I. ˈyaŋkē, -aiŋ- noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: origin unknown
1.
a. : a native or inhabitant of New England
b. : a New Englander descended from old New England stock ; specifically : one having qualities of character (as conservatism, thrift, pertinacity, or shrewdness) and often also of speech traditionally associated with inhabitants of New England
c. : a native or inhabitant of the northern States as distinguished from a Southerner
d. : a native or citizen of the United States
2. : the English language as spoken or pronounced by Yankees ; especially : New England dialect
II. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
1. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Yankees
2. : having qualities (as shrewdness, reserve, or mechanical ingenuity) traditionally ascribed to New England Yankees
III.
Usage: usually capitalized
— a communication code word for the letter y