Is this like calling Americans Yanks. Is saying English disrespectful
Not exactly Dan. I am British but I am not English! Britain comprises England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (with the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands having a strange status!!).
Therefore, do not call a Scotsman, a Welshman or an Irishman "English" as they are not English. They are, however, British.
This is an issue of factual accuracy whereas calling Americans "Yanks" or "septics" is more derogatory.
Cheers
Whirls