Indigenous Words Adopted
English borrowed many words from Native American languages, especially names for local flora, fauna, and cultural items. Examples include:
- Tomahawk, wigwam, moose, skunk, squash, pecan, raccoon, chipmunk, and toboggan.
These words enriched English by describing things Europeans had never encountered before.
New Words Reflecting American Life and Innovations
As America industrialized and innovated, many new words entered English. For example:
- Automobile, skyscraper, blizzard, cowboy, jeans, hamburger, and jazz.
American English introduced words related to the frontier, urbanization, technology, and popular culture.
Slang and Colloquialisms
American English developed its own slang that has influenced global English usage, often through Hollywood and music. Phrases such as:
- Cool, awesome, dude, hang out, bail, chill, and kick back have become widespread.
American slang frequently spreads internationally due to media and the internet. shutdown123