re: Como se dice "gringo" en espanol?
"Yankee" is a perfectly legitimate term for American, ever since the early days (Yankee Doodle, etc). But, I'm not surprised the Southerners turned it into a term of derision. Yep, I was born and raised in a part of the old Confederacy, but I prefer Yanqui to Gringo any day of the week.
By the way, does anyone know the origin of the term "gringo". I've heard two theories:
In the Mexican War, American troops often marched singing the tune "Green grow the lilacs..."
or....
Also during the Mexican War, American Marines (who wore green uniforms) were often encouraged by their officers to "Go, Greens, Go".
I don't know which, or if either, of these is true. Anybody know?