Yankee-like
|Yank-ee-like|
/ˈjæŋkiˌlaɪk/
resembling a Yankee (American/Northern)
Etymology
'Yankee-like' is formed from the noun 'Yankee' + the Old English-derived suffix 'like' meaning 'similar to'. 'Yankee' itself entered English in the 17th century.
'Yankee' likely originated from Dutch names such as 'Janke' (a diminutive of 'Jan') used in New Netherland; it was applied by other colonists to refer to inhabitants and later came to mean 'American' or specifically people from the U.S. North. The suffix 'like' comes from Old English 'līc' meaning 'body' or 'having the form of', evolving to mean 'similar to'. Combined, these produced the modern adjective 'Yankee-like'.
Initially, 'Yankee' could be a regional or even derogatory label (applied to Dutch settlers or colonists); over time it broadened into neutral or descriptive meanings (an American, especially a Northerner) and then into derived forms like 'Yankee-like' meaning 'resembling a Yankee'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
resembling or characteristic of a Yankee — originally a person from the northern United States (especially New England) or, historically, a colonist of Dutch origin labeled 'Yankee'.
He spoke with a Yankee-like accent.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
having stereotypical Yankee qualities — practical, frugal, inventive, or enterprising in a way associated with Yankee characterizations.
Her Yankee-like thrift helped the company survive the downturn.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 3
resembling the style, traditions, or characteristics of the New York Yankees baseball team (e.g., conservative, traditional, or championship-oriented).
The club adopted a Yankee-like tradition of emphasizing defense over flashiness.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/23 21:18