A characteristic, custom, or idea that is distinctively American; a word, phrase, or expression that comes from or is peculiar to American English.
From 'American' + '-ism' suffix (practice or belief). Coined in the 1700s as America developed its own distinct culture and language patterns separate from British influence.
The word 'Americanism' was actually controversial—British people used it mockingly for American slang they thought was crude, but Americans reclaimed it as a point of pride in their independent culture.
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