Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
Being from a Southern state, the term "yank" or "yankee" has always been used as (and taken as) an insult. I'm sure people overseas know this, which leads me to believe that when it is used to generically refer to Americans, people know it is potentially insulting. They are either doing it on purpose or with no regard to the delicacy of the term. And one of its most well-known uses, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is an insult.

As for the term "jock", where I grew up it was always used as a pejorative to describe someone who is strong and athletic (usually a member of a school sports team) but who has no other redeeming qualities. For that reason, I've never warmed to the use of Jock as an ethnic description.
I can't disagree with any of this really. But I will point out that a person can not always assume that offence is intended, even though offence can be taken.

Let's suppose you came from a school which was known for it's athletic programs. Let's assume you're in good shape now. Let's assume someone calls you a jock, just because of what they know now, and where you came from. But the twist is, you were a scrawny kid, and the jock of your school picked on you. You might take that as an ironic insult, but none was intended.

Language and feels are funny things. One persons term of endearment may be anothers insult. Context is key, and you can only be offended if you allow the other to have that power.

Frank