, a Yankee is a New Englander.

To New Englanders, a Yankee is a Vermonter.

And in Vermont, a Yankee is somebody who eats pie for breakfast.

I like Bierce's definition from the Devil's Dictionary

In Europe, an American. In the Northern States of our Union, a New Englander. In the Southern States the word is unknown. (See DAMNYANK.)
 
Usertron, sorry to see the term "septic" upset you so much. As an Aussie, in my experience it has only been used as a gently affectionate nickname for Americans. I actually used it last year in Afghanistan to some US personnel - and once explained, they did'nt seem offended, even the southerners. (Actually, I think they preferred it to "Yank".)
Mind you, I use "Pom" the same way.
However, as you point out, context is vital; certainly no term should be used if you know it is objectionable to others.
Now hopefully, if we have all finished with semantics, Astrodragon will give us an update; I want to see what happens to the Japanese fleet!
 
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