Americanism
/əˈmɛrɪkənˌɪzəm/noun
A characteristic feature, word, or custom associated with the United States or Americans.
Did you know?Americanism first appeared in the late 18th century as a label for U.S.-specific language and customs, then expanded into politics and culture as a word for national identity itself.
Etymological Timeline
Late 18th Century
English
Americanism
“A word, phrase, or custom characteristic of Americans or the United States.”
American
English
American
“Relating to America, especially the United States.”
1500s
Spanish
América
“The newly named continent, from the explorer Amerigo Vespucci's name.”
1507
Latin
America
“The feminine Latinized form of Amerigo, used as a name for the new world.”
Germanic/Latinized proper name
Italian
Amerigo
“A personal name, ultimately from Germanic roots.”