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There’s no doubt about the distinct identity of the United States and its far-reaching global influence. However, in a country where the Statue of Liberty was conceived and created by the French, where trick-or-treating has roots in ancient European customs, and where even the music for the national anthem was written by an English composer, it’s difficult to overlook the surprisingly non-American origins of some of America’s most iconic symbols.
10. Cowboys and ‘Dudes’
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A vaquero is a horseback rider who works with cattle. The term comes from the Spanish word vaca (cow), and it essentially means ‘cowman.’ According to historian Donald Gilbert Y. Chavez, who specializes in the history of cowboy culture, the development of cowboy culture can be compared to that of the motorcar: 'If the vaqueros invented the car, the styles change a little bit, but you still have the basic chassis, four wheels, and a motor.'
Many cowboys of both white and African-American descent initially learned their trade from Mexican vaqueros who worked in the southern states. Interestingly, the term 'dude' has its roots in this context. Chavez explains that 'dude' comes from the Spanish expression lo dudo, meaning 'doubtful one.' It referred to an Easterner who was new to ranching in the West, and experienced vaqueros would often call these newcomers 'doubtful,' a far cry from the modern meaning of 'dude.'
9. Skyscrapers
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As immigrants flooded into America, cities expanded rapidly, and landowners realized they could maximize the returns on their investments by constructing buildings that reached ever higher. Apartment buildings began cropping up everywhere, though apartment blocks themselves were nothing new (having existed since Roman times). Next came the early versions of skyscrapers, which required thick masonry foundations to support the weight of the towering structures. This, however, resulted in cramped lower levels. Similar buildings with up to 12 stories had already been constructed in Edinburgh.
The skyscraper as we recognize it today emerged with the advent of a revolutionary architectural technology—metal columns and frameworks strong enough to bear the weight of upper floors. James Bogardus was the innovator who introduced this method in the United States. From that moment on, the only way was upwards.
While the skyscraper is often regarded as an American invention, its technological roots are deeply embedded in British history. The Flax Mill in Ditherington, Shrewsbury, holds the title of the world’s oldest iron-framed building, making it, technically, the world’s first skyscraper. Despite its modest five stories, it is often referred to as a skyscraper due to its use of the same metal framework design that would later define American skyscrapers. The Ditherington Flax Mill predates Bogardus’s innovations by about 50 years, having been constructed in 1797.
8. 'Your Name Is Mud'
It’s understandable why some Americans think this expression is connected to John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin. In reality, the only thing linking this saying and the bungling, racist Booth is a weird coincidence of history. Booth shot Lincoln in the presidential box at Ford’s Theatre in 1865, but as this previous list shows, Booth’s fate was arguably sealed when he ruined his own dramatic getaway plan. Evading his pursuers by leaping from Lincoln’s private balcony, he caught a spur in the stage curtains, landed awkwardly on the stage, and broke his leg. He managed to flee the crime scene, but needed medical help. The man who treated Booth was Dr. Samuel Mudd.
Lincoln had been well liked and respected by most Americans, and anyone aiding and abetting John Wilkes Booth was immediately deemed a diabolical traitor. Dr. Mudd was no exception. In the hysterical aftermath, Mudd was implicated as a co-conspirator in the assassination plot. His reputation was never fully restored in his own lifetime, even though he was officially pardoned later that same year.
Many Americans now believe that the expression “his name is mud” originates from the wrecked reputation of the infamous Dr. Mudd, but this isn’t true. The expression is recorded in a dictionary of slang published in 1823—over 65 years before anyone had heard of Mudd.
7. The Cape Canaveral Countdown
"5-4-3-2-1." The concept of reversing a countdown, as opposed to the traditional "1-2-3-go" or "ready-steady-go," seems to come from a fascinating instance of life imitating art. This 'reverse countdown' launch sequence appeared in a 1929 German sci-fi film, well before any of the American space missions.
The silent science fiction film in question is Fritz Lang’s Frau im Mond (Woman in the Moon). Lang used the reverse countdown technique in this film to enhance the suspense for the audience. You can decide for yourself whether it achieves its effect by watching a clip of the countdown sequence. If you're a physics enthusiast or struggling with insomnia, you might consider watching the three-hour-long, uncut version, which includes all the technical explanations, attempts at a plot, and the occasional melodramatic outburst.
Lang worked with rocket scientists while producing the film. During the rise of the Third Reich, Hitler removed Woman in the Moon from public distribution, fearing it would reveal too many newly discovered rocket science secrets to rival nations. At the time, the Third Reich was focused on their development of V-1 and V-2 intercontinental missiles, and they didn’t want to give others any new ideas. When the German economy collapsed post-WWII, the reverse countdown became a central part of the space race narrative, especially in the 1960s.
6. ‘Axis Of Evil’
The term 'Axis of Evil' became widely known after being used by George W. Bush in his 2002 State of the Union address. From that moment, it swiftly gained traction in the media, eventually becoming a phrase commonly used in households. The 'Axis of Evil' refers to an imaginary line that connects nations that are seen as supporters of global terrorism. However, the origins of this term stretch back much further, to pre-war Europe.
The concept of an 'axis' linking separate countries was first applied in 1930s Hungary. Gyula Gombos, the Hungarian prime minister at the time, spoke of an 'axis' between Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and his own country. In 1936, the Fascists took up the term, declaring that the line between Berlin and Rome wasn’t a barrier but an axis around which like-minded European nations could revolve. The term 'Axis of Nations' then entered English usage, becoming widely adopted during World War II as a collective reference to Germany, Italy, and Japan—the Axis Powers—contrasted with the Allied Powers.
5. ‘Die Hard’
The phrase 'die hard' rose to fame thanks to the 1988 action film of the same name. In the movie, John McClane, the relentless New York cop, performs an unbelievable series of action-packed feats in defense of core American values. However, at the time of the film's release, the term 'die hard' had already been a part of the English language for well over a century.
The British Army's 57th Foot (The West Middlesex) Regiment earned the enduring nickname 'Die Hards' during the Peninsula War of 1811. At the Battle of Albuera in Spain, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir William Inglis was gravely wounded, yet refused to leave the battlefield. Despite being on the verge of death from his injuries, he continued to rally his troops, shouting, 'Die hard the 57th, die hard!' This moment cemented the regiment's legacy, and they have carried the moniker ever since.
McClane’s iconic catchphrase, 'Yipee ki yay,' has deep American roots. 'Yippee,' an Americanism, likely evolved from an old-fashioned and catchy Bing Crosby song, turning into the familiar 'yipee ki yay' over time.
4. 'Trophy Wife' And 'Bimbo'
The term 'trophy wife' traces its origins back to the ancient world, where powerful men claimed the most beautiful women from among their defeated enemies. This custom is mentioned in the 1532 epic poem 'Orlando Furioso' by Italian poet Ariosto. In the 1980s, American editor Julie Connelly coined the term 'trophy wife,' drawing parallels between this ancient tradition and modern-day culture. While originally intended as a compliment, the phrase later took on a more negative connotation, referring to a woman seen as a mere accessory or a 'bimbo.'
Interestingly, the term 'bimbo' isn't exclusively American. It actually has its roots in an Italian word meaning 'baby' or 'child.' Originally used as a pejorative for individuals of both genders, the term's meaning shifted over time. Eventually, it became associated with women who were perceived as physically attractive but lacking in intellectual depth. In modern usage, 'bimbo' is now synonymous with other derogatory labels like 'dumb blonde' or 'valley girl.'
3. Semper Fi
Few symbols are more emblematic of America than the Marines' buzz-cut soldiers. The Marine Corps War Memorial, which immortalizes the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising, ranks among the most famous American monuments, alongside the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, and the Lincoln Memorial. But what about the Marine Corps' motto, Semper Fi?
Semper Fi, short for Semper Fidelis, translates to 'always loyal' or 'always faithful.' This powerful phrase encapsulates the Marine Corps' core values, emphasizing loyalty to the Corps, the nation, and the mission. The motto was officially adopted in 1883, though it likely drew influence from the Irish Brigade, a group of exiled Irish soldiers with longstanding ties to the Corps.
The Irish Brigade, which fought in America’s war for independence, has been associated with the United States Marine Corps since its establishment in 1775. For instance, many of the Marines who fought in the pivotal sea battle of Flamborough Head in 1779 were likely members of the Irish Brigade. But what was their purpose in being there in the first place?
In simple terms, these wandering Irishmen had few other options. The Brigade was formed during the Jacobean era, with its members swearing loyalty to the exiled King James II and the Catholic faith. To them, James II was the rightful ruler of Britain and Ireland. Rather than betray their king and religion, they chose to live abroad, serving in the French army. Their service continued until the French Revolution, when supporting royalty quickly became unfavorable.
After years of dedicated service, the Brigade was honored with the motto Semper Et Ubique Fidelis, meaning 'Always and Everywhere Loyal.' Once officially disbanded, some joined Napoleon’s Irish Legion, while others set their sights on America. The rest, as they say, is history.
2. ‘The Only Thing We Have To Fear Is Fear Itself’
This famous line originates from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural address, though some doubt that Roosevelt came up with it himself. He may have borrowed the idea from Thoreau, who wrote in his diary on September 7, 1851, 'Nothing is so much to be feared as fear.' However, it seems the phrase wasn't unique to Thoreau. According to Philip Henry Stanhope in his Notes on Conversations with the Duke of Wellington, the Duke of Wellington is said to have remarked, 'The only thing I am afraid of is fear,' during a conversation about cholera in 1831.
Some have suggested that an earlier instance of the phrase can be traced back to the writings of Sir Francis Bacon, a contemporary of the Duke. Bacon is widely credited with coining the Latin expression nil terribile nisi ipse timor ('nothing is terrible except fear itself') in his work Division of the Sciences, published in 1623. Bacon may have also anticipated another well-known phrase from an American president. The saying 'time is money' was first introduced by Benjamin Franklin in his 1748 publication 'Advice to a Young Tradesman, Written by an Old One.' However, over a century earlier, Bacon had written, 'Time is the measure of business as money is of wares; and business is bought at a dear hand,' in his essay 'Of Dispatch.'
1. ‘My Way’
The song 'My Way' is undeniably a massive part of Americana, but its origins aren’t entirely American. French musician Jaques Revaux, together with French singer Claude Francois, originally composed the melody for 'My Way.' Initially titled 'Comme d’habitude' ('As Usual'), the lyrics told the story of a man enduring a miserable relationship. In 1967, Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka discovered 'Comme d’habitude' while on vacation in France. He was so taken with the tune that he purchased the rights. Two years later, when Sinatra announced his retirement, Anka adapted the lyrics specifically for Sinatra’s swan song. 'My Way,' as we know it today, was finally born.
Sinatra recorded 'My Way' in 1969. The song’s popularity led to numerous cover versions in the decades that followed. Despite initially announcing his retirement, Sinatra continued to perform for another 25 years. May 13th is now recognized as 'Frank Sinatra Day,' honoring his immense contribution to American culture.
